Carb swap outs

I have the factory cv carb on my 1997 xl 1200 and it runs like crap so I am thinking of putting an S & S Super B on it to see if that corrects the problem. I found a couple vaccum leaks that have been fixed and I thought the Petcock was bad so I replaced it with one off my 1989 xl 1200. Forgot that the petcock was vaccum fed and didn't hook it back up after I cleaned the carb. Does the 1997 have to have a vaccum fed petcock for it to run right? I honestly do ot remember and have talked to a couple of trusted mechanics and have gotten diffeerent answers each time !! Any help would be greatly appreciated !

I guess I am curious as to why you think that it runs like crap? I use a gravity fed petcock on my 96 and am about to change out my vac operated one on my Road Glide as well. If you have a vacuum line for the fuel, then yes I would reattach it.

Did the bike always run this way or is this something new? Have you made any recent changes to the air filter and or pipes other engine modifications? The graybeards here have taught me that the it is hard to beat a very well tuned CV. What is your jetting for your particular set up?

We need more info, like Johnny says. CV carbs are hard to beat once you get them dialed in, and for your size motor, the CV is perfect. Why waste $400 (or more) on an S&S? On my shovelhead, I blocked off the VOES. But carb will run either way, depending on your setup.

No, you don't need a vacuum operated petcock,gravity fed will work fine...you will have to cap the vac line though...if there's a T fitting for the vacuum lines,one goes to the petcock and the other to VOES,you can remove the T and just run a straight vac line to the VOES...
What's the problem you're having with the carb??If you can describe the problem,I'm pretty sure someone could help you out....AND they may NOT have a grey beard either...:roflmao:

OK, Platinum Blond then.....:roflmao:

:roflmao:Good memory:cheers: