Engine build
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 13
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Engine build
Hello I have a 07 FXD with @ 3200 miles. I am looking at doing a 103 build from Harley but after talking to my local dealer I am not too sure. I have not changed my stock pipes as I want to do that at the same time as the build. The reason I am not sure about my local dealer is they have no in house dyno and I have been told it would be better to have it tuned that way instead of using a preset map.I am not a fan of the two into one exhaust and was thinking of Bassani pro streets or something that style. Any advice would be great but please use laymans terms. I admit I am not a gear head so bear with me.....
...Thanks Patrick.
...Thanks Patrick.
RE: Engine build
what are you looking to do... that is what you have to figure out... do you want low end tourqe... mid range... all around more power... you have to figure out what you are looking for... i would talk to ericsenf he is a wealth of motor knowledge!!! great guy! he and i spoke a few weeks back and i think i am just going to do a cam in mine
RE: Engine build
first thing decide what you want as a final result that will completely decide what you do. personally i would not use Harley either... find an indy shop that will really take some personal pride in that bike (not to say harley would not) just in general i have had much better luck with indy shops... IMO
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 13
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RE: Engine build
First off thanks ....Now I think I just want all around more power...I dont Race (except the occasional red light to red light with buddies) I mostly cruise....Second whats an "Indy" shop?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,167
Likes: 0
RE: Engine build
Independently owned shop. They work on HD'S (and sometimes other bikes) but are not affliliated with the Moco.
And if your gonna dump money into a build, get someone who has a Dyno. It's crazy that with all the money the dealers make that yours does not have one.
And if your gonna dump money into a build, get someone who has a Dyno. It's crazy that with all the money the dealers make that yours does not have one.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
RE: Engine build
Here is in order of progression of both cost and potential power gains what you can do:
1st - Intake and pipes, get your bike sucking and blowing
2nd - Cam - this is the heart of the engine. Nothing will determine more how the engine will run than CAM choice
3rd - Big bore
4th - Heads
5th - Stroking
With each of the above levels, all prior levels have to be done, and match what you are trying to accomplish. Many people think that once you get to the 5th item, stroking, you might as well just but that new S&S or Jim's big-***-engine and replace what you have due to cost/benefit.
My build goal was having a rideable build and lots of pull for 2-up. This type of build generally looks for 10.5:1 compression or less so the bike doesn't get too bitchy on a tank of sub-par gas. I also build for a wide torque curve which is what will provide you that power from 2000 RPM up to 4000 or so where horsepower really takes over.
From what it sounds, you would be looking at a torque build. I'd suggest looking at a shorter duration cam with as high lift as possible for your heads. Getting heads, or head work done will open up your cam options. You should also accept a performance oriented 2-1 pipe for your exhaust as these generally yield more torque; Thunderheader, V&H ProPipe, Supertrapp, there are others.
Ask plenty of questions. Don't buy a packaged Screamin' Eagle kit. With that said, I did a almost 100% Screamin' Eagle build and am very happy. There are many good indy builds and options as well. This forum has been a wealth of help to getting me to the point I have the bike I've wanted to build for 15 years (since I sold my hot-rod Sporty).
Well... I could ramble on. Feel free to keep the conversation until you are satisfied with your build plan.
1st - Intake and pipes, get your bike sucking and blowing
2nd - Cam - this is the heart of the engine. Nothing will determine more how the engine will run than CAM choice
3rd - Big bore
4th - Heads
5th - Stroking
With each of the above levels, all prior levels have to be done, and match what you are trying to accomplish. Many people think that once you get to the 5th item, stroking, you might as well just but that new S&S or Jim's big-***-engine and replace what you have due to cost/benefit.
My build goal was having a rideable build and lots of pull for 2-up. This type of build generally looks for 10.5:1 compression or less so the bike doesn't get too bitchy on a tank of sub-par gas. I also build for a wide torque curve which is what will provide you that power from 2000 RPM up to 4000 or so where horsepower really takes over.
From what it sounds, you would be looking at a torque build. I'd suggest looking at a shorter duration cam with as high lift as possible for your heads. Getting heads, or head work done will open up your cam options. You should also accept a performance oriented 2-1 pipe for your exhaust as these generally yield more torque; Thunderheader, V&H ProPipe, Supertrapp, there are others.
Ask plenty of questions. Don't buy a packaged Screamin' Eagle kit. With that said, I did a almost 100% Screamin' Eagle build and am very happy. There are many good indy builds and options as well. This forum has been a wealth of help to getting me to the point I have the bike I've wanted to build for 15 years (since I sold my hot-rod Sporty).
Well... I could ramble on. Feel free to keep the conversation until you are satisfied with your build plan.
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
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RE: Engine build
Ok....Well the good thing about my job is I have plenty of time to research.....I have decided to go with the Thunderheader 2-1 with an air and intake up grade, and a dyno map......I also found an independent shop in Chattanooga that has its own dyno. Now my question is does anyone have a preferance between K&N, Screaming Eagle, Or any other air intakes?
Thank all of you for the info you have offered and for putting it in terms I can understand.....
Thank all of you for the info you have offered and for putting it in terms I can understand.....
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
RE: Engine build
Nice pipe choice. I wanted to go with a Thunderheader, though several people I know that run these with hot-rod builds get bothered in a variety of the Mississippi River Valley towns I frequent. Remember, the pipe choice you make will be louder on a hot-rod build than on a stock build.
I personally and running an SE Stage I air cleaner though I have the high-volume filter that I bought through Zipper's Performance. I looked at several options, including the SE Heavy Breather, which I still may toss on the bike before my dyno. On a 103 build, and depending on your cam choice, you may need something that provides more air that the stock SE air cleaner. I noticed increased throttle response after tossing the Zipper filter on my build.
http://www.zippersperformance.com/ca...=572&prod=2050
Also, check this list on who you use to do the dyno. Just because a shop has a dyno doesn't mean they know how to use it. I was shocked about the variance in price and process between tuners and have spent all winter researching who I would let tune my bike. Depending on when you are planning on doing the build and the cost of tuning the bike, which is normally several hundred dollars, you may want to just buy a SERT (yeah, I and many tuners really like the SERT) an d just base map your tune when you stage one, base map the tune again for your break-in build, which is another important part, then do the final dyno tune once your break-in on your new build is complete.
It's always a pleasure helping someone catch the horsepower flu.
I personally and running an SE Stage I air cleaner though I have the high-volume filter that I bought through Zipper's Performance. I looked at several options, including the SE Heavy Breather, which I still may toss on the bike before my dyno. On a 103 build, and depending on your cam choice, you may need something that provides more air that the stock SE air cleaner. I noticed increased throttle response after tossing the Zipper filter on my build.
http://www.zippersperformance.com/ca...=572&prod=2050
Also, check this list on who you use to do the dyno. Just because a shop has a dyno doesn't mean they know how to use it. I was shocked about the variance in price and process between tuners and have spent all winter researching who I would let tune my bike. Depending on when you are planning on doing the build and the cost of tuning the bike, which is normally several hundred dollars, you may want to just buy a SERT (yeah, I and many tuners really like the SERT) an d just base map your tune when you stage one, base map the tune again for your break-in build, which is another important part, then do the final dyno tune once your break-in on your new build is complete.
It's always a pleasure helping someone catch the horsepower flu.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 588
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
RE: Engine build
I personally run a Ness big sucker. I have ran both K&N and SE in the past. IDon't see much difference in any of them. I believe it is more user preference. Just my 2 cents.