Author Topic: 350f question  (Read 1550 times)

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Offline ltrr1971

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350f question
« on: June 12, 2009, 08:49:11 PM »
I am in the process of putting 4 K&N filters on this bike to replace the stock air filter and air box and probably need to rejet this new air combo and was wondering what jets I would need to get and where to get them.  thanks!

Offline Bodi

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Re: 350f question
« Reply #1 on: June 12, 2009, 09:39:54 PM »
There's no prescription for this, and to get the bike running exactly right takes more than just the two jets being changed. That said, you probably need a pilot jet one size smaller and a main jet one or two sizes larger.
If you plan on doing any other changes like a header/muffler or head work or a big-bore kit, you will need to retune the carbs... so it's best to do everything planned for the engine all at once and only go through carb tuning once.
The biggest advantage of pods is that they make removing and installing the carb stack easier... making it a bit easier to rejet to suit the pods... this is a circular argument - you don't need to tune the carbs if you leave the bike stock. If you have done more work (see list above) and have to do carb tuning anyway, the pods make more sense as working the carb stack off or on with the stock airbox is not at all fun.
Final tuning beyond the jet changes involves adjusting the needle height - this requires carb synchronizing afterwards - and some alteration of either the needle profile or the emulsion tube air holes to avoid the mid-throttle surging one always gets when the jets and needles are set as close as possible to ideal.
The carb is very carefully tuned to the stock bike and the needle profile and carb slide cutout are critical to getting the mixture right at all throttle and RPM combinations. We have no good way to change the cutout, the needle profile is finicky to change, and enlarging the emulsion tube holes is a tricky job.
So: it's possible, but a big hassle if you don't have an overpowering reason to remove the airbox and install pods. The tuning takes a lot of plug chops or a few hours of dyno time, and more carb remove/install cycles than is fun. At the end of the process you have more intake sound (noise?) and arguably poorer air filtration. I think any power increase exists only in the K&N marketing department's imagination.

Offline ltrr1971

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Re: 350f question
« Reply #2 on: June 13, 2009, 02:51:07 PM »
Thanks for your input Bodi.  Now you have got me to reconsider the changes.  The main reason I decided to change the air filters etc was how hard it was to get the airbox back on the carb stack.  Is there a sequence for putting the airbox back on that makes it easier?  Any help there would be much appreciated!

Offline fmctm1sw

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Re: 350f question
« Reply #3 on: June 13, 2009, 02:55:21 PM »
You can take the bolts out of the air filter housing and gain a half inch or so.  That's what I do...
Quote from: 754
Dude is that a tire ? or an O-ring..??

Quote from: inkscars
This is not a pod thread
This is not a #$%* on my vacuum gauges thread
This is a help or GTFO thread.

1973 CB350F
1973 CB350G
1975 CB550K
1983 GL650I
1973 CB750K3 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=92888.0)
1984 Kawasaki KLT-250 (AKA 3 wheeler of death)
1994 Honda TRX300
1999 Honda TRX250

Offline goldwing55706

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Re: 350f question
« Reply #4 on: June 13, 2009, 03:30:42 PM »
Just put carbs in my cb350F.  I unbolted the air cleaner/battery box (gaining a precious 1/2 inch as stated above), plus I was then able to put my fingers into the air box from the back side and push the center two air tubes onto the carbs.  Someone informed me that unbolting the air cleaner/battery box isn't necessary.  Just remove the air cleaner and insert a stick through the air box housing from the back to push the middle two air tubes onto the carbs.
I also gained a precious 1/4 inch by flattening the small metal bracket for the vent tubes (just above the carbs attached to the frame) temporarily.
Good luck,
Jon

Offline tomkimberly

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Re: 350f question
« Reply #5 on: June 13, 2009, 09:44:33 PM »
There is plenty of room if you use a strap to hold the air box plemum back like this.









Offline keiths

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Re: 350f question
« Reply #6 on: June 14, 2009, 07:00:07 PM »
That strap is a great idea.

Offline tomkimberly

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Re: 350f question
« Reply #7 on: June 14, 2009, 07:29:58 PM »
Thanks!

Being a mere mortal with only two hands, a dis-interested wife, a solution needed to be found.  :D


Tom

Offline goldwing55706

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Re: 350f question
« Reply #8 on: June 18, 2009, 05:13:58 PM »
Tom,
Thanks for the strap to hold the airbox back idea.  I used your idea last night when I pulled the carbs on the CB350F and it worked great.
Jon

Offline tomkimberly

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Re: 350f question
« Reply #9 on: June 18, 2009, 08:17:06 PM »
Tom,
Thanks for the strap to hold the airbox back idea.  I used your idea last night when I pulled the carbs on the CB350F and it worked great.
Jon

Thanks! It works just as well on the 1981 CB650's too!

Makes removing the carbs a job you look forward to doing instead of one you dread.

Tom