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Anyone have experience with using factory big bore kit? Should the cylinders and new pistons sent to a machine shop first for fitment before install?
Anwer is yes but if you buy BB kit, get .010" OS pistons so the new cylinders can be bored/honed to fit. However, using your "seasoned" cylinders is best practice. As previously stated, buy the pistons have cylinders bored/honed to fit per specs; have rings gapped and marked front/rear. H-D BB kits are not matched sets; fitment is hit/miss, don't take chances.
Some dealers will check cylinder/piston fitment prior to assembly and will replace cylinders/pistons until fitment is correct; required torque plates. Some dealers don't even have torque plates and just bolt the new parts together.
No, I had an Indy do it. I've read that the factory fit is sloppy, yadda, yadda, yadda. But I'm didn't build a race bike. I bought the "kit" from Zanotti for 20% discount. Sold the A/C out of the kit for $100 in the classified section. I already had A/C from my stage I. All together, labor and material, I'm into it for $1800. That's the HD 95"kit and Andrews 26g cam. I think I got good bang for the buck.
Last edited by IAMSWUTIAMS; Oct 30, 2011 at 11:18 AM.
Anyone have experience with using factory big bore kit? Should the cylinders and new pistons sent to a machine shop first for fitment before install?
I used the BB kit on my '06 FXST. The correct procedure is to have the cylinders and pistons checked as djl has described. I rolled the dice on mine and just installed them as-is and it worked out. This is not recommended though. I installed the kit myself as well as an Andrews 26A cam and some other goodies last winter. Good winter project if you're so inclined and do the prep work. I bought my BB kit from Chicago HD because I have to pay sales tax if I buy from Zanotti's. I'm not sure if Chicago HD still gives the 20% discount though.
Edit: If I had to do it over again, I'd go to 98", send my cyclinders up to Hillside for boring and honing, and have them install the Wiseco pistons and rings before shipping back.
Last edited by roadkingharry; Oct 30, 2011 at 04:31 PM.
If you're talking to me, I wouldn't say yes, I'd say HELL YES ! Really good bang for your buck if you do the work yourself and include a cam,some headwork and a few other goodies.
Yep, I was talking to you, I will probably install 203 cams as I already own them. The bike has a tuner, Rineharts and a air cleaner so I have a good start.
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