I am going to do a little winter upgrade and I am trying to decide if the stage 4 is worth the extra money any input would will help also I don't want to sacrifice dependability I do put on over 15k a year

 

There's a few threads on this. I went stage 3 based on usable power in the rpm band I ride in. If you spend a lot of time at or above 4500 stage 4 may fit you better. If you don't care about warranty go stage 4 with a stage 3 cam and aftermarket tuner for the best of both worlds.

Oops. Based on your reliability statement I guess warranty is important.

 

I still have 2 years of extended warranty left and I don't spend much time running above 4500 rpms

 

 

I did a 114 to 117 with all HD parts, mine is still covered by warranty????

 

Not sure if HD USA is offering the same deal as HD Canada but, if I have the Stage IV installed from 01 November to 31 December 2018 the upgrade is added to your extended warranty. That made my decision so much easier, I'll get the new oil pump and the top end power I sometimes like to use with the benefit of not fearing the loss of warranty. So I'm going to be good out to 2023.
You may want to ask if this is available?

 

 

I have decided on stage 3 the rpm range is better for me also s&s oil pump and cam plate , street tuner with smart tune

 

A good, solid, reliable 117" should lay down 130-135 hp, 135-140 ft/lbs.
4 in process at this point here.
Local client from the Elbridge, NY area, has a 117" that encroaches 145 hp, and circled the entire CONUS last year, pulling his trailer, as an example.
Only issue he had, was a voltage regulator failure in the intense Arizona summer heat.
All depends on who is building it, and what the client wants.
FWIW, we are an HD Extended Warranty Service Center.
Scott