first ride with new Sparks, WOW!!! thanks GPracer2500

[bmurray]

Just got my 400ex set-up and took it out for the first ride today. All I can say is WOW!. Sparks, X-6, Twin Air, 45 pilot and 170 main, modded lid. This thing pulls strong off the bottom all the way to the top. SParks told me I could send it to them for a full refund if I didn't like it (sorry, but keeping it for sure). I want to says thanks to GPracer2500 for all of his carb/jetting post here at exriders. It helped alot. The only thing I haven't done is adjust the fuel screw. Need a special tool to adjust it. Where can I get this tool? Guys you need to consider a Sparks when looking at exhaust. Also look at this jetting to start with if you are here in the midwest. Later
:D :D :D

[400exstud]

I am wondering if you can get a lot more power if you lear her out a bit. A 170K is a monster of a jet and is usually used for really beefed out 416s and 426s.

Don't be afraid to test out smaller jets. It won't hurt anything if you ride it for a while.

[bmurray]

yea, I was think of trying a 165 or even a 160. I have both. Sparks said 155, but I know that will be too lean. I may even get a 168 for fine tuning. I will let you know. Thanks for the suggestion.

[400exrules]

i run a 160 main(146dynojet) with a stage 1 cam, hmf slipon and uni filter.

you might want to lean down some

[400exstud]

I think that sparks nailed it. I run a 155K with my full HMF with the lid ON.

It will feel like a whole new machine if you go down that low!

PS: You'll know if you go too low.

[spanky101]

pics are always welcomed.... i wanna see the sparks pipe

[TRX23rider]

im am running the exact same jetting specs as you except i have a 42 pilot, 170 main seems to be good for me but i might go a little lower to see how she runs.

[bmurray]

I bought the 42 & 45 pilot. Sparks did say 45 pilot and 155 main, so I followed their suggestions by 50%. The 45 pilot really cured the cold nature starts inherent of the 400ex. I'm going to try a 165 and a 160. I will post my results with some pics.

[400exstud]

Please keep me informed on how it runs

[bmurray]

will do, thanks for the advice.

[hotrodhonda400]

I'm running a factory pilot and a 165 main with my hotcam dr.D and uni filter w/ lid on and it runs great. you might give that a try:)

[exrider008]

Originally posted by bmurray
Just got my 400ex set-up and took it out for the first ride today. All I can say is WOW!. Sparks, X-6, Twin Air, 45 pilot and 170 main, modded lid. This thing pulls strong off the bottom all the way to the top. SParks told me I could send it to them for a full refund if I didn't like it (sorry, but keeping it for sure). I want to says thanks to GPracer2500 for all of his carb/jetting post here at exriders. It helped alot. The only thing I haven't done is adjust the fuel screw. Need a special tool to adjust it. Where can I get this tool? Guys you need to consider a Sparks when looking at exhaust. Also look at this jetting to start with if you are here in the midwest. Later
:D :D :D

ya i would also like to thank GPracer2500 he helped me with jetting a few weeks ago. he knows his stuff and if u ask me he is one of the most helpfull members on this site.

anyway ur ? about the "special tool" all u need is a screw driver.

[GPracer2500]

Thanks for the kind comments guys. I really does mean something to me to know that something I've said may have helped others shorten their leaning curve on jetting. It frustrates me to see bikes that could be running soooo much better with just a little tuning (unless I'm racing against them!). Seems like all it takes is just a little bit of solid advice to start someone down the right road on carb tuning....

I think bmurray is talking about one of these:
http://www.downloadfreetrial.com/photos/p33589.gif

I could never get enough clearence to turn the fuel screw on a EX carb without one. And turning the carb doesn't help because you can't really fine tune the screw's adjustment without the bike running while you do it.

[bmurray]

I think that could be the tool. Is there a 'D' shaped plug over the adjusting screw? It looks like there is because I don't see a slotted screw like my other bikes. thanks

[GPracer2500]

Originally posted by bmurray
I think that could be the tool. Is there a 'D' shaped plug over the adjusting screw? It looks like there is because I don't see a slotted screw like my other bikes. thanks

Ahhhh. The newer fuel screws don't have regular slotted heads. They have that D shaped head (to discourage changing it--damn EPA). Some carbs even have a cap over the screw hole that has to be drilled and pulled out just to access the screw.

You can remove the D shaped screw and replace with a normal screw, modify the existing screw, or buy/make a tool that engages the D shape.

I've got one of these, but it doesn't help me adjust the screw while the bike is running.

http://img463.imageshack.us/img463/3031/p62700091zk.jpg

Motion Pro does make a very nice ($$) 90 degree bit driver that includes a D shaped bit as well a normal slotted bit and others.

[bmurray]

thats it. I will look at the motion pro model. If not, I will fabricate one. thanks for clearing this up. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me at first. I will keep you posted on how the 160 and 165 mains run in my quad. I just don't want to run it too lean.

[bmurray]

changed my mine! I'm going to change out the screw and by the standard slotted tool. My 6 other quads all have the slotted screw adjustments. later