If you installed a 95 inch kit did you stay with a 9.25:1 comp ratio or did you go higher ?

 

I'd love to find out more opinons on this question as well! Great question.

 

I just want a reliable, easy starting motor.

 

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when mine was at 95 inches, I was at 11:1.

zero issues with starting

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I believe that's what I've got plus the 203 cams. The starter seems to work a little harder especially when hot. It's a carb bike and it really threw a service writer for a loop when he tried to start it. The ride home took a few more miles to get the battery back up on a good charge.

 

I have the 1550 High Compression pistions, which have a ratio of 10.25:1 when using the stock cylinder heads. I believe they are PN 22661-99A.

Even though I run the 'good' (not blended) BP 92 octane fuel, you never know when you might be out somewhere and have to use something with lower octane.

Could run a higher compression, but I'm more concerned about having a reliable, easy starting engine that will run with about any fuel I use than trying to pull every available horsepower out of the engine.

My 1550 WideGlide runs great the way it is currently setup, and it has more power than I will ever need.

 

I'm getting ready to install an Axtell 97"(1590cc) kit. It's gonna raise my compression from 9.4 to 10.0. I already have compression releases done to my heads and IMHO if going 10.0 or above comp. releases are the way to go.I use them now with 9.4 and it really saves on battery's and starters.

 

a number of the high compression heads come designed for either automatic or manual compression releases to ease the burden on the starter ...

I'm considering upping the compression when I do my build, but will probably not go above about 10.5:1 ...

Although the 'calculated' CR may be one figure, depending on your cams (and the point at which the intake valves close) the actual compression may be a little lower ....

R/
'Chop

 

Ive done alot of 95 inch builds with S+S 570 gear driven cams, wiseco pistons, Power commanders, pipes, and head work. NEVER had a problem with starting and i usually run the Wiseco 10.5:1 pistons in it. I do not install compression releases in any of them.

Now with that being said i live in texas and it is very hot in the summer so i sometimes recommend the 10:1 or lower compression piston on the heavier bikes or someone who isnt looking for all out power as with the heat there is a problem sometimes with detonation.

 

Like others have said, go with a higher compression, like 10.5:1.

Thedonethere, why did you decide to go with the 97" Axtell kit? Did you consider the 107" kit?