1st Build advice
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
From: MT
1st Build advice
Hey guys, I'm doing my first extensive build on my first bike. It is pretty much stock except for exhaust 03 Wide Glide. I'm stuck between doing a S&S full Big for power kit, or trying to piece it out. I'm thinking about going with the 98-in S&S kit but I kind of want the woods tw6 cams. I imagine all the stuff that might be reusable like stock push rods and pushrod tubes are necessary to replace because the new jugs are taller perhaps? If the jugs are not taller and just the cylinder is wider I don't see a need to get all the stuff like pushrod tubes and adjustable push rods. So I guess one of my questions is it necessary to get adjustable push rods and New tubes? If not, I kind of just want to do jugs, Pistons, cam plate, oil pump, hydraulic chain tensioners ( run out .004, not tight enough for gears, but to decent to be replacing Crank...yet) and then the woods tw6 cams, with new bearings. My goal is to get into the 100+ HP Club, and from all the research, if I do the 98-in kit with Woods tw6 that would get me there pretty much. I am pretty mechanically inclined, but like I said this is my first build so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,064
Likes: 1,003
probably cheaper to buy a known system.
not all parts play nice so seat of the pants can be iffy.
you can get custom p/r and covers but make sure you have the measurement right. nothing wrong with adjustable, all that i run.
not all parts play nice so seat of the pants can be iffy.
you can get custom p/r and covers but make sure you have the measurement right. nothing wrong with adjustable, all that i run.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,496
Likes: 30,783
From: Pennsylvania
1. Do your research on different options.
2. I would contact Fuel Moto, a sponsor here and discuss various options. https://www.fuelmotousa.com/
3. Might be cheaper and more reliable to buy a crate engine from S&S depending on your needs and wants. https://www.sscycle.com/search/?category=1%7CEngines
4. May want to consider what else will need to be upgraded, clutch, compensator, etc. as you go down the rabbit hole.
5. If you have the tools, knowledge and equipment - go for it.
NOTE:
The above information, while credible, is worth what you paid for it and should not be considered gospel.
Do due diligence, research and have a H-D Field Service Manual before working on your bike.
You will probably have many opinions and suggestions presented; make sure you research the person providing the helpful information as there are some who provide good information that is useful and some who speak out of other orifices with gibberish. You will figure out this quickly.
2. I would contact Fuel Moto, a sponsor here and discuss various options. https://www.fuelmotousa.com/
3. Might be cheaper and more reliable to buy a crate engine from S&S depending on your needs and wants. https://www.sscycle.com/search/?category=1%7CEngines
4. May want to consider what else will need to be upgraded, clutch, compensator, etc. as you go down the rabbit hole.
5. If you have the tools, knowledge and equipment - go for it.
NOTE:
The above information, while credible, is worth what you paid for it and should not be considered gospel.
Do due diligence, research and have a H-D Field Service Manual before working on your bike.
You will probably have many opinions and suggestions presented; make sure you research the person providing the helpful information as there are some who provide good information that is useful and some who speak out of other orifices with gibberish. You will figure out this quickly.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
Talk to Fuel Moto and Scott at Hillside. Either one of those places will fix you up with what you want instead of going with a one-size-fits-all approach that some vendors produce.
This is after careful consideration of what your riding style might be.
Good luck with the build and let us know what direction you decide on.
This is after careful consideration of what your riding style might be.
Good luck with the build and let us know what direction you decide on.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 2,948
Likes: 996
From: Winnipeg
As said reach out to Fuelmoto. Very receptive and knowledgeable peeps. They can explain and provide exactly what you need with incredible after sale service. They also supply the how to videos to tackle it yourself. Don’t confuse yourself with thinking you know what you need or don’t need. Consult a pro! Talk to Fuelmoto!! You won’t regret it.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,774
Likes: 2,606
From: san antonio
Don't disagree with any of the previous posts but will add my comments.
1. Get the service manual for your bike and understand "special tools" or work arounds for certain tasks. Read the appropriated sections to understand the work steps.
2. Either of the shops recommended can provide the necessary machine work, pistons with rings gapped for a 98" configuration. Send them your cylinders to bore and fit pistons to send back to you.
3. The cam chest upgrade to hydro tensioners/roller chains is certainly an option but the OEM cam plate and oil pump is more than adequate for the application. The inner and outer cam bearings should be replaced as well as the tensioners which can be replaced with a set of CYCO tensioners. Just a matter of where the OP wants to spend money.
4. Forget the Woods TW6 cam; discuss cam selection with whichever shop is selected.
5.Replace the lifters with a set from WFO Larry, AKA Larry's Machine
6. Adjustable push rods most likely will be required as well as the correct tubes to make adjusting push rods easier. S&S is the popular choice; I have had good luck with the HD Quick Install Tapered push rods which come with tubes, clips and o-rings.
7. Seriously consider head work; discuss with the selected shop. JMHO but spending on head work makes more sense, to me, than the cam chest upgrade to the S&S kit.
The OP did not mention intake and exhaust, both are important to achieved the 100HP goal. 100HP can be achieved with a 98" motor; mine makes 115TQ/115HP.
1. Get the service manual for your bike and understand "special tools" or work arounds for certain tasks. Read the appropriated sections to understand the work steps.
2. Either of the shops recommended can provide the necessary machine work, pistons with rings gapped for a 98" configuration. Send them your cylinders to bore and fit pistons to send back to you.
3. The cam chest upgrade to hydro tensioners/roller chains is certainly an option but the OEM cam plate and oil pump is more than adequate for the application. The inner and outer cam bearings should be replaced as well as the tensioners which can be replaced with a set of CYCO tensioners. Just a matter of where the OP wants to spend money.
4. Forget the Woods TW6 cam; discuss cam selection with whichever shop is selected.
5.Replace the lifters with a set from WFO Larry, AKA Larry's Machine
6. Adjustable push rods most likely will be required as well as the correct tubes to make adjusting push rods easier. S&S is the popular choice; I have had good luck with the HD Quick Install Tapered push rods which come with tubes, clips and o-rings.
7. Seriously consider head work; discuss with the selected shop. JMHO but spending on head work makes more sense, to me, than the cam chest upgrade to the S&S kit.
The OP did not mention intake and exhaust, both are important to achieved the 100HP goal. 100HP can be achieved with a 98" motor; mine makes 115TQ/115HP.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,496
Likes: 30,783
From: Pennsylvania
Delete. Was going to say tuner, but the 2003 is carbed, may require different jetting.
Last edited by CoolBreeze3646; Mar 1, 2024 at 11:50 AM.
Trending Topics
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,774
Likes: 2,606
From: san antonio
@meetball03 You have double posted here and the the Twin Cam Motors section, exactly the same post. I will delete one but give you the choice of which to delete. I suggest that you keep this one since you have more replies and all from knowledgeable members. Only 2 replies on the other and one of them is from Rounders but your call; one of them has to go.
Last edited by djl; Mar 1, 2024 at 07:13 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,095
Likes: 7,622
From: Poolville
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,899
Likes: 8,006
From: poway
And ignition.. From the other post.
You will need a better set of heads (ported), a programmable ignition and air cleaner. CR set to 10.3-5 to 1 It will be easier with a mikuni carb.