depends on the budget.
really small budget: pipes+ac+xieds
medium budget: pipes+ac+tuner+dyno. But really at this point since you are forking out for the tuner+dyno, you may as well do the cams and dyno all together, therefore : pipes+ac+cams+tuner+dyno.
With pipes+ac+cams+tuner+dyno your 96" will be already a different beast and it will pull very very strong.

 

Pipes + Air Cleaner + Tuner = Happy

 

I didn't think 2009 models had the cat. Am I wrong?

Shakey

 

I hav an 08 Glide and the first mods I made were replacing the stock exhaust with Bub7 True Duals, replaced stock air cleaner with a Zippers Hi-Flow intake with K&N filter and installed a Power Commander with the correct map. Now, my stock chugger has great seat of the pants feel.

 

Pipes, air cleaner, tuner will be the cheapest way to get some noticeable power increases. From there on out it costs much more money.

103 kit = money
Head/valve work = money
Cams = money

Do all of the above, including the pipes and air cleaner may run you $6k+. Maybe $4k if you do all the work yourself.

You should be able to do the pipes, air cleaner and tune for under $1,500.

 

If you're gonna spend $6k why not buy a bolt in and go engine. 135 horse out of the box. Following is pulled from another site.

Man, I almost couldn't believe it-this new HD motor looks like a home run.
10.5 CR out of the box for pump gas, top of the line parts with a strong bottom end, almost pro level heads, 135 HP (and more with the optional 12-1 pistons), and a price point that is just incredible. Available as a complete crate motor from certain dealers for under 5k with discounts plus requires separate purchase of appropriate Screamin’ E agle
throttle body, high-flow injectors and a high-performance
clutch upgrade. Just add your choice of race exhaust, highflow
air cleaner, and tuning. ...then smoke all your friends...

I have been an S&S guy for years, but geez, this thing just rocks...

Screamin’ EagleŽ pro SE 20R High-
Performance Crate Motor
This track-ready 120 cubic inch Screamin’ E agleŽ Crate Motor
is waiting to provide a racing enthusiast the opportunity to
go racing at an affordable price. This engine is designed for
bolt-in installation in the Original Equipment-style chassis
of your track bike. No special fabrication or engine-mount
relocation is required. The crankcase, cylinders and heads
are painted black, and feature machined aluminum highlights
and chrome covers for a stunning “show-and-go” look.
When equipped with appropriate high-flow throttle body
and injectors, an open air induction, and tuned exhaust, this
engine is capable of producing a reliable 135+ horsepower
at the rear wheel.
Hand assembled alongside Harley-Davidson’s production
Twin Cam engines at the Pilgrim Road Engine Plant in
Milwaukee, these race-use engines feature only the finest
Screamin’ Eagle components:
• 4.060" big-bore cylinders.
• 4-5/8" stroke premium forged flywheels.
• 10.5:1 high-compression nickel-plated forged pistons with
T eflon coated skirts.
• Titanium SST piston rings.
• SE-266E high-lift cams.
• Perfect Fit push rods +.030.
• SE high-performance lifters.
• CNC-ported MVA heads with automatic
compression release.
• Machined lower rocker boxes for valve
spring collar clearance.
• Factory-machined engine cases.
• Unique piston oilers for stroker clearances.
• Screamin’ Eagle inner crankcase cam needle bearings.
• Lefty high-performance crankcase output bearing.
• High-performance torque response engine compensator.
• SE Performance Spark Plugs.
For race application only.

19220-11 Black & Chrome. $5,495.95
Fits ’06-later DynaŽ and ’07-later T ouring models.

19206-11 Black & Chrome. $5,795.95
Fits ’07-later SoftailŽ models.

 

If it doesn't have a cat where the hell is all that heat coming from? Sounds like the best route to go is the pipes, a/c and tuner. I see some of you have a Power Commander tuner. Is this what everyone recommends? Difficult to install?

 

I have an 08 Rocker that I bought new with the 96 inch. I know what yoy mean, stock it felt like it was being held back. I had American Custom Exhaust (site sponsor) core my muffs and put in better baffles (adjsutable flow and sound), then an open back, kn filter intake, then performance wires and iridium plugs and a Cobra 02 sensore efi module. Made a HUGE difference!!!!!!!!!! Did not break the bank either. American Custom were great and only 169 bucks! Good luck/ride safe.

 

The motor has got to breathe! 2-1 Exhaust system, Stage I, race tuner, then dyno. Cam is optional, but recommended. Maybe some head work. I wouldn't do more than that for the sake of reliability. Adding a set of $300 slip-ons and nothing else won't help much, but it will sound better.