Is Big Bore Kit really worth it?
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Florida
Is Big Bore Kit really worth it?
I can't afford to change the cams right now, so I'm thinking about doing just the Big Bore, changing cams a couple of years down the road. Dealer has a standing price of $1,000 for the Big Bore conversion. My '06 Heritage has the 88 engine, the last year before they went to the 96.
Has anybody had this done, either 88 to 96 or higher? Is it worth the money? Could you really tell the difference?
Thanks for any input...
Has anybody had this done, either 88 to 96 or higher? Is it worth the money? Could you really tell the difference?
Thanks for any input...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 7
From: TEXAS
I have an 88ci and a 96ci but not the big bore. I can tell you that the 96 can run off and leave the 88 at least 2 to 1 (not quite) in speed and power from 0 to 100mph. They both top out at about 112 to 115mph.
Oh, the 96 has stage 1 and the 88 has PC 3
Oh, the 96 has stage 1 and the 88 has PC 3
Last edited by JIMSFBL; Apr 29, 2011 at 02:45 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 276
Likes: 1
Well, don't want to argue with your seat of the pants dyno, but the real one doesn't show a huge improvement, (my opinion). You are going to need to cam bearing and tensioners anyway at some point, so do the cams. You can do the job with new bearings, new tensioners and cams for less than $400.00
Last edited by 98fat; Apr 29, 2011 at 03:36 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 712
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From: Punta Gorda, Florida
If I could only do a cam or big bore, I would do the cam. Reason being a cam change would be cheaper and you'd probably gain more in performance. You can pick up an Andrews cam, 21 or 26, SE 204 or cam of your choice for around $300 plus adjustable pushrods $100-$200, gaskets, o-rings,B-148 inner bearings and oil another $60. Add in 2 tensioners depending on the mileage on your bike, another $110. There are some good cam change threads on here with pics that explain the process, tools and parts needed: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...-write-up.html On the other hand,if you do a big bore, since your heads are off, they should be sent out for a basic p&p, cc & decking. To me it doesn't make any sense to take your top end apart and not do any head work. If you're willing to tackle the job yourself, you could do cams, big bore and send the heads to Hillside or BigBoyz for basic cc and decking of the heads for around $1300 +/-. I know that's more than the grand you quoted. You can get discounted parts from several vendors, Zanotti's being one.If you have a stock carb and decent intake, you'd be good to go with a jet change and a/f adjust. EFI, you'd need fuel management which would drive up the cost. There's a discussion of this very topic here:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...he-95-kit.html
Good luck. JMHO.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...he-95-kit.html
Good luck. JMHO.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Florida
Man, that's good stuff, especially the day by day, blow by blow description of changing cams. I would think seriously of doing the work myself, but I probably won't in the end. I do most of my routine maintenance, but I know my limitations and I'm too old to learn new tricks.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,664
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From: P.E.I. Canada
I would do cams over big bore for sure. Very little difference over my bike, or a 96 with cams. Seems odd that cams would cost more than a big bore kit.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 333
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From: TX
I debated it also but my bike was lacking in highway passing. I went with the stage II (w/cams) and it sure woke it up. I am 100% pleased that I got it now. Getting around tractor-trailers on the highway is nothing now. Hell at 70mph passing 18 wheelers I look back down and I'm already at +100mph. From what I remember getting a big bore with cams wasn't much more than without cams.
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
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I put SE 255s in my 09 Fatboy and it woke it up
I am not saying the 255s are the best cams but i happened to have a set laying around I bought last year
It was a noticeable difference
Thats they way they should be stock
I would suggest cam change first
Woods 555 would be they way I would go now
Contact Hillside
103 is next on my list as Ialready have a set of new takeoff cylinders
I am not saying the 255s are the best cams but i happened to have a set laying around I bought last year
It was a noticeable difference
Thats they way they should be stock
I would suggest cam change first
Woods 555 would be they way I would go now
Contact Hillside
103 is next on my list as Ialready have a set of new takeoff cylinders
