new SmartCarb SC3 34mm advanced metering rod carb option

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SpruceItUp
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Re: new SmartCarb SC3 34mm advanced metering rod carb option

Post by SpruceItUp »

Yep! Got it all setup today and it is running great! It idles beautifully. I just did some little test rips around the yard and it seems to be pulling very well!

In regards to fitment we finally got it to where it is not hitting the frame whatsoever. It is close, but it is not hitting it. The thumbwheel is now adjustable as well without moving the carb in the boot at all. I'll get some more detailed information once I run it up in Ohio, but so far all is looking good!!
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Re: new SmartCarb SC3 34mm advanced metering rod carb option

Post by tosaw »

Nathan called me last night to tell me they're shipping the parts out that I will need to install my carb today. He's a really nice guy and I am impressed with the customer service.

Can't wait to try it, glad it feels strong Spruce!
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Re: new SmartCarb SC3 34mm advanced metering rod carb option

Post by springstever »

Do the H series installations require any mods to the air boot?
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Re: new SmartCarb SC3 34mm advanced metering rod carb option

Post by Nsign »

springstever wrote: 12:28 pm May 15 2026 Do the H series installations require any mods to the air boot?
As a rule of thumb we suggest checking for and, if necessary, trimming any rubber lip inside of the airboot that may block the SmartCarb's vent scoop or otherwise direct airflow away from it. Some bikes are worse than others. The Shercos, for example, have a really thick rubber lip in their boots that requires a substantial trim. Some bikes require no trim at all, like Betas.

That said, we're using an extension ring adapter in our KDX kits, which means the vent scoop is positioned lower than it would be in a SmartCarb kit without that type of adapter. From what I've seen the lip in the KDX boots is minimal. Combine that with the use of the adapter and lower relative position of the vent scoop and I would say no, you do not need to trim the boot. But going back to the rule of thumb it's always a good idea to check by looking through the boot into the carb (filter removed of course) and ensure you can see the full scoop or the upper edge of it. If you can't get a direct look a phone camera typically does the trick. That or a bore scope if you have one.

Here's what we're seeing in our long-term H series tester, no trim required:

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Re: new SmartCarb SC3 34mm advanced metering rod carb option

Post by springstever »

Thanks for the great feedback with the included picture. That is close, so checking is prudent. I just ordered one, and can't wait, hopefully it won't take forever to get to Alaska, our summers are freaking short. The days are long though!
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Re: new SmartCarb SC3 34mm advanced metering rod carb option

Post by SpruceItUp »

Nsign wrote: 01:29 pm May 15 2026
As a rule of thumb we suggest checking for and, if necessary, trimming any rubber lip inside of the airboot that may block the SmartCarb's vent scoop or otherwise direct airflow away from it. Some bikes are worse than others. The Shercos, for example, have a really thick rubber lip in their boots that requires a substantial trim. Some bikes require no trim at all, like Betas.

Image
I stuck my phone camera in my airbox yesterday and it looked like it was clear to me. I could only see half of the vent, but the other half should be the same. I'd say trimming shouldn't be necessary but check just in case.
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Re: new SmartCarb SC3 34mm advanced metering rod carb option

Post by Chuck78 »

I'm very eager to get a SmartCarb fitted to my bike...
I'm packing up some 220 cylinders to send off to Boyko Racing for mild porting work and port chamferring corrections (PowerSeal USA failed to do anything with the less than desirable factory port chamfering on the one cylinder I had them re-plate, major bummer), so that I can have a fresh top end when it comes time to test out the new SC3 34mm....

The SC3 34mm should prove to be a great fit for my 220(s) and my riding terrain preferences.
We don't do short rides (fuel tank range is critical), and we generally seek out the more technical trails anywhere we go here in the Eastern/Appalachian regions of the USA (throttle response & smoothness are also quite critical).

The SmartCarb SC3 34mm should suit this terrain very well... These photos are from the closest worthy trails for us based here in Central Ohio, 57 minutes drive time East/Southeast from our home not far from the edge of the glaciated plains transitioning into rugged Appalachian hills:
Image
Image



Also, the added fuel efficiency of a dialed in metering rod carb like this will really help with running a KX 125 / KDX hybrid, as the factory KX tanks are only 2.2 gallons capacity. I don't want to have similar fuel range to the modern 300's... The 220 displacement as well as porting versus the 200 even, as well as the metering rod's very well known superior fuel atomization will help my KDX 220's & my KX/KDX hybrid build project go a lot longer on less fuel. Major bonus.
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Re: new SmartCarb SC3 34mm advanced metering rod carb option

Post by SpruceItUp »

I had some free time on the drive up here to do some thinking. I took a look at the video and got a good still frame from it, it almost looks like the air boot starts dipping down the further to the right you go. Or maybe it's the photo, but maybe I need to take a closer look tomorrow. It definitely doesn't show signs of lean running or too rich, but just seeing that bothers me and I can't get my mind off of it. Too bad it's almost 12 o'clock.

Also, I need to verify my idle/slide height, as when I got the carb I adjusted the idle a bit once I got it on to get it to idle properly (stupid of myself) as I forgot metering rod carburetors are very sensitive to idle/slide height. I don't remember how much I turned it, so I do need to verify it's close to the stock height it was when it was sent to me. Again, it's running perfectly fine, but just not knowing bothers me.

Here is that still frame:
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'92 KDX200
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Re: new SmartCarb SC3 34mm advanced metering rod carb option

Post by Tommo32 »

Hi Spruce, apologies if I have missed this somewhere but have you got a V force reed block fitted? If you don't I'm wondering whether it would make fitment more difficult?
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Re: new SmartCarb SC3 34mm advanced metering rod carb option

Post by SpruceItUp »

Hi Tommo. I do have VForce3 reeds. Unsure if it makes fitment more difficult, but it may. It does fit, though!
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Re: new SmartCarb SC3 34mm advanced metering rod carb option

Post by tosaw »

Good to know, I've been running vforce 3 reeds with my legacy Lectron and don't want to have to change back to OEM.
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Re: new SmartCarb SC3 34mm advanced metering rod carb option

Post by Tommo32 »

SpruceItUp wrote: 06:59 am May 18 2026 Hi Tommo. I do have VForce3 reeds. Unsure if it makes fitment more difficult, but it may. It does fit, though!
Ah fantastic. I too have V force reeds so glad to know it will go in with them. Hopefully those without them can enjoy some extra clearance. Looking forward to hearing how people get on with the SC3 so do keep us posted!
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Re: new SmartCarb SC3 34mm advanced metering rod carb option

Post by springstever »

To those who have V Force 3 Reed valves, did you put both gaskets that came with them on your bike? One on either side? I know when I took off my original reed cage, I only had one gasket, and was wondering if the extra mm or two of a second gasket would change atomization or the venturi at all, given the minimal extra distance fuel had to travel through the cage. Just curious. Probably no effect whatsoever.
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Re: new SmartCarb SC3 34mm advanced metering rod carb option

Post by tosaw »

I did end up using both gaskets and RTV on my 1990. I tried with just one but had terrible air leaks. Always always always perform a leak down test when replacing reeds!
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