my buddy just got a stock 883 and Im looking for a few cheap performance upgrades to ensure that i get him at the red lights. I have already put on a cone filter, rejet, and straight pipe with tunable baffle made from thumb screw and washer. Is there any other little tips or tricks i can use to up my performance? one day ill get the cam and carb upgrade, but till then im looking to get a few more miles on the topend.

If you aren't already leaving him at red lights (I hope you're waiting till they turn green) in a cloud of smoke and burnt rubber... take off all the bling you can... chrome fender supports, heat shields, chrome head covers, etc.  Are getting enough zing on the get go? Or is the clutch slipping?  Then add a washer under the clutch springs.  A little less air in the tire might give you a little more grip at a cost.

due the chain mod and put on a huge rear sprocket for more torque.  loose 20 lbs = 1 HP

or is it 3 HP?

what's that old rule of thumb?  7lbs = 1 HP, or 20 lbs = 1 HP?

When I did the clutch shims I noticed the "Pockets" for the springs weren't all the same depth. They are done so as to make each spring level to the others. A washer that bridges over the pocket will cause the springs to be under slightly different pressures. I put the 4 washers I wanted to use, & after using callipers to get a close match, because the washers at the store arent the same thickness, I ran a bolt thru them & tightened them down with a nut, chucked the bolt in a drill press & ran it at the highest speed. Then( GRINDER Run!!) took the grinder & worked all 4 down at the same time. Since they were spinning I was able to get their diameters down & keep them round. I am very happy with the clutch, no mo slippy unless I fade the clutch to keep the things front wheel from getting too high if I rip off from a stop too hard. GEE! What a rough problem to deal with..