Engine Upgrade?

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Feb 16, 2012 | 06:49 PM

#21

JohnC FXDX

Road Master

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 1,016

Likes: 3

From: West New york, NJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ockam

I definitely don't disagree about a customized "95 over a stock big bore in performance. My point was really more along the lines of deferring the investment and eventually customizing the bigger engine for more bang in the long run. basically, you can upgrade an old engine now, or buy a newer bike with an even bigger engine and customize it down the road.

Then that defeats the point of it being worth the extra money. I don't know how much he is going to spend on re-chroming and such, but if he is doing the labor other than machining, it will only cost in the $1500 range to do a 98" big bore. If he wants to keep it torquey, it will still excede 100hp at the wheels. If he wants to go for a little more rpm, he could go 110+ at the wheels. The problem with the factory big bore is that it will cost more to go past 107" and cost just as much as the 98" to get there. No savings.

Feb 16, 2012 | 11:19 PM

#22

airdog1023

Thread Starter

Novice

Joined: Jan 2012

Posts: 20

Likes: 0

From: South Texas

Thanks again for all the great advice! I'm not too worried about the resale value of the bike because I will never be parting with this one. Not only was it my first Harley, but it was a 1 yr anniversary present from my girlfriend (at the time, now my wife). Hopefully I will be able to give this bike to my son one day. Although, I would like to add a Street Glide to the family in a year or two for some two-up riding.

Does it make a difference on the brand of pushrods and lifters or are they all pretty much the same?

Feb 17, 2012 | 08:42 AM

#23

05RKCRider

Cruiser

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 149

Likes: 1

From: Randleman, NC

I did a basic motor upgade, like what you're doing, orginally & thought it ran great but when I finally did the big bore, heads, cams, etc. with the help of someone who listened to what I wanted (torque) & knew motor builds I was blown away by the results. Work with someone who knows motors AND can do the math to show you how motor combos will work BEFORE spending your hard earned bucks & not a parts swapper. I've done 115 mph & it was still pulling hard....my only bitch is now is rear tire mileage sucking....but it's a good bitch. ;-)

Feb 17, 2012 | 08:57 AM

#24

bigalv63

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 409

Likes: 0

From: Tucson,Arizona

I have the dealer upgrade bike that I want when I buy it brand new....and never regretted the decision to upgrade the motor.....I have the 103 Stage 2 with cams in my 11 RK and it is all I need...also, had my mechanic put the Wild Chubby 10" ers on and love them too. I say Go For It....you will like the upgrade.

Feb 19, 2012 | 07:30 AM

#25

2d3k2h

Cruiser

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 214

Likes: 0

From: Rocky Mount ,Va

Upgrades

I have an 06 Sg....gift from my mother when she passed.......I have a small fortune tied up in it.Will I ever sell it????? Hell No......I just keep making it better for ME,maybe this is your first bike; maybe not. take your time read,ask questions,research,research.My wife always asks why do you spend so much on one thing then need to buy something else to make the first thing work....sometime it just works out that way.Spend wisely because at the end of the day you can only go so fast,and huge doesn't always mean better.

Feb 19, 2012 | 10:43 AM

#26

BUZZARD II

Road Master

Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 916

Likes: 12

From: NoVA

From another point of view, I've had, 74 inch shovel, 80 inch Evo and now a 96 inch TC. These cover 33 years of Harley motors. None have been all that much faster than another or "pull harder". The fact is I've had ten other bikes in the garage over the years with the Harleys. All of those bikes were much faster than any Harley.

What I'm saying is why make it something that it's not. You like your bike and say you plan on keeping it forever. Good. Find someone who really knows how to blueprint a motor not just add cams and cubic inches. The H-D dealership parts swapper will give you a little more power and a lot more heat. An honest to God machinest will give you a smooth running motor that gives power because of a lack of friction. That's the guy to advise you on pistons, cams, rods, etc.

Harley makes a poop load of money by selling more and more cubic inches. It's all marketing. Not a damn thing wrong with a blueprinted 74" shovel. That's my story and I'm stick'in to it.

Feb 19, 2012 | 11:27 AM

#27

airdog1023

Thread Starter

Novice

Joined: Jan 2012

Posts: 20

Likes: 0

From: South Texas

This is all great info! I guess my real question should be....

Does anybody know of a good motor mechanic in south Texas? And when I say "south Texas" I'm referring to the very bottom!

Feb 19, 2012 | 02:28 PM

#28

PPBART

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 3,906

Likes: 145

From: SE Louisiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pumba11

... Adding cams (and upgrading to the HD SE Hydraulic Cam Tensioners) to my 88" was the best money spent on my bike. My budget didn't allow for adding cubic inches, but the cams made a HUGE improvent in my bikes power and enjoyment factor...

What cams did you go with?