Motorcycle Repair: Shovel performance, panama city fla, mallory ignition

Question
Hi,

I just wanted to get some basic advice.  I have a 73 FLH.  I want to improve the performance of the bike and make sure that it can handle long rides.  I recently rode down to the Thunderbeach rally in Panama City Fla., (from Atlanta, Ga)and the bike rode fine, but was of course nowhere near as fast as the newer bikes I was riding with.  What would you consider to be top priority in improving performance/horsepower?  The engine, transmission, is original.  I have added a S&S Super E carb and a Mallory ignition and that's it so far.  I have seen plenty of aftermarket performance kits for Shovelheads, but would appreciate some first hand advice before shelling out cash for something that might not be necessary or a priority.

Thanks

JG

Answer
One thing you need to remember, performance is based on the size of your pocket book!
You have a good start by installing the S&S carb. Your next step would be to install a new cam. You should go with a higher lift and duration like a Andrews A cam. Will give you more midrange and high range. To keep up, you can change your trans sprocket. remember changing the sprocket smaller will give you less top end and higher RPMs, but you gain comming off the line quicker. Got he other way and you lose the speed coming off the line.
One things I have sone for many shovel riders is install a S&S 93CI hot setup up kit. You will really get performance out of the motor. Down side is they are costly.
Hope this helps
Good luck and happy riding
Mike