"'04 Speedy. Emgo 19" turn-outs, Polaris bellmouth, 130/42 Thrux needles, 3.5 turns. "
gotcha. That's close to my setup. DnDs, 130/42, polaris, tbs needles, one shim, close to 3.5 turns. And I want 45s...
Given the thrux needle, like you +1, i'd suggest he try the 45 pilots at 2 turns no shims first. I take it the main is fine. The midrange is fine. Thus the pilot change only.