Engine Upgrade Questions
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 90
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From: Fort Benning GA
Engine Upgrade Questions
Hey fellas.
I'm new to Harley's and have a question. What is the best way to start upgrading the engine on my 2005 Nightrain FSXTB? I have a Big Sucker and Short Shots on it now and want to see more throughout the power band. I would like more low end. I know cams are good but I am not sure which ones would suit me best. What about upgrading the other internals? Im open to any suggestions.
Thanks
I'm new to Harley's and have a question. What is the best way to start upgrading the engine on my 2005 Nightrain FSXTB? I have a Big Sucker and Short Shots on it now and want to see more throughout the power band. I would like more low end. I know cams are good but I am not sure which ones would suit me best. What about upgrading the other internals? Im open to any suggestions.
Thanks
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 712
Likes: 55
From: Punta Gorda, Florida
2 important criteria missing from your question, budget and riding style. Unlimited budget, the sky's the limit (for a Harley). If you have a $1000.00 budget, then we need to know who's doing the work, you or a shop.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 2
From: New Hampshire
RoadKingHarry is spot on.
Do you want to do it all at once or in incremental steps?
On any "off the line" HD the air cleaner (AC) and ECU are the number one performance restrictions - IMHO. You already have the big sucker but have you have the ECU remapped to better feed fuel. Since I have no plans at this time for cams, head work or a big bore kit. I just went with a Fuel Moto PowerCommand III and left it at that.
Do you want to do it all at once or in incremental steps?
On any "off the line" HD the air cleaner (AC) and ECU are the number one performance restrictions - IMHO. You already have the big sucker but have you have the ECU remapped to better feed fuel. Since I have no plans at this time for cams, head work or a big bore kit. I just went with a Fuel Moto PowerCommand III and left it at that.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,337
Likes: 4
From: Sunny South Florida
I would say first and foremost you need a tuner. Without a good tuner, none of your changes make a difference.
Then depending on budget, a big bore with heads and cams will get you what you want.
Then depending on budget, a big bore with heads and cams will get you what you want.
Back in '07 my '05 Train became ill with the infamous valve seal issue. Those were covered under warranty, but I figured since they were tinkering around in the engine, I might as well do some mods. After going back and forth between all the options, I finally decided to NOT do the big bore, but go with cams and some machine work instead. I had .036 shaved off the heads, port work, adjustable pushrods, high comp valve springs and Crane 310-2 cams. At the time, I already had the stage 1, Power Commander and V&H shortshots. It was a completely different bike when I got it back. It now has tons of power pretty much through the whole range, with a bunch of low end get-up-n-go (last dyno was 95T, 90hp) Total cost was somewhere around the $1200 range. I've put about 25,000 miles on it since, with no issues at all. The top end is a bit noisy, but I don't mind it one bit, the lope of the exhaust note more than makes up for it!
P.S. Might also cost you a new rear tire, it's really easy to roast 'em!
P.S. Might also cost you a new rear tire, it's really easy to roast 'em!
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 712
Likes: 55
From: Punta Gorda, Florida
EFI or carb? Not sure if FXSTB indicates EFI. With a new breather and exhaust there should be a tuner on it already, unless of course he or the previous owner got a reflash somewhere along the line.
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Fort Benning GA
It's carbed. I do think I am going to go the route that J did on his 05. $1200 is within my price range and I want to get most of it done in one sitting. Especially since it is summer and the weather is just right. Thanks guys!
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 712
Likes: 55
From: Punta Gorda, Florida
Good way to go and a good price for a 20 HP upgrade.Good thing about the cam and head work only is there's virtually no break-in period. If you don't know a good wrench and machine shop down there, post it here on the forum.
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