2011 Ultra Classic Electra Glide - I recently upgraded to the 103 ci engine (from a 96 ci), also installed new 255 cams (Stage II upgrade). I've noticed that since this upgrade the engine has to crack a few times before it starts. My local HD dealer (who installed the upgrade) said there's more compression with the 103 and recommended that I either install compression releases (not sure how these are installed) or upgrade to a high-output starter. Looking for any opinions on 1. whether it's worth the money to do either of these upgrades or 2. of the two options, which would be better in the long run? Is there a way of releasing the compression without upgrading with either of these two options, making it easier on the OEM starter? Thanks! RLJ50

 

Pull your heads and have manual compression releases installed, not very expensive about 125-150 installed.

 

Yes have either manuals or autos fitted, I have manuals but sort of wishing I went to the autos.
They can either be wired in with the factory harness or just wired to your starter motor

 

IIRC, 96" bikes need the ACR holes machined in the heads, ACRs installed, and a wiring harness installed. Harness installation is pretty straight forward, hardest part is getting the pins out of the fuse panel. Some of the Touring bikes are already harness wired but not hooked up they are two yellow plugs exactly like the O2 sensor plugs. If not you can buy the overlay harness and plug into the fuse block and ECM connector but you will need a capable tuner like Powervision or TTS or take it to the dealer to enable the releases.

Definitely worth doing with the additional compression of the 103" motor and the increased CCP from the early intake close of the SE255 cams. You will extend battery and starter life. IMHO, compression releases is a much better way to go than a high output starter.

 

May be cheaper/easier/better to go to S&S easy start cams than install ARCs??

 

Yes that's an option probably cheaper and more than likely will be a better cam too but having de-comps fitted allows a wider choice of cams once they are fitted and easier to do comp tests