Will I need to tune?
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
From: Byron, MI
Will I need to tune?
I have a 2008 Heritage, which is currently stock.
I am thinking of getting some slip-ons, primarily for a little better/deeper sound. I was also thinking of getting a K&N filter for the stock air cleaner. I realize the K&N will have slightly better flow, but probably not much in the stock setup. I am primarily getting it so I can wash, re-oil and never have to buy another one.
Probably going with Vance & Hines 3" Twin Slash cuts. (unless someone can convince me of a better option)
I don't currently plan any other engine upgrades....
So can I get away without having to do anything with the ECM?
Thanks,
Brian
I am thinking of getting some slip-ons, primarily for a little better/deeper sound. I was also thinking of getting a K&N filter for the stock air cleaner. I realize the K&N will have slightly better flow, but probably not much in the stock setup. I am primarily getting it so I can wash, re-oil and never have to buy another one.
Probably going with Vance & Hines 3" Twin Slash cuts. (unless someone can convince me of a better option)
I don't currently plan any other engine upgrades....
So can I get away without having to do anything with the ECM?
Thanks,
Brian
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
From: Byron, MI
I am pretty much pleased with performance as-is....for now.
I just need to know if I "need" a tune with the setup suggested. I don't want to damage anything.
From what I read, doing slip-ons or an air cleaner (just one) is typically ok with the stock ECM, but not sure if I am pressing my luck with adding the K&N filter to the stock air cleaner.
If I really need to tune, what would be my best option knowing that I will not be doing anything else? Will the basic stage 1 dealer flash work for me? Do I really need to invest another $400+ on a tuner? Could I get away with just the SE Street Tuner, that may be doable.
I just don't see myself going nuts with this, and getting a tuner, dyno time, etc...
All for just wanting to add a little bit of rumble and the convenience of a cleanable replacement air filter element.
I just need to know if I "need" a tune with the setup suggested. I don't want to damage anything.
From what I read, doing slip-ons or an air cleaner (just one) is typically ok with the stock ECM, but not sure if I am pressing my luck with adding the K&N filter to the stock air cleaner.
If I really need to tune, what would be my best option knowing that I will not be doing anything else? Will the basic stage 1 dealer flash work for me? Do I really need to invest another $400+ on a tuner? Could I get away with just the SE Street Tuner, that may be doable.
I just don't see myself going nuts with this, and getting a tuner, dyno time, etc...
All for just wanting to add a little bit of rumble and the convenience of a cleanable replacement air filter element.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 669
From: The Rust Belt!
You should be fine. I just added slip ons only to my King and it runs fine! Its when you change to full exhaust and high flow air cleaner when you need to tune it up a bit to add more fuel so it dosent run lean. But getting a tune will help it run cooler and give it more power in the end. Harleys come somewhat lean from the factory to meet EPA regs.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,016
Likes: 277
From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon
I have a 2008 Heritage, which is currently stock.
I am thinking of getting some slip-ons, primarily for a little better/deeper sound. I was also thinking of getting a K&N filter for the stock air cleaner. I realize the K&N will have slightly better flow, but probably not much in the stock setup. I am primarily getting it so I can wash, re-oil and never have to buy another one.
Probably going with Vance & Hines 3" Twin Slash cuts. (unless someone can convince me of a better option)
I don't currently plan any other engine upgrades....
So can I get away without having to do anything with the ECM?
Thanks,
Brian
I am thinking of getting some slip-ons, primarily for a little better/deeper sound. I was also thinking of getting a K&N filter for the stock air cleaner. I realize the K&N will have slightly better flow, but probably not much in the stock setup. I am primarily getting it so I can wash, re-oil and never have to buy another one.
Probably going with Vance & Hines 3" Twin Slash cuts. (unless someone can convince me of a better option)
I don't currently plan any other engine upgrades....
So can I get away without having to do anything with the ECM?
Thanks,
Brian
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Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 16
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From: Byron, MI
Well that clears everything up...not 
So the consensus is;
- I should get a tune.
- It will be fine with what I plan to do as-is.
- I should get XIED's, and not worry about a tune, but leave off the K&N.
At least I have a clear direction now...anyone else willing to chine in, or provide some insight?
So the consensus is;
- I should get a tune.
- It will be fine with what I plan to do as-is.
- I should get XIED's, and not worry about a tune, but leave off the K&N.
At least I have a clear direction now...anyone else willing to chine in, or provide some insight?
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: NE Florida
This is the deal.
The bike in stock form is too lean. Even if you left it stock, it would still benefit from a tune. Read that as: The engine will last much longer and produce more power with a tune.
It's your call. At a very minimum, I'd add a Power Commander. Also, don't do things half-assed. If you're adding exhaust, add a breather.
The bike in stock form is too lean. Even if you left it stock, it would still benefit from a tune. Read that as: The engine will last much longer and produce more power with a tune.
It's your call. At a very minimum, I'd add a Power Commander. Also, don't do things half-assed. If you're adding exhaust, add a breather.
