Slide Drilling

I just recieved my Stage 1 kit, V-Ductor and deluxe rebuild kit and I'm ready to get started. I have a 97 Sporty 1200 with a K&N filter in the stock housing and baffled drag pipes. Are there any performance benefits to drilling the slide which the instructions that came with the Stage 1 kit refer to as optional?

Everything that I hear from not only this forum and other places is that it is a bad idea to drill the slide hole. My understanding is that this will allow the slide to raise too quickly and erratically. Others will chime in on this..

Thanks JB I appreciate the input. I think I'm going to leave this one alone and NOT drill the slide. Of course I want to squeeze every last bit of HP I can out of the motor but I don't want to create any problems in the process. BTW I couldn't resisit and installed my V-Ductor and all I can say is WOW! I was skeptical at first even after reading all the positive feedback in this forum but it made a difference I could actually FEEL and I'm very happy with that. I'm def going to keep an eye on mileage with it installed as well. Going to fill up this morning and keep an eye on it. If just the V-Ductor made such a difference I can't wait to get the Stage I kit installed! I will keep everyone updated.

I am assuming that your engine is basically stock? I have tried the V-Ductor and I have mixed feelings about it.. Yes please keep us updated and stick around, we need more Sportster guys around here.

Pretty sure the drill bit that came with your kit is the same size as the vacuum port...it won't enlarge it just clean it up.... 7/64ths IIRC It's optional,not necessary....

Thanks Lucifer I thought the 7/64" bit was for drilling the idle mixture screw cover off. Mine is already off so that's one less thing I have to deal with. Yes Johnny internally it's basically stock. I have drag pipes and a K&N filter installed in the stock "ham can" for better flow. I also installed torque cones to beef up lower end torque and prevent exhaust gas reversion since my pipes are un-baffled. Johnny this is my first Harley (I formerly owned a Kawasaki Vulcan) and I have been nothing but happy with it since the day I bought it! My friends who all ride big Harleys sometimes rib me that it's only a 1200 that is until we are at a light next to one another then they are a bit humbled when they see how good my custom tail lights look to them! She's light, she's nimble and she's quick as hell but most importantly she's a Harley and after owning one I would never consider another bike. Do they require alot of tuning and tinkering and trial and error testing? Hell yeah but isn't that half the fun? I ordered my Stage 1 kit from Ken and will be re-doing the entire fuel system from the tank to the intake replacing every gasket and seal along the way. I enjoy this forum and reading all the posts you guys put up. You all seem very knowledgeable and I've learned alot so far just by reading your posts.

Actually it is for drilling the EPA plug....
Here's some good info on carb tuning...

Harley Davidson Carburetor Performance Tuning

I just bought a road Glide but I still love my Sportster and I will never get rid of it. My Sportster is no slouch at all. Makes pretty good power. I agree, tuning and tinkering is half the fun when you own a Harley. That is good that want to stay, we always have room from another brother or sister to join.

Thanks for the information Ken! Like I posted earlier I'm leaving that one alone. Everyone that has posted on my threads thus far seem to be very knowledgeable and I appreciate the advice and think this forum is awesome!