I decided to go with a Mikuni VM28-418, apparently the only VM flat slide carb Mikuni makes. It is usually found listed on the TM chart with it's VM part number. Odd I know. Mikuni's official stand on flat slide carb's is 'Our original flat slide carb, provides significant performance & throttle response over traditional round slide carbs'.

From what I have read, swapping a stock 24mm CV type carb, with a 24mm or larger slide carburetor would offer an improvement in the amount of fuel availiable, better throttle response, and aid in higher engine speed.

We had numerous good reports from BuggyNews members on the carb switchover, so I decided to jump on baord too.

I also switched over to 1/4" Arnold fuel line from Lowe's. The 1/4" line can deliver fuel much faster than our stock lines can.

You probably will need to run a new cable to your carb, and connect it to the gas pedal. I baught a new cable and spacer from Blister that works good! I also picked up some 'Cable Stops' from CarQuest to pinch the cable by the gas pedal.

I installed a new steering wheel today. It has a bit softer grippy ergonomically designed feel to it. It is a tad wider side to side, which should help turn more easily at slow speeds. From top to bottom it is almost the exact same size as the stock wheel, due to it's D shape. The 2 red buttons are two independent switches, which I have chosen to make both the horn. I have the wires hooked up inside the wheel, and have pulled the plug out of the back of the dash, that was connected to the horn button. You just have to solder or crimp them togeather, along with a set of wires from both horn switches, and she should be live! The connection is open on both buttons, until you depress them. Pressing eather button closes the circut and activates the horn. I like the idea of both hands on the wheel and hitting the horn -vs- driving 1 handed, and going for the dash with the other. It just seems more natural!

You do have more legg room with the wheel being farther up in the air, and closer to you too than the stock wheel. The notch makes it easier to slide in and out of the buggy, with more room for people with long leggs.

T'Man-

I love that steering wheel! Where did you get it? What is the dimension from side to side and top to bottom?

I picked it up at The AutoZone. The brand or model's name(?) is Pilot, and has SW-803E on the box. Top to bottom it measures 12 1/8", side to side it is 13 3/4". I think that a 1 1/2" wider wheel should give me a tad more turning leverage, especially at slow speeds.

I know it feels better just sitting still turning it.....

Talonman,

Those look sweet! It's amazing how many things you can pick up at Autozone and Advanced Auto Parts! The steering wheel looks great and should feel a ton better.

Thanks Picchi!

I do like the feel way better on the wheel, and I agree about the quality items out just waiting to be used on our buggies. I could spend lots of money on nick-nacks for my buggy in eather The Autozone, or Advanced Auto Parts.

Did you see my piston lighter in the dash? The AutoZone strikes again....

Where is the best place to find these performance parts?

Look here: http://www.buggynews.com/viewtopic.php?t=3177

Or here: http://www.buggynews.com/viewlinks.php?link_cat=3