I had thought at one time about porting heads but have since stopped chasing more and quit throwing money at a bike I'm was happy with to begin with. I did have ACR's put in when it was ready for a rebuild at 112,000 and bumped it from a 96 to a 103 with cams for the first time. My indy has the machining tools and knowhow to drill them out and do a better grind on the valve seats. While doing the research about porting, I found Big Boyz Head Porting site and found their site to have some interesting reading. I like the way they describe their porting for the street and not the track. I haven't actually used them but they have pricing on their site so it will give you an idea as to how much it would cost. If you are worried about the crank, have the run out checked.

http://www.bigboyzheadporting.com/index.php

 

 

I picked up a set of ultra low mileage 103 ACR heads here in the classified section for $300+ shipping in anticipation of upgrading my 96 to 107 down the road.

As discussed, other options are MCRs but I didn't want to fool with them, esp. since my 2010's factory harness will work with ACRs.

IMO the 103 ACR heads are simplest solution once they're wired up and turned on via PowerVision or some other tuning software.

As I have a 96 just like the OP, if I'm taking off the heads, it's not much more effort to replace the pistons and jugs. So I'm not planning any gasket change or headwork until I go to the 107. That being said, I don't have hot start problems as the Wood 555s are a little big for the low comp 96 so it actually starts easier than stock...I assume that wouldn't be the case with the Andrews 48s.

Just my 2 cents.

 

I have manual compression releases. They are just fine and I'll stay away from anything "automatic" if at all possible (except cars). I have no clue why some do not like MCRs. They are no trouble at all. I simply make it a habit to push them in any time I turn off the cycle. Apparently these are less expensive too--all the better. Of course, if a fellow cannot drop down to see where his finger is going, he might get burnt.

 

It probably has something to do with one being manual and the other being automatic. Just like some people like the convenience of pushing a button of an electric starter and some people like the no frills basic kick starter.

 

After all the back and forth chatter.... I think I'll just pull the heads, machine in some MCR's and use a .030 head gasket when reassembling.
After that I'll take it to RC Cycles for a dynotune and leave it alone until its ready to be refreshed.

It's crazy how it starts with compression releases and turns into Port/Polish which leads to Big Bore. After that it's change the cams that you liked because you've outgrown them. That turns into now you need to weld your crank because your top end is too much for a stock crank.

So anyway .030 gasket and MCR's will be worth pulling the heads.

Quote from Wild Hogs (Woody aka John Travolta) "I just wanna ride man"