Hey guys, So I'm trying to find out what my best route to go is. I just recently installed a Supertrapp Exhaust and SE heavy air breather on my '09 FXCWC. I have not yet taken it to HD to change the ECM on it, as the cost is 250.00. I know it has to be done but would buying a Fuel controller or Fuel Module be a better solution? I need some advice on what is the preferred one out on the market and also easy to use. Or would it be easier just to take it to HD?
Help and advice would greatly be appriecated.
Thanks

 

If you NEVER, NEVER change another thing on your engine I guess the Dealer is OK. Very expensive for 15 min of work I figure though. They will almost for sure put in a Canned Map, which will do OK, sort of, but really is just a good place to start for tuning. Harley spent a lot of time getting these canned maps but they are, in a general way, EPA compliant.

If you have the modivation to learn about things and are able to read instructions there are tuners out there that cost around 450-500 or so and can change anything you ever want on the ECM.

These are not add-on, they change the program in the ECM for the engine management.

I have TTS Mastertune and I believe the SEST, Screaming Eagle Super Tuner, is similar and I am sure by now there are others.

I say all this cause almost for sure you will think about some more engine work, (Cam, etc?) and there you are,-- back to the dealer.

 

Old Gunny .. or someone that can answer,

First off thanks for the advice. I have looked at the TTS and it seems it can do pretty much everything. But is it hard to use , and when you set it up did you ride your bike carrying your laptop in a pak or did you just have you bike lifted and run it?
With the cost of one of these I just do not want to get it and end up not having a clue at how to use it.
Thanks.

 

It IS a bit intimidating for sure. Also, you need to ride the bike with a laptop on board. If you were to decide that... as time goes along... you will continue to upgrade the engine... then the TTS IS the way to go.

With an A/C AND exhaust... you seriously need something to make the bike run better, as right now it will be running VERY lean AND hot... NOT GOOD. You need SOMETHING right now for that. The question is what 'something'.

In Agusta Maine is BigBoyzHead Porting and they ARE one of the top tuning sites in the US. You could take the TTS there if you cannot 'get it'.

One of the things that most bike owners don't realize is the HIDDEN costs of simple upgrades. Any bike after 2007, is EPA compliant, and changing ANYTHING means tuning is an issue. The problem with a download from a dealer is that download is also, by law, an EPA compliant tune and actually doesn't do much to help. That 'hidden cost' is ALWAYS going to be $400-600 for simple pipe and AC changes.

The least expensive solution for you would probably would be to find Fuel Motos site here on HDF and buy a PC3. You would give up some gas mileage, etc... but your Stage 1 (exhaust and A/C) would run OK.(since you have a softy/cable bike). They would supply a 'map' inside that could closely match your bike.... and you could fiddle with it a bit to better match your bike.

I'm NOT a fan of the cheaper DFOs... especially on 96" bikes.

Problem will be... if you REALLY think it's not enough, and you think you will WANT a cam change (a cam change will wake up the bike a bit for sure)... the TTS is the best choice. The PC3 is best for Stage 1s only. ANd buying the PC Vision or PC5 puts you in the range (price wise) to the TTS, and the TTS IS about the best going choice right now. The PC3 (and 5) remove the use of the O2 sensors... those sensors on a Stage 1 or 2 bike help you with keeping your bike running a bit smoother, unless you have a REAL tune done... the TTS KEEPS those O2s in 'play', like the stock configuration.

If you DO buy the TTS, shoot me a PM, and I will hook you up with a different web forum that would help hold your hand and get the TTS working for you. OK? If I can do it... so can you. There is quite a bit of learning curve to the MasterTune... But... with a stage1 like YOU have, the tuning would be very straight forward to do. The 'harder' tuning can await any further upgrades to the bike, and allows you to become comfortable with the 'tuning process' as you grow the bike.

There IS another choice.... the Rev Perfs EMS... that is where for like $600, you send in the ECM from your bike, Rev Perf installs a custom 'map', and they send it back.... in like a week or so. You install it on your bike and swap out your O2s for Rev Perfs O2s and your bike WILL run decently. No kidding...AND... NO 'tuning' on your part. there is simply NO way to 'tune' this EMS... all you do if you go bigger is send them the EMS back and a NEW 'map' will be installed for free. This is true 'plug and play'

I like the TTS the best, but this Rev Perf deal is looking to be OK in my book. You can PM me about THAT, too if you want.

PC3; EMS; or TTS is the three choices that I would personally recommend to you. With PC3 being a way distant third.

Old Gunny... thank you VERY much for the kind words in my behalf yesterday.

 

HD does have their "stage 1" map that they will download, and for what you have done, it will be close, but as others have said, if you do anything else in the future, you will have to eventually tune the bike.

TTS and SEST are very similar in capabilities and operation, both being Speed density systems, what is stock on the bike to begin with. If you want future capabilities, but are intimidated by TTS or SERT, there are many shops that can tune with these systems, but at a cost that is on top of the purchase of the tuning system.

Over the years, I have ran different systems, PC III, Daytona TCFI IID and now TTS. TTS was no harder to learn that the others and its capabilitites far surpass the others.

If you really are a wash it and ride it type, and don't plan a build in the future, the Stage 1 map will most likely suffice, but remember, this map is the same for any combination of pipes and air cleaners, so it is never spot on.

 

Well guys, that was all the info I needed thanks a bunch! . I just finished reading through most of the TTS guide on their website as well. I think I will be going for this setup. Like you all mentioned, down the road there cold be a possibility that I make more changes to my engine.
Once I get the TTS I will most likely PM ya's to get a few user tips!

Thanks again for your input on this. It makes a huge difference!

 

As Work said

Another thing to point out is the whole future of all this.

This Fuel Injection on these Harleys and almost every other kind of internal Combustion machine, be it Bike, or Auto Or Truck is pretty much the same.

This puts you back in the Saddle when the "check engine" light comes on the Wife's Honda Accord or Whatever.

Learn one, learn them all.

Very useful knowledge. Specially for young people.

 

Have you looked at the thunderMax? It is very easy to setup, and it autotunes, too. The guide is long, but if you go to youtube the have videos that walk you through the process of install and set up.

 

To a LOT of us... sorry to say the TMax is going BACKWARDS instead of going forward. The ECM on our bike has a 'speed density' system, which means it reads the LOAD placed upon the bike. TMax is Aplha-n-alpha and all it reads is throttle position-vs-rpm. So, if the bike is newer than an 07... I no longer recommend a Tmax.

To the OP... be sure to PM me when you get the TTS. Rules prohibit me saying what forum will help you with TTS on an open forum, but would be GLAD to PM you the info.

 

The dealer download will increase the rev limit and alter the timing tables slightly. Xieds can be bought for $100 and alter the O2 sensor signal, therefore forcing the ECM to deliver more fuel. Depends on how many more mods you want down the road... cams, etc...