For reasons that make me nauseous and make my blood pressure rise, I am purchasing a new '06 Superglide next month. Over the last 6-7 weeks, I have been on a crash learning course, trying to learn everything I can about the new TC engines. Yes, I'm an old fart and I've fallen behind in the technology So anyway, after a lot of reading, here's my plan.

1. Accessories and dood-dads: I'll buy them from Zanotti's and install myself. Save big bux there.

2. Engine work: now here's where it gets tricky. The local dealer (who gave me an excellent price) is not much in to true performance work. They'll bolt on the SE parts and do a dyno tune, but that's about it. Goal is long distance dependability and stump pulling torque. Of course, my work isn't covered under warrenty. But I think the end results will be better.

- 95" pistons and cylinders: I can do the work, and have the original cylinders bored for a better fit. Even considering the Rev Performance or Axtell cylinders. Somewhere around 10:1 compression.

- Heads: send the stock heads to a relaiable porter for a simple clean up. Nothing dramatic like welding, milling, or port reshaping. I may even do this myself. I've done plenty of SBF heads with good results. Remember that there are no other heads available for this engine.

- Air cleaner: Havn't decided yet, but not the SE part. I like the Forcewinder, though.

- Exhaust: Rhinehart 2-1 w/ the O2 sensor ports already in them. Also considered the Supertrapp 2-1, and I can weld the ports in myself.

- SERT. Again, I can do this myself.

- Cam: OK, now this is where it gets tricky. I'll be using an SE 204 chain driven cam. AFAIK, the 211 cam moves the power band up a tad too far. And I'm not sure the stock spring package can handle the lift of the 251. I'm not sure I have the tools/skills to swap out a cam set myself.
Here's my real question after a long winded ramble.
Option 1: Have the new cam installed into the stock engine, then ride it home and do the other stuff in the following months. While continuing to ride the stock engine with the 204 cam.
Option 2: Do all the other stuff, then take it back to the dealer for cam install and a dyno tune?

The question seems to be (if you've stuck with me thus far) cam first or last?

 

Check out Hdwrench's (he's a member here) 98 ci kit. He's had some really good results from it and several members have bought them. I'd go with the 203 or 204 cams if you want gut wrenching torque. I'm going with the 211's for more top end hp. I've got more torque than I need with the 203's. They really run great on a not overly modified motor.

If it were me I'd have the cams installed by the dealer if you trust them. Put the SERT on right away and get a base tune then tear into it.

Keep us informed of your progress.


Terry

 

Thanx for that. I was hoping HD wrench would see this, as I value his opinion also.

I'll have the cams installed - and maybe the pipes - before taking delivery. Then they can install the SERT and do a dyno tune before I bring it home.

I like the looks of a Forcewinder intake. But $500 is a bit much. I think I can make one for about $100. Shouldn't take me more than 2-3 hours.

 

Service manager at my HD (likeable chap) told me today always upgrade cam first, it's the easiest and least expensive way to get better performance out of your bike. I know I've read that many times in these electronic pages as well.

 

Great ideas on the upgrades. I had a 95" build done on my 'Glide last summer and had the SE 251's installed. What a world of difference they made, the thing runs hard and fast all day long. If you're having the heads done also, which is what I did, have better springs installed at the same time, the cost is minimal, only a few more bucks but the results are awesome. Couple that with a set of SE jugs, flat top pistons and you'll be on your way.