88 vs. 96
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,722
Likes: 5
From: Biddeford, Maine
RE: 88 vs. 96
Basically the only big difference is the 96" motor is a stroked 88".....that's how they gained the 8".
There are other smaller differences......but that is the big one.
Both are solid reliable motors........and it's hard to say if one is really better then the other.
Steve
There are other smaller differences......but that is the big one.
Both are solid reliable motors........and it's hard to say if one is really better then the other.
Steve
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 12,084
Likes: 829
RE: 88 vs. 96
As Steve has mentioned, the additional cubes come from the stroke.
It is a very straightfoward way to increased torque, and has been done for many, many, years in the performance market, as S&S was contracted by Harley to develop the 80" Shovel, from it's smaller counterpart, the 74" engine.
Also on the 96", the heads seem to be a better casting than the 05's and earlier 88" powerplants.
The 6th gear, is without a doubt a worthless addition, as the OEM engine cannot pull it.
Once you step it up to a good, strong, torquey, 103", or more,then that gear actually becomes useful.
So to answer your question, the 96" set-up is a better mousetrap.
It is a very straightfoward way to increased torque, and has been done for many, many, years in the performance market, as S&S was contracted by Harley to develop the 80" Shovel, from it's smaller counterpart, the 74" engine.
Also on the 96", the heads seem to be a better casting than the 05's and earlier 88" powerplants.
The 6th gear, is without a doubt a worthless addition, as the OEM engine cannot pull it.
Once you step it up to a good, strong, torquey, 103", or more,then that gear actually becomes useful.
So to answer your question, the 96" set-up is a better mousetrap.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
RE: 88 vs. 96
Which 88??? The '06 has the best heads of the 88's, and a larger EFI throttle body which are pluses for engine mods. The '05 88 head hasa valve seal issue that the MOCO had to fix for customers.
The 96, because of the4.375" crank makes muchbetter torque, especially with bolt in cams, than the 88, but also has negative deck height due to HD's use of a slightly shorter rod andthe crank may be a weak link if you want a high compression and/or larger displacement build.
If you wanted to do a 110" or larger performance motor, then there isn't much difference because you end up changing pretty much everything in the motor anyway.
The 96, because of the4.375" crank makes muchbetter torque, especially with bolt in cams, than the 88, but also has negative deck height due to HD's use of a slightly shorter rod andthe crank may be a weak link if you want a high compression and/or larger displacement build.
If you wanted to do a 110" or larger performance motor, then there isn't much difference because you end up changing pretty much everything in the motor anyway.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 741
Likes: 11
From: West Central WI
RE: 88 vs. 96
I wouldn't say the 6th gear was useless, maybe for most riders it is just not practical, for long interstate riding it will work great even in a stock bike, but hell, who wants a stock bike anyway. As for the original question, it's like asking if the 350 or 400 Chevy is better, each has its advantages but in the end, all else being equal, cubic inches always wins the HP/torque war, whether it's done through bigger stroke, bigger bore, or both. Now, if you are speaking of reliability, both the 88 and the 96 each have been known to have strengths and weaknesses all their own.
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Stage II
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2
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RE: 88 vs. 96
Having had both, in my experience my 96" runs much smoother than the 88". Just my opinion
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Banned
Joined: Apr 2007
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From:
RE: 88 vs. 96
have n't riddin 96 ci.I agree the bigger crank makes for good start to more power. extra stroke always gives more torque.ad bigger pistons,bigger cams, bigger heads,bigger throttle body and new exhaust then your ready to stretch that 6th gear out.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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RE: 88 vs. 96
I did not mis-spell. Watch closely again. #6 gear in a bonestock bike, 2-up,could not pull a baby carriage down the road, correctly.
Not justfloat down the interstate,(a moped is capable of that)HOPING that you won't encounter a grade of any kind, then need to downshift, while mom and the kids wax you, in the hammer lane, in their Kia.
I'm talking about aMAN'S motorcycle. The kind we are used to building at our shop. Thanks for your concern in regards to our health, Mr. Voodoo.
Not justfloat down the interstate,(a moped is capable of that)HOPING that you won't encounter a grade of any kind, then need to downshift, while mom and the kids wax you, in the hammer lane, in their Kia.
I'm talking about aMAN'S motorcycle. The kind we are used to building at our shop. Thanks for your concern in regards to our health, Mr. Voodoo.