103 heads
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 79
Likes: 6
From: Cobleskill,New York
103 heads
I've been upgrading my 2010 96" Ultra over a few years, and would appreciate feedback on changing the heads to 103. Because I've done a couple upgrades at a time, each has brought a modest improvement that I sometimes consider that the cost might outweigh the end result, though at this point I think (or hope) if I rode the original 96 and the upgraded 96 I have now I'd see a significant difference. I have changed out/added-103 kit (jugs and pistons), Jackpot 2-1-2 Head pipe, Fatshot (Supertrapp) slip ons, Power Commander V, billet style air cleaner, Woods 555 cams(adjustable pushrods), had the bike dyno'd, and by the charts it's at 94 hp and torques at 106. I'm pretty content with the bikes performance, so for another $1300 for heads will I see bang for the buck? After riding a Rushmore in 2014 and a Milwaukee 8 last year, I am still more impressed with the torque I experienced there, and think maybe I should pass on the new heads.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 212
The 103" heads are essentially the same parts as the 96" heads. The bore was the only difference in that aspect.
I would spend that $1300 (or less often) on some good headwork, port/polish, maybe bigger valves, spring pack, etc. A lot of that power will come at the top end though, not so much low end.
I would spend that $1300 (or less often) on some good headwork, port/polish, maybe bigger valves, spring pack, etc. A lot of that power will come at the top end though, not so much low end.
Last edited by Scuba10jdl; Mar 21, 2018 at 08:13 AM.
The 103" heads are essentially the same parts as the 96" heads. The bore was the only difference in that aspect.
I would spend that $1300 (or less often) on some good headwork, port/polish, maybe bigger valves, spring pack, etc. A lot of that power will come at the top end though, not so much low end.
I would spend that $1300 (or less often) on some good headwork, port/polish, maybe bigger valves, spring pack, etc. A lot of that power will come at the top end though, not so much low end.
Ride safe!!
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 769
Likes: 375
From: Bay Area
I've been upgrading my 2010 96" Ultra over a few years, and would appreciate feedback on changing the heads to 103. Because I've done a couple upgrades at a time, each has brought a modest improvement that I sometimes consider that the cost might outweigh the end result, though at this point I think (or hope) if I rode the original 96 and the upgraded 96 I have now I'd see a significant difference. I have changed out/added-103 kit (jugs and pistons), Jackpot 2-1-2 Head pipe, Fatshot (Supertrapp) slip ons, Power Commander V, billet style air cleaner, Woods 555 cams(adjustable pushrods), had the bike dyno'd, and by the charts it's at 94 hp and torques at 106. I'm pretty content with the bikes performance, so for another $1300 for heads will I see bang for the buck? After riding a Rushmore in 2014 and a Milwaukee 8 last year, I am still more impressed with the torque I experienced there, and think maybe I should pass on the new heads.
Fuel Moto tells me that the next upgrade for increased power is more compression in the form of a 107 Kit, either with stock or modified heads.
Like others have said, 96 and 103 heads are similar, but the 103s have ACRs which will be needed for higher than stock compression. Or, you could have manual compression releases machined into the stock 96" heads. I'd rather do the 103 heads and spend the time/$ to get them wired in though.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 221
From: farmington michigan
I did the same on my 2010 ultra I stayed with the original 96 heads now when I got into it my bike was wired for acr's but I went with the s&is ez start cams instead of changing heads that were the same anyway. With no gain by changing heads and changing cams anyway it made sense to me why buy cams and heads when the ez stars served both purposes
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
When i did my 2010 i bought a set of lower mileage take off 103 heads for cheap, that were drilled for the ACR's and had them worked over when i built my 107. If the person doing the head work has the jig the 96 heads can be machined for the ACR's then all you have to do is buy the harness.
I didn't want to be limited to S&S cams nor did I want an failure point in the cam chest.
I didn't want to be limited to S&S cams nor did I want an failure point in the cam chest.
Trending Topics
Last edited by OldPhat; Mar 21, 2018 at 07:41 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9,384
Likes: 1,776
From: Central Texas
I think that I would try to find some 103 take off heads on E-Bay, and send them out to be beefed up. When you get them back swap out your heads, and sell your stock heads for what you paid for the heads you bought off of E-Bay. That away you dont have to stop riding while waiting on your heads. I am running 10.5:1 compression but I am using the HD 1.4 KW starter, because I didn't want Compression releases.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
The only advantage going to 103 heads are the ACRs. You can get a good power gain haveing either properly set up to your current mods. Ya may save a few bucks finding some 103 takeoffs to have worked rather than drilling yours for ARCs but I had mine drilled while doing other work. If going to manuals it is not worth the hassle buying and selling heads.
Last edited by 0ldhippie; Mar 22, 2018 at 09:26 AM.