Hi guys and gals.  I've been reading this site since I got my Savage about 4 months ago. I think I've read everything. Recently retired and looking to regain my youth. Last time I owned a bike was 44 years ago.  Took and passed my test over a year ago and have been looking for the perfect bike (for me - 170 and 5'9").  Found it at a garage sale, yellow 2000, beaten up a bit but not too bad with a salvage title.  I was looking for a project too and here it was! He wanted $1800 for it, I left it a week, and to my surprise he took $1000. 1950 miles on the clock too!!  Spent about $450 on it (amazing how it mounts up when you order from a dealership).  I've learned so much from you guys and I have to thank you so much for all the tips, pics, and just down right good info. Done the white spacer, mixture screw, stainless carb screws, petcock to on and off, K&N drop in, put some buckhorns on her, the seat mod. I received today my Mac Muffler - going to change the main jet to 155 - waiting for gaskets to arrive. Has anyone put a Mac on a 2000? Is that 1"x1" tab with a hole in it near the muffler joint for the heatshield? Stock heatshield doesn't fit.  Another problem is the brake light switch cable that nestles right above the brake cable by the footrest behind header pipe. There is nowhere to hook the nipple to - am I missing a part or what? I know I saw something about this a few weeks ago but I can't find it now.

Thanks David, I havn't done as many miles as that yet, I've only just got it rideable and I don't want to put the exhaust system back on until I've got the brake light cable thingy sorted

Thanks Karen.

[glow=red,2,300]WELCOME [/glow]

There will always be someone on this site to answer your questions. And if we can't there will always be the friendly banter  

Welcome aboard and thanks for reading first!  Regarding the MAC muffler, the stock heat shield did fit; its bell shape just looked stupid.  The best option is to leave it off and use a generic heatshield.  Several are available.  One inexpensive version is at J. C. Whitney.

welcome!  You stole that savage! what a deal!

Vroom, Lancer, thanks for the welcome, I hope I can help someone else out  in the future just as all you guys have unknowingly been tutoring me for the last few months. I feel like I've taken a college course on the LS.

I've been kind of lurking as well.  It's been 28 years since I rode.  This time I'm doing it right by taking the MSF class.  Showed me a lot of things I did wrong back when.  Got my 2002 at a dealership here in town and just love it.  Paid a little too much, but it's all good.  I'm definitely not a wrencher, but I'll be doing my first oil and filter change soon.  Happy, safe riding!