Pilot jet No.2

[Guest]

I am reassembling a basket case GS550. While most of the major parts were present, the airbox and carbs were missing. I got new used carbs from a recycle yard. They appear to be the correct model of VM 22ss. So I have done the carb dipping, o-ring replacement, and they seem to work, but only if I severely restrict the airflow with 4 layers of paper towel over the main bore. Since the airbox is missing I have decided to go with pods (cheap Emgo pods) , and rejet up three sizes on the mains, one size on the pilot, and raise the needle a notch. The exhaust looks stock (ish), 4 into 2, but shorter, terminating right at the rear shock/axle rather than extending well towards the rear rim. I don't know if I need to account for this seemingly modified exhaust. Advice?
But also, and maybe more importantly, nobody mentions the jet called "Pilot jet No.2" when discussing re-jetting. It's not even shown on the Paul Musser VM rebuild guide. The mains are stock 80, pilot jet is 15, and Pilot jet No.2 is 50, and sits below the pilot jet. I figure maybe since the rate limiting step is the 15, the 50 may not matter that much. Any comments?

[Steve]

Any comments?

My only thought is that you are stopping a bit less than half-way with the jetting increase.

To jet for GOOD pods, you will need to add 4-6 sizes to the mains. Your EMGO "filters" have less restriction (you can also read that as "less filtering"), so will need even larger jets to compensate.

Not sure the pilot jet needs to be increased, and the needle might need to go all the way to the top, not just one notch.

.

[Redstar]

Thanks. I was trying to go by guidelines I have found here, but I will listen to the voice of experience. Always been leery of those finicky carb issues, but time to dive in. I have found answers to all my questions and more on this site, you guys are awesome!