I was going to do the screamin eagle slip ons before I leave the dealership Monday. Is that the way to go? What is stage I??????

 

I'm no expert, but I noticed nobody was responding. So I'll throw my .02 worth in.

Depending on how much volume of sound you like. You might not be too happy with the SE's. Harley has discontinued the louder ones of past and replaced them with much quieter ones. Do a little more homework on this first.
Stage 1 is a Computer software update for your bike and a new aircleaner. If your only doing pipes, more than likely its not nessessary to do the stage 1

 

I've seen a somewhat different explaination of what Stage I means although I personally think its an idiotic way to describe simple modifications to a motorcycle or anything else. What I've seen said that Stage I (and II) refer to bikes that have been modified by tuning and external changes rather than any internal modifications to the engine. So pipes, air intake, and software upgrades qualify as Stage one (minor) or Stage II, which I suppose would be more substantial in some way or another. Harley carries thissillynaming gamefarther of course because they are the ones who will do the flash on your ECM as its part of the "Stage" modifications.

In general it works like this. First off EPA rules, now and future, force emission and some day fuel economy standards on motor vehicles. The emission requirements are met most easily by causing vehicles to run somewhat lean (lots of air and little fuel). While this is good for emissions its not good for engines. Lean engines run hot and heat destroys engines. One of the things a Stage flash for the ECM will do is make the bike run a little richer (more air anda little more fuel). About the only really noticable effect of this to the rider will be reduced 'popping' on decelleration. If you had chromed pipes without heat shields you'd also notice that an engine that runs richer doesn't turn the pipes blue as badly.

When you change pipes and intake you do so with the hope that the new ones will allow a less restricted flow of air through your engine. That's what its all about. You buy improved intake systems (free flowing aircleaner for Stage I or II) to help get the air into the engine. You (pay the dealer to)flash the ECM to Stage I or II specsto increase the time the injectors remain open to get more fuel into the engine. You add appropriate pipes (and baffles) to allow the efficient evacuation of spent gasses from the engine. The entire package performs better than stock but generally with two costs. Putting more fuel into the engine means lessened fuel economy for the first one and of course you are crapping up the air a little bit more than you would have if you had left the engine alone for the second cost.

 

Generally, Stage 1 refers to high-flow air cleaner, free flowing pipes/slip-on mufflers and carb rejet/Fuel system remap.

Stage 2 encompasses the Stage 1 mods, and adds cams, headwork and big bore kit.

As for pipes or slip-ons, do search here, there is a TON of good info.

Cheers!
[sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif]

 

I say get a full system as opposed to slip on's. It will give more grunt, and will be louder. That and a big sucker or s/e a/f kit. That should do you. Add a pcIII or sert for tuning capability and you should be good for a while.

 

Thanks for the info anubisss. What is the cost on doing all that?