XS11 Carb interchange?

[dragxs11]

So I've only ever worked on 1980's. Now my neighbor has been given and 80sg with 78-79 carbs. We've got some obvious issues with the carbs, but what I don't know is whether early model carbs will run ok on an 80 engine.
80's+ have milder cams right? so are we gonna have a mixture issue? Can I tune it out, or is the setup too radically different?
matt

[DiverRay]

No problems with the carbs. I go back and forth all the time. Set them up as a '79 with float level and all, and just run. The mains are larger, as they supply the pilot jets as well.
Have fun with it!

[dragxs11]

Thanks Ray...
Hey, what are the extra t's and hoses for that go to the upper float chamber? Do I plug them, or leave them opened? Ray, I doubt you've ever seen carbs this messed up.... mostly human error!!

[foreda]

Carbs

Thanks Ray...
Hey, what are the extra t's and hoses for that go to the upper float chamber? Do I plug them, or leave them opened? Ray, I doubt you've ever seen carbs this messed up.... mostly human error!!

On the 78/79 carbs the top hoses/tees connect to the air box. The bottom is where the hose connect from the petcocks.

[latexeses]

The top tees are just vents.

[XSokieSPECIAL]

Yup, they're just vents. I have 79 carbs on my 80 special and they run good. I drilled holes in the ends of the nipples on the front of my airbox, they're still there to accomodate the earlier years. I had to play with the float adjustment to keep it from running too rich though. I'm set 2mm below stock settings for 79. Thinking of going lower, it's still a bit rich at low end.
GT

[dragxs11]

Thanks fellas,
Thats what I figured, just wanted to make sure.
Also, Ray, thanks for the inadvertant tip on the pilot jets getting fuel throught the mains. I thought they werent used. Replaced all the jets last night. Had to get #15 pilots and drill them with a #78 bit. Standard practice anymore. So far I've found the diaphrams turned all wrong and one not seated under the cap. 2 pilot air needles busted off and jammed. clogged fuel lines, bad butterfly sync. and an insect nest in #2 bowl. I'm optomistic, after correcting all that, that it will run.

[TomRodgers]

Anybody live near Chicago (northwest indiana) that wouldnt mind helping me rebuild my carbs? ive never done it before, and dont want to screw them up!!!