S&S Cycle - S&S Performance Parts 2025 L - Volume 67

Introduction

The early gas carburetor that was designed for racing, had gained quite a reputation as a street mixer. George added a choke, refined the lower speed mixture circuits and designated the model the “L” or late series carb. Next, stroker flywheels were redesigned, and forged in steel rather than the previous cast iron method. By

1975, S&S had developed the “Super” gas carb that became a legend to v-twin racers. Later, a new body casting designated the “B”, was added and the name “Super B” became commonplace to the growing number of enthusiastic S&S customers.

In 1975, because of S&S and George Smith’s expertise in with long stroke engines, S&S was contacted by Harley-Davidson® and hired to build two 80ci prototype shovelhead engines. The motors were constructed using S&S components and shipped off to Harley-Davidson. The two twins were tested and used in the development program that gave us the 80ci factory motor, introduced in 1978-79.

George Smith passed away, suddenly in 1980. Marge continued on running the company with George Smith Jr, Ken Smith and Sam Scaletta assuming many roles in growing the business. The Super D race carburetor came to life in 1983 and has been in production ever since. Later in the 1980s the H-D Evolution engine was introduced and by 1985 S&S had a full line of stroker kits available for these engines. Proven Performance was growing again.

In October of 1990 George Smith Jr. saw his projects the Super E and G carbs introduced and the market went wild. At one point there was a waiting list of over 10,000 wanting the new performance carbs. Sadly, Marge Smith passed away in 1992 and the second-generation Smith family members took

over running the company. In 1994 that team introduced complete long block engine assemblies that required only a gearcover, rocker boxes, tappets and tappet guides to be complete. By 1997 they had developed the rest of the components and complete S&S engines

were available! These engines, in conjunction with the incredible demand for Harleys at a time when production of new bikes was well under 100,000 units per year, brought S&S out of the shadows of racing and into the spotlight. Through the late 1990s and well into the 2000s, companies like Big Dog, American IronHorse, Confederate, BMC Choppers, Titan and countless others started building production customs using S&S Engines. The 96ci, 107ci and 113ci engines were the hot ticket for anyone that wanted more than a stock Harley could offer.

S&S Headquarters Viola, WI

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