school me on reed valves

[lbo]

I understand their purpose, but what makes one better then another? I plan to do a massive upgrade (73cc, carb, pipe, intake manifold) in the near future......... does a new reed cage come with the carb? Is the stock reed cage sufficient to handle the increased flows?

Just wondering, I don't see much discussion on them but I know this part is available in the aftermarket world. I figure they either work or don't, what are the added features/benefits to an upgrade reed valve?

[90GTVert]

Jul 25, 2008 8:20:21 GMT -5 lbo said:

I understand their purpose, but what makes one better then another?

Fiberglass reeds are suppose to respond a little faster and help make better low-mid range power but can cut off the top end power because they aren't rigid enough to handle high rpm operation effieciently. Carbon fiber reeds are too rigid to give you the fastest throttle response and low end power, but handle high rpm operation much better. The number of petals works the same way... 2 petals would be pretty flimsy and respond fast but really limit the power up top and 6 petals would handle the high revs better. You are going to want to make sure your CVT is setup according to what you are using. You don't want a motor that loves to rev setup with a transmission that keeps to low rpm a lot or an engine with reeds that flutter at high rpm but make great low end power with a transmission that wants the engine to scream all the time.

lbo said:

I plan to do a massive upgrade (73cc, carb, pipe, intake manifold) in the near future....... does a new reed cage come with the carb?

Unless they tell you the carb comes with a reed cage and reeds, most likely no.

lbo said:

Is the stock reed cage sufficient to handle the increased flows?

Mine was, but I'm guessing you would wnt to upgrade if you are going with a more race oriented 70 kit with all the goodies.

[lbo]

Thanks for the explanations........ so I guess (like anything else) there are compromises and "give and take" with each set up. I will keep what I have when I upgrade, unless there is a cage that would fit and work better.... or replace the petals if warranted.

Thanks again.