I agree.

The stock headers are very nearly perfect when it comes to size, shape, flow, length, balance (crossover) tube, etc. About the only improvement you can make to those is to go a VERY expensive set of LSR pipes. Which, IMHO, are ugly as a gunny-sack full of warts. No offense to anybody running them.

 

I ran a ThunderHeader, Stage 1 A/C, and a SEPST with a dyno. The bike ran great, but the TH's noise was getting to me.
I then put the stock pipes back on. The lack of noise was getting to me.
I then ordered a set of Cycle Shack baffles. Replaced the stock baffles with the Cycles Shack baffles leaving the stock header pipes. I tuned it myself, and now the bike runs just as good if not better than when I had the ThunderHeader on the bike, and it is noisy, but it is a deep noise, not a reversion cone rappy sound back to your ears kinda noise. I like the setup I have now.

 

I agree, except I don't think a full dyno tune is essential with just a stage one.

If you want some noise for now pick up some used slip on's off eBay whilst you save, you can sell them again when you have the money

 

Welcome aboard to the OP (original poster) ...

As explained by a couple of the fellas, Stage I is a 'high flow' air cleaner (sometimes, A/C) and less restrictive exhaust. Since the motor is an air pump of sorts, and your bike is an electronic fuel injection (EFI) system, when making the changes, the computer (electronic control module or ECM) program is not designed to account for the additional air flow. As a result the air to fuel ratio (or AFR) will be lean--more air with the same amount of fuel. This condition increases the heat generated by your motor and is otherwise not good for your bike.

Harley Davidson, through their 'performance' brand name Screamin' Eagle (SE) realizes owners will frequently make this combination of modifications (mods) and will reprogram your ECM to enrich your AFR curves. This increase in fuel and air at the same RPM will increase performance as measured in terms of Torque and Horsepower ... but, will also decrease your average fuel economy a little.

The service manual--while extremely handy (and which I heartily recommend)--does not really cover this information.

In addition to SE 'download' reprogramming for your ECM, there are a plethora of alternative solutions to a lean AFR condition many provided by the aftermarket. SE makes a couple of popular solutions--one is an 'add on' or 'piggy back' module and one is a software system that allows you full on access to reprogram your ECM (not only for the AFR, but for the timing advance curve). Various popular aftermarket systems are Power Commander (PC ... various gererations from III to V currently), Vance and Hines Fuel Pack, Kuryakyn has one, Dobeck, and so forth.

A vendor who used to supply Harley Davidson with the Screamin' Eagle Race Tuner (or SERT) is TTS Master Tune. They now offer a competitive full access ECM programming system. Another popular full ECM replacement system with the ability to fully access and tune is Thunder Max with Auto Tune (T-Max, or sometimes TMAT) there are a few others as well ... I believe Accel makes one, FI2000, etc.

When going with a 'Stage I' motor setup, it might be considered 'overkill' to get a full ECM programming system as they tend to cost from around $450 - $850 range ... however, if 'Stage I' will just be a phase you are going through ... until you save up enough for your cams, heads and big bore kit, then it might be worthwhile making that investment 'up front' ....

Good luck and hope this info makes your decision a little clearer ....

R/
'Chop

 

I've had my SEII slipons for 5 years now. I added BCT baffles to improve the tone a bit, but, I've never felt the need to "upgrade" to a full set of pipes because, quite frankly, I'm very happy. I like the way they look. I like the way they sound. To shun slipons, IMO, is a disservice. Slips, SE A/C and a SERT are a viable Stage 1 package together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQBuSy_kdLI

BTW, I don't consider a full set as an "upgrade" from slipons myself...they're just another option.

 

Hello everybody, I had a quick question..., I just installed the Vance and Hines slipons and Arlen Ness big Sucker air filter. I went to the dealer to have a stage 1 download and they told me they can't do that because the parts are aftermarket and not screaming eagle. In order for the bike to run well they have to put it on the dyno and charge me a leg. Is it true? the only way to get a download is if i get screaming eagle parts?
It seems to me the guy wanted to make some extra cash... BTW I have an 07 street bob,

Thanks for any advice.

 

They are correct. The download is tuned for the SE parts. You would be wasting your money. You need a self or professional tune.

 

You could probably buy one of the many tuners out there for less than the dyno process their trying to stick you for.

Can they even dyno tune without an add-on tuner anyway????

 

Absolutely. I wish I had the dollars I spent on slipons before I finally got a D&D Fat Cat.

 

thanks for the advice. I think I'll go with the fuel pack. Hopefully it works.