there seems to be varying opinions on what defines a stage 1 build VS. stage 2,3, or stage 4009,etc...?!?!?
i may be opening pandora's box here,but what is the general definitions that determine one stage from another?
leftcoast carl.

 

The stages, or levels of that here, refer to our cylinder head modifications. Stage I, being basic head work, and Stage IV, is an OEM casting that will support a 124", without any problem.
Scott

 

Stage 1 = air cleaner, exhaust, and fuel adjustment
Stage 2 = stage 1 + cams
Stage 3 = stage 2 + heads

Big Bore doesn't count as a stage, and neither does a blower, turbo, or anything else.
The Moco offers a stage 4 package............still trying to figure out what that really is that makes it a stage 4.

Steve

 

That has always been my take on it.

 

like hillside,we list our head work in stages,alot of places do.we get guys all the time thinking its HD stuff.the stages differ with each company,but im sure their listed out on their site or catalog

 

My interpretation of a Stage 1 is it involves undoing some the noise and environmental restrictions imposed on Harleys (and all other vehicles). On my bikes I fitted a SE air filter, to replace the quiet stock airbox, fitted after-market mufflers to derestrict the exhaust a little, and (with carbs) rejetted them to give the motor better air/fuel ratio. On a EFI bike that requires adjusting the electronics. I would also include lowering overall gearing, as that is the easiest way to wake up a Harley, as the gearing is artificially raised to reduce engine speed at noise metering road speeds.

Stage 2 includes changing cams, in other words opening up the engine to change internal parts and Stage 3 is making more serious changes and substantially tuning the thing.

Added later: Several of us obviously wrote our replies at the same time!

 

all good info.
if i understand it correctly,the "stage blah,blah..." probably started as a way for salesmen or service guys to relay to their customers the various upgade options available to them.over time,other companies have adopted this basic description and use it as their own marketing descriptions,right?
thanks.
leftcoast carl

P.S.- based on this info,i'm currently paying for a stage 2.bigbore to 95",cams,true duals,racetuner,air breather and hydraulic cam.

 

I agree that all shops have different interpretations on this subject. Best to ask the shop that is being used what that interpretation is.

 

yes you are

 

Usually, when i read anything about stage 1 this, or stage 2 that, i hit the back button, its kinda like the old reference, 3/4 cam, ugh.