88 vs 96
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 960
Likes: 90
From: SE WI
88 vs 96
Anybody got experience with each of these engines? (Preferably on the same model, but okay if not...) How do they compare? Performance, mpg, sound, etc., etc., any other points to note?
Gracias,
TLM
Gracias,
TLM
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
really they are close, the 8ci's dont make that much difference...till U get rid of the epa stuff. sound the same or close, mph +-1-2 from42.
88's have the tensioners that need replaced where they fixed that on the 96's
Six gear is nice after U stg1 and cam her.....worthless before on heavier bikes and 2up
88's have the tensioners that need replaced where they fixed that on the 96's
Six gear is nice after U stg1 and cam her.....worthless before on heavier bikes and 2up
Last edited by oct1949; Dec 26, 2009 at 03:10 PM. Reason: spelling
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 360
Likes: 37
From: canada
A done up 96" is better than a stock 96". I say that because I went from a stock 88" to a done up 95" and I beat my buddies with their stock 96's no problem. I just wish I had the dough to go to a well built 103" or 110". If you want to make the jump but stay stock, 103" is the way to go.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 572
Likes: 6
From: Ft. Worth, Texas
I like the 96's simply because you start out with a bigger engine and a 6 speed tranny. Now, with that being said the stock 96's are a pretty poor performer and they run hotter than the 88's. As stated above an 88 punched out to 95 will tear a stock 96 a new hole. The good thing is that once you do the big bore on the 96 and get 103 cubes out of it with some gear driven cams you will be able to outrun most 95's without a problem.
If you get a 96 and dont plan on doing performance upgrades or even if you do the first thing to put on it is a Power Commander to richen up the A/F ratio. That will help with the hotter running engine
If you get a 96 and dont plan on doing performance upgrades or even if you do the first thing to put on it is a Power Commander to richen up the A/F ratio. That will help with the hotter running engine
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 2
From: Crosswicks, Dirty Jersey
One other thing that makes a big difference in my eyes is the drive ratio is beefed up on the 96. I will look in my tech books to find the numbers but i know for a fact that they are different. And anybody who understands about Primary, Trans, and Final drive ratios will know that they can make a big difference when it comes to launch and top end.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,932
Likes: 32
From: Broomfield, CO
really they are close, the 8ci's dont make that much difference...till U get rid of the epa stull. sound the same or close, mph +-1-2 from42.
88's have the tensioners that need replaced where they fixed that on the 96's
Six gear is nice after U stg1 and cam her.....worthless before on heavier bikes and 2up
88's have the tensioners that need replaced where they fixed that on the 96's
Six gear is nice after U stg1 and cam her.....worthless before on heavier bikes and 2up
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,870
Likes: 499
From: Alberta
I've got an '01 FXDXT that WAS an 88; wife has an '08 FXDL that's been "stage one'd". I found the 96 smoother and quieter than an 88; a bit better torque, too. Having said that, my 88 is now a 103 and there is no comparison for power, economy or smoothness. My 103 is of course stronger, but her 96 is way more civilized in every other way. I think she used 6th gear across Montana this summer on the way to Sturgis...other than that we don't find it usefull.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,095
Likes: 0
From: clearwater, fl
had '07 road king with the 96 6 speed and now have an '05 electra glide with the 88. i wouldnt trade my 05 for another '07 for anything. i feel there is better take off torque on the 88 than there was on the 96. but i do miss the 6 speed.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,279
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From: Union Bridge, MD
have had both on FLHT's, one an '05 88" and the other an '07 96". All things being equal, I much prefer the 96" even though the 07 is not geared properly (66 tooth rear sprocket). Plus with a big bore kit you're at a 103!!