air cleaner question
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1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: South Carolina
air cleaner question
I have a 2007 Ultra, all stock. My air cleaner needs changing, and I'm wondering if an SE air cleaner would do anything to change the performance. I'm pretty satisfied to leave it stock for now but would like rather not spend the cash on a stock filter if I decide to upgrade later. Thanks!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Welcome to HDF from the UK.
On its own it might improve performance a little, but will give you more performance along with other mods, such as mufflers or a complete exhaust system. Read this note about modifying EFI bikes, to get a better understanding on making changes that can alter the way your bike runs.
Also spend a little time in here and read through some of the following threads, to get an idea of what will definitely improve performance! Cams, higher compression ratio, ported heads, more cubic inches, replacement engines......
On its own it might improve performance a little, but will give you more performance along with other mods, such as mufflers or a complete exhaust system. Read this note about modifying EFI bikes, to get a better understanding on making changes that can alter the way your bike runs.
Also spend a little time in here and read through some of the following threads, to get an idea of what will definitely improve performance! Cams, higher compression ratio, ported heads, more cubic inches, replacement engines......
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 184
From: Indiana, USA
1 big difference in the stock air cleaner and the SE Stage I backplate and air cleaner is the throat diameter.
Stock and or K&N Replacement - Has a sheet metal tube extending from the rear that pushes into the OE backplate and enters the throttle body inside diameter essentially reducing the throttle body bore inside diameter.
SE Stage I - Has a new flat cast backplate with a radiused hole through that is a little larger than the throttle body and theoretically the radius will enhance flow. The New filter fits the same as the old S&S teardrop which is a large diameter flat against the back plate.
Summary - Increased Throttle body = more air flow which will help with the TQ & HP up to the Rev Limit but as grbrown states, to fully utilize will require slip ons and a tuner.
Stock and or K&N Replacement - Has a sheet metal tube extending from the rear that pushes into the OE backplate and enters the throttle body inside diameter essentially reducing the throttle body bore inside diameter.
SE Stage I - Has a new flat cast backplate with a radiused hole through that is a little larger than the throttle body and theoretically the radius will enhance flow. The New filter fits the same as the old S&S teardrop which is a large diameter flat against the back plate.
Summary - Increased Throttle body = more air flow which will help with the TQ & HP up to the Rev Limit but as grbrown states, to fully utilize will require slip ons and a tuner.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 184
From: Indiana, USA
Some on the site would suggest gutting your headpipe. I chose not to simply because my home state can revert back to vehicle inspections at any time. I still have my OE headpipes with cat, Mufflers and in a couple hrs can install if necessary to test.
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1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: South Carolina
I'm getting some mixed opinions locally. I spoke with the service manager at the HD stealer and he said it would cause it to run too lean and hot. A local tuner said I could use a K&N or an Arlen Ness Big Sucker alone without going to a Stage 1 mod and it wouldn't cause a lean condition because the EFI system can compensate for up to a 15% more or less change in airflow from original specs. I haven't seen any mention of lean condition/heat increase on this thread. What has been your experience in this?
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1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5
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From: South Carolina
Just read the link on grbrown's post, and it makes me wary of changing anything without going all in on a Stage 1 mod. I guess I'll just install a new stock filter until I can afford to go further.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
This subject is one of the most misunderstood and misrepresented on HDF! The myths abound on just what the stock engine management software can actually do. At its heart it is there to comply with EPA regulations. It is not a tuning aid! It adjusts for very hot through to very cold weather, desert dry to the heaviest rain, sea level to mountain tops, so of course it can adapt. I have never seen anything from a reputable source that describes just what goes on in its electronic brain.
On the other hand there is a wide range of add-on electronic tuning devices available, each with its own marketting stuff and supporters. Which of them gives us good value for money AND enables the best tuning to be achieved is something of a minefield! Getting an honest view of this whole scenario is very difficult.
As an engineer I have never modified a bike without taking corrective action. On older carb bikes that, as a minimum, involves adjusting the carb and changing jets, checking ignition timing. Most of that could be done with one screwdriver!
Modern vehicles have their fuelling and ignition timing optimised for environmental purposes and my fellow engineers do their best to give us great bikes. However on the one hand new vehicles in general are becoming more complex, to meet EPA regulations and so we can still buy them, but on the other hand are also getting further away from backyard tuning fixes. A screwdriver is no longer adequate!
The first decision we each have to make is: shall I set out to do things properly, or just try a backyard fix?
On the other hand there is a wide range of add-on electronic tuning devices available, each with its own marketting stuff and supporters. Which of them gives us good value for money AND enables the best tuning to be achieved is something of a minefield! Getting an honest view of this whole scenario is very difficult.
As an engineer I have never modified a bike without taking corrective action. On older carb bikes that, as a minimum, involves adjusting the carb and changing jets, checking ignition timing. Most of that could be done with one screwdriver!
Modern vehicles have their fuelling and ignition timing optimised for environmental purposes and my fellow engineers do their best to give us great bikes. However on the one hand new vehicles in general are becoming more complex, to meet EPA regulations and so we can still buy them, but on the other hand are also getting further away from backyard tuning fixes. A screwdriver is no longer adequate!
The first decision we each have to make is: shall I set out to do things properly, or just try a backyard fix?
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