Engine Flash Upgrade

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Oct 6, 2007 | 11:05 AM

lencap

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 227

Likes: 12

From: North Carolina

Engine Flash Upgrade

I just had my '07 Softail Deluxe engine management softward updated at the HD dealer as part of HD's free "upgrade". Dealer claims it will make the engine appear to have more torque, and should reduce overheating in hot weather (less of an issue now than a few months ago). They also installed the updated battery box, an outstanding recall that I never addressed.

What has your experience been with the engine software update? Anything I should look for?

Thanks

Oct 6, 2007 | 12:40 PM

sonar_chris

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 2,780

Likes: 5

From: San Diego

RE: Engine Flash Upgrade

The ECM flash makes the A/F ratio in your motor a little richer so that it will run cooler. You may feel a little more torque and horse power but its not going to be very much. If you want the most power for your money, get a new air cleaner, a set of pipes or new slipons and either a power commander or a SERT. I believe the factory A/F ratio is about 14.7 to 1 and optimal is around 13.5 to 1. With the new fuel management system you can tune your bike to get about 10-15 hp and torque more over stock. This will be the most power you get for the money you spend. This is also called stage 1 upgrade.

Chris

Oct 6, 2007 | 01:05 PM

shovel52

Cruiser

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 159

Likes: 34

RE: Engine Flash Upgrade

I rode up to Benson's in Muncie this morning from Indianapolis and had my '07 Deuce flashed. I don't have any modifications other than SE slip-ons. I can say that in the 50 mile ride home, the engine seems to be more level on the power curve. It seems to not have the jerky little stuff at slow speeds and it seems to idle a little smoother. I can't really judge it too much because I rode my '79 shovel last night and the Deuce runs like a Cadillac by comparison. LOL. Ken

Oct 6, 2007 | 02:58 PM

lencap

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 227

Likes: 12

From: North Carolina

RE: Engine Flash Upgrade

Thanks for the info, very helpful. Sonar - my brother was a chief on a boomer for many years - pretty tough duty being closed off for so long. I had a tour on his sub - The George Washington Carver - when it was being refit years ago - it amazes me how efficient space usage is on a sub. I also never realized that you "hot bed" your sleeping quarters. Mighty amazing - more people should know about how hard the job is. Is your insignia a sonar specialist?

Shovel - I thought I noticed the same changes, but after only 30 miles I wasn't sure if I imagined the changes, or if they are real. I'll know more soon enough.

Thanks again.

Oct 6, 2007 | 03:58 PM

shovel52

Cruiser

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 159

Likes: 34

RE: Engine Flash Upgrade

After it drops below 90 this evening, I am going to get out and go through my regular trek and see if it was my imagination too. Mine has started funny since it was new, and seems to be better. Heck, I liked it before. I think the compensator is what sounds off. If it retards the timing just a bit for starting will be a real help I imagine. Full reports expected from us all. Ken

Oct 6, 2007 | 10:11 PM

lencap

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 227

Likes: 12

From: North Carolina

RE: Engine Flash Upgrade

Just came back from a 35 mile ride. Seems to me that the bike idles a bit better, has less hesitation from a dead stop, and has a bit more aggressive nature as the revs pick up. Haven't noticed any difference in heat managment - didn't idle long enough in traffic, and the air temp was in the 70's, not enough to feel a lot of heat from the engine.

Are my impressions typical?

Thanks

Oct 6, 2007 | 10:39 PM

In Memoriam Citoriplus

May our Moderator Rest in Peace

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 11,386

Likes: 35

From: Rochester, NY

RE: Engine Flash Upgrade

Sounds about right to me. I had mine done way back in January and its run virtually perfect ever since.
Its still bunch warmer than I would like, but going to the stage 1 AC,exhaust, and map change should bring that down a bit more.