So as I mentioned in my introduction post, we ordered a 38mm APT SmartCarb for our 1987 LT500R. I just had a few questions while waiting for it:

1. Are the stock reeds a good set up or is there a better aftermarket to go with? Just running an FMF pipe right now and don't plan on doing anything more with the motor. We'd like to order new reeds and I wasn't sure whether to order stock replacement reeds, a V-Force 3 setup, or something else.

2. What's the best / most commonly used air filter or does it matter? Uni or Twin-Air is my preference.

3. I want to go ahead and replace the throttle cable so everything is new / smooth when we put the carb on and we'll need one with some adjustment in it. Are Motion-Pro cables a good one for the quadzilla?

I've also got some clutch questions but I'll probably start another topic on that one.

Different reeds will not make very much difference on stock ports, FMF pipe and a 38mm carb unless your reed petals are broken.  Contrary to popular myth, replacing reed petals that are not completely closed will not usually improve the performance or carb tuning.  Petals that are not completely closed will close completely in a running engine!!!!!

It sounds like you are prepared or in the process of spending a lot of money for things that will not make any noticeable difference in power but POSSIBLY run better because the new carb may POSSIBLY meter fuel more precisely.  Why not spend a few dollars and make your stock carb meter fuel to the engines needs?  There is not any magic in carburetors.  I have not seen any breakthroughs in carb technology in the 40 years I have been working on two strokes.  You just need someone to set up your carburetor properly. 

If you are planning to do engine work we make a bigger higher flowing reed assembly that uses the V2 Force cage for the 1987 cylinder.