Posted by Fella on October 17, 2001 at 01:43:07:
I know this is an old question but I just wanted to clear up some things.
(1) It is a fact that for the most part it is advisable to remove the spacer and play with mixture/idle in order to reduce backfires and for some to maximize performance (but not with all Savages)
(2) Adding an aftermarket pipe such as the Jardine slash-cut will increase air-flow and therefore make the fuel/air mixture even leaner.
What I don't understand though is how the second point makes sense. I understand that the pipe allows a less restricted flow of air out of the engine, but it shouldn't interfere with the fuel/air mixture as the addition of the fuel is at the top end of the engine cycle.
If this is true then that the pipe does not actually lean out the fuel/air mixture within the pipe, then the adjustments that are normal for the Savage make some sense in order to reduce backfiring, as that phenomenon is at the back end of the engine cycle but how then does putting a less restricted pipe on the savage make the bike run leaner?
Do I sound crazy? This seems to be a pretty logical conclusion to come to.
The reason why I bring this up is because I have just installed the Jardine slash-cut on my Savage and I am trying to decide whether or not I should just bring it to the dealer or do the work myself. By the way, the Suzuki dealership advised me not to use the high-temp silicone to seal the pipe as it is not designed for use in an intensely hot environment like the exhaust - it is mostly good for use on the engine to seal oil leaks. Instead, I used what is called chamber seal "exhaust sealant tape", it is a putty that comes in long strips that you just form around the junction of the pipe before installing the new slip-on pipe.
Anyway, my question is will running the Jardine on the stock bike (No mixture/idle or spacer mods at all) damage the engine or pipe? I do know that pipe will discolor and this is somewhat of an inevitable thing.
Is there anyone out there who has just brought their bike into the shop to have the mechanics do the adjustments for the Jardine installation, and for those people, do you notice that your bike runs as well or better than before you added the new pipe?
Is there anyone out there who is a certified mechanic or knows one who will give me the straight dope on what should be done (or not done) in order to optimize performance after installation of the Jardine?
Again, I'm sorry to beat a dead horse, but I feel that this question should be given some thought.
The mechanic at the dealership said that ordinarily they simply reshape the jet needle and adjust the air/fuel mixture after the installation of the Jardine pipe. He told me that I should be wary of advice I find on the internet (and leave it to the experts), I wanted to tell him though that I receive I should also be wary of mechanics trying to overcharge me for a process that will only take a piddling amount of time.