VM26 Jetting for 1000

I'm rebuilding a set of VM26's from a '78 KZ1000 to flip. Giving these the full monty treatment with bead blasted exteriors and replated hardware. As near as I can figure these carbs originally came with 102.5 main jets and 15 pilots. The set I have has 117 mains and 17.5 pilots so I'm assuming they are set up for pods and a header. Question is what's more desirable? I'll purchase a set of stock jets if that will make the carbs more desirable but it seems most guys run pods and a header. Assuming that's the case, are these jets a good starting point for someone to tune from?

Nessism wrote:
As near as I can figure these carbs originally came with 102.5 main jets and 15 pilots.

I am running the same jet combo (15/102,5) with Z1 air box and 4 in 1 header.
117 mains and 17.5 pilots is a setup for pot filter.

The 78 version was incredibly lean compared to 76 or even 77. This was to comply with increasingly tougher emissions regs, and it led in part to the pumpers used in later years.

I think the key performance issue is the jet needle and needle jet combo. You might want to consider using the combo from 77 or 76.

FWIW....my 78 A2 was really lean, long time to warm up. And unacceptable idle/ off idle drivability. I’m running replacement Jardine mufflers (LTD style) with the stock airbox. Upped the pilots to LTD 17.5 and left the mains at 102.5. Also have Dyne S with Accell coils. Starts right up , very short warm up time and idles great.
Small easy change made wonders. Just rode all afternoon and got 45 mpg ....I’ve had this combo for 15 years, wish I did it sooner.