Yes. I have a friend that had a 2004 King, and he went though several starters after doing his 95". I had a 2005 King, and chose to go with the S&S 97", and hot starts were a problem. I didn't keep it long enough to have to have replaced the starters, but it was a certainty. It's hot starts from the high compression that the engine holds once heated up to running temps that quickly wears out a starter when trying to fire it up again prior to the engine cooling.


Do yourself a favor and get automatic compression releases. Had I know when making my decision and buying my parts what I later discovered, I would have for sure.

 

My 02 was a factory 95" with 203 cams, it would sometimes start hard when hot. go as big as you can the 98 sounds good and I agree on doing the heads and installing CR

 

Thanks for the info fellas. I'll definitely look into CR for my engine when I decide to upgrade.

How's Hillside's rep? Are they known as a reputable engine builder?

 

Hillside is great to work with. Give Scott a call and talk to him. tell him what you want and he will set you up with a package that will do it for you. Also, he doesn't try to upsell you.
I have a 98" kit from his shop. Didn't do headwork since mine is an 06 (better flowing heads than older)and we just went with a moderate build.

 

The easiest way is to buy two 3.875 cylinder & piston kits (17460-07a) for about $475 at Kutter plus shipping. Add the top end gaskets. And you're ready to go. In spite of what some say on these forums, H-D's cylinders and pistons are top quality and reliable. You might also see if you can buy some new or new take-offs cylinders and pistons. Every once in a while some come up for sale. I would avoid used ones though.

 

Going to one vendor for a matched set up is a good idea, Hillside isn't a bad choice but there are lots of options. It doesn't matter which heads ya use if ya are having them flowed. Manual compression releases are cheap insurance as long as the heads are being done. Auto ones are nice but more $s. Getting the kit from HD comes with cast flat top pistons, not forged or domed. Also having your seasoned jugs bored is better than new.

 

That kit will not work on his bike, it is for a 103". He would need the 22851-99a pistons and the 16546-99 jugs. A tad cheaper though.

 

So you guys think having the heads worked over will end up with diminished returns on investment? I'm not looking for a race machine, just a little more punch than the 88 currently has.

 

Doing the heads along with the big bore diffidently is a good investment.

 

I have the 95" on my Ultra, 111000 miles on the bike, BB put on around 25000. No starter problems. I ran across this article on another site, worth looking into. I have heard a lot of good things about Hillside & he is very helpful on the forums & the price sounds good. But here is the link http://www.roadglide.org/showthread.php?t=196322 . Good luck & keep us informed on your decission.

Toby