There's alot of debate regarding whether or not you need a download after you install a new set of pipes and an air cleaner. American Iron had an article claiming that it was not necessary to add a download on 07' and 08' bikes. After doing a search here, it seems most people feel that adding a Fuelpak, SERT, or PC III is absolutely necessary when changing pipes and air cleaner.

I have a set of Shortshots and a Screaming Eagle air cleaner that I would like to install myself. My question is, can I go ahead and ride the bike to see how it runs after I install the pipes and air cleaner just to see how it runs? Or do I risk doing damage by running the bike without a download? I was planning on installing the pipes and air cleaner and seeing how it runs before spending the extra loot on the fuel mgt system. By the way, I have an 08 Street Bob. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

you will need some type of fuel mngt system... there is no doubt or debate about that... your bike will be taking in more air, and have less resistance letting it out, if you do not adjust your fuel tables you WILL burn up your bike (seals, rings, exhaust gaskets)... a guy on here about 6 month ago tried and really screwed up his motor... everyone asks this... yes you need a fuel mngt system, I use a SERT, fuel pack, race tuner, and many others are avail... if you have the short shots you can get the V&H tuner pretty cheap, just installed one on a night train a few nights ago... easy

 

I HAVE A 2008 FXDL AND INSTALLED THE COBRA "DOWN SLASH" PIPES. ALTHOGUH MY BIKE RAN FINE, IT JUST DIDN'T FEEL THE WAY IT SHOUD. i PURCHASED COBRA'S FI2000 DIGITAL FUEL PACK AND I COULD NOT BELIEVE THE DIFFERENCE. LOTS MORE THROTTLE RESPONCE, NEARLY "0" PINGING, EVEN THOUGH I REALLY DID NOT HAVE ANY BACKFIRING ONLY THE NORMAL SOUND WHEN YOU LET OFF THE THROTTLE, THE HIGH END IS OUT OF THIS WORL. I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH GOOD ABOUT HAVING SPENT THE MONEY TO PUT IT ON AND I WILL NEVER HAVE TO GO BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ANY MORE DOWNLOADS. ALSO, IF I ADD A HIGH FLOW AIR BREATHER OR DO ANY ENGIN WORK, ALL THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IS TAKE OFF THE COVER AND MAKE THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENT.
THE ONE PROBLEM I DID HAVE WAS WITH THE 02 SENSOR. IT WORKED OK AS IS BUT I INSTALLED AN OIL COOLER AND HAD TO MAKE A MODIFICATION TO THE COUPLING ON THE HEAD PIPE OF THE FRONT CHYLINDER IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO RE-INSTAL THE SENSOR. PEICE OF CAKE!!!!! WELL WORTH THE MONEY!!!!!!!! I DID IT MYSELF WITH EASY TO FOLOW INSTRUCTIONS AND ONLY TOOK ME ABOUT 45 MINUTES.
HOPE THIS HELPS

 

This is an age old question!! Just my 2cents here, I have a 2008 Night Train, Short Shots, SE/AC, XIED's. Been running the XIED's for 11000 miles now with just over 13000 on the bike since buying it in March 2008. I live in south Florida, elevation 12 feet above sea level, just got back from round trip ride to Sturgis (5600 miles in 13 days). Not a problem, nada, bike ran super. Ran cool in traffic, and I did alot of crusing at 75-85 for 100 miles at a time on interstate. Give Nightrider a call (# on web sight). Super guy, lots of info. Again just my 2 cents, but I am sold on XIED's.

 

Thanks for the reply's. Looks like i'm def going to add a fuel mgt system. Not sure which one yet, but i've been hearing alot of good things about XIED's. I'll give them a call. Thanks again.

 

Are you happy with the performance of your bike ? I have an 07 Wide Glide and I have the same set up as you. I think the bike runs extremely week. I removed the stage I and placed the stocker back on, and it seems to run better. I checked my plugs and they were a dark grey color, with the porcelain on the inside was still snow white. That (in my mind) indicated a lean condition. I got no pinging, or pops, and it was backfiring in decel. Not sure what I think, but I can't let my self run the stage I a/c until I get a fuel pack or Power Commander.

 

xIEDs are good for what they are, but you should go ahead and get true fuel management. I put some on my bike after installing a 2:1 (already had a download with SE Stage 1.) They did help, but they are a broad-side-of-the-barn approach to a rather complex problem. Once you start getting into pipe configurations that are significantly different from stock, it isn't enough to flow more fuel overall. You have to flow the right amount at the right throttle positions and so on. Plan and budget for a SERT and dyno tuning. A PCIII or any other fuel management system that disables your O2 sensor will mean more trips to the gas station.

 

Thanks for clarifying the xIEDs vs a true fuel management system. I was questioning whether the xIEDs were enough after installing the pipes and air cleaner.