Motorcycle Repair: 2000 SPORTSTER JETTING, air fuel mixture, pilot jet

Question
I HAVE A 2000 XL883C THAT HAS A 1200 CONVERSION,ANDREWS .490 LIFT CAMS,CRANE SINGLE FIRE IGNITION,BASSANNI PRO STREET PIPES AND A FRESHLY BUILT CV FROM ZIPPERS.I'M TRYING TO GET IT TUNED,NOT SURE WHERE I SHOULD BE SETTING BASE TIMING OR IF I SHOULD GO UP ON THE PILOT JET,IT IS SUPER COLD NATURED AND COUGHS OR FARTS AT TIMES.IT HAS A .045 PILOT JET NOW AND I HAVE PLAYED WITH THE MIXTURE SCREW THE BEST I CAN GET IT IS ABOUT 1 3/4 TURNS OUT.I APPRECIATE ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE

Answer
Timing should be set at 35 degrees BTDC. The mixture screw is the air/fuel mixture screw for idle. You have to remember, it is only works at idle. Start the bike and let it warm up. Turn the screw inward just until the bike starts to stumble and then out about 1/4 turn. Now go for a ride and do not go over 2500 RPM. If the bike coughs through the carb or does not take throttle, then you are to big on the pilot jet. Popping in the exhast is a usual sign of to lean. You can also pull the plugs and check them. Black and you are to rich, white and you are to lean. they should be tan. Every time you change jets you need to reset the air/fuel mixture screw.
Once you have the pilot jet done then go to the main. Do the same thing except ride over 3000 RPM.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike