What changed between 81 and 82 That Carbs do not fit

[Chev59_99]

Ok have an 81 xs400 but bought a set of 82-83 carbs on ebay . Found that they did not line up to carb boots . What was changed on them years to do this? Was the cylinders heads changed and the intake holes moved ? or are there just different boots for these years?

 

[HoughMade]

Sounds like you have a single overhead cam and bought carbs for a double overhead cam. The heads, among other things, are quite different.

 

[drewpy]

you can make them fit, I did!

 

[Chev59_99]

Ok how do you do it. I have not looked at them close. May just put them back on ebay but might keep for parts. Im guessing you just use the other brackets and choke pull plus hose in middle?

 

[drewpy]

I had the bridging piece turned for me at a friends work, used the lower bracket off the old carb and made a new bracket for the top one.
the throttle cable is at the side and i used the old choke stuff from the old carb.