103 stage 1 vs stage 2, what can I expect?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,761
Likes: 1,801
From: Newnan, GA
What are the real world results that I will see going from stock to either stage one or stage two? I am trying to decide on which to do to my bike. 16 RGS.
i can get head pipe intake and tuner with a mail order tune for $1250. Doing the work myself.
and the stage 2 from sort of local shop for $3500 turn key. Includes: cams, intake, head pipe, tuner, custom dyno tune and all misc parts and labor.
i can get head pipe intake and tuner with a mail order tune for $1250. Doing the work myself.
and the stage 2 from sort of local shop for $3500 turn key. Includes: cams, intake, head pipe, tuner, custom dyno tune and all misc parts and labor.
I have gone through the upgrades: Stage 1 through stage 3, one at a time as I could afford them.
Each up grade was progressively more expensive.
Stage 1 is bolt on stuff, exhaust and intake but (IMHO) useless without a proper tune.
Stage 2 is a cam install, and with the labor to remove the exhaust, and install the cams, is more expensive. Requires a tune.
Stage 3 is a big bore kit, and depending on your mechanical skills can set you back quite a bit of $$$. Requires a tune.
Each upgrade gave a boost of torque and power. Each upgrade was more $$ for the performance gain.
I recently replace my D&D exhaust for a Bassani Road Rage B4, and took it to CD V-Twin in Perry Ga for a Dyno tune.
Regardless what you do, get the bike tuned after you make a change. I'm a big fan of the Dyno Run tuning method.
Yes It could be better, I could have had the heads ported, upgraded the injectors, and throttle body, but where do I stop?
I am pretty happy with the performance as it is. The bottom line is "For Me" is a well tuned machine and I have that.
Here are the results.
Last edited by Mongo1958; Sep 16, 2025 at 08:16 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 332
Likes: 125
From: Illinois
Any of you with the 103HO engine (besides VortecCPI)? It just that I read mixed reviews - some say with on the HO (High Output) engine, Stage I adds at most a mere 5% power boost because of the already good breather, and Stage II adds another 7-10% because the camshaft is already improved (the Rushmore version).
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 768
Likes: 430
From: CLT NC
Any of you with the 103HO engine (besides VortecCPI)? It just that I read mixed reviews - some say with on the HO (High Output) engine, Stage I adds at most a mere 5% power boost because of the already good breather, and Stage II adds another 7-10% because the camshaft is already improved (the Rushmore version).
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