95" build - need help sifting out the BS
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Joined: Aug 2006
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95" build - need help sifting out the BS
Hey all you gearheads and experts, I'm getting ready to embark on upgrading my TC88 and need help figuring out what to do. I've been researching (yes I've done a search on this forum and read every post), reading, and doing lots of talking to "experts". My local dealer swears by the HD factory 95" kits they sell, my local independant custom shop has a totally different story.
First the basics - I'm already running a PCIII, Arlen Ness big sucker and Wild Pig mufflers. I was pretty happy with the performance until I spent two weeks in Colorado and Wyoming riding the mountains. I was riding 2-up and pulling a trailer and realized I was WAY underpowered. Now that I'm home I'm determined to upgrade but I want to do it right.
I couldn't care one wit about top end speed. I almost never ride faster than 85 mph. I also don't really care about top end HP. I'm after stump pulling torque - all across the power curve.
Here's where I'm at.The dealer says that their standard 95" kit with SE cams will do the trick. The custom shop say don't waste my time and money. What they propose is to bore my existing jugs, replace the pistons, do some head work (he called it a stage 3 rework), go to gear driven Andrews cams, add an oil cooler and change out the exhaust system (he's recommending the Bassini TD power curve). Except for the cost of the exhaust system the custom shop's quote is only about $200 more than the dealers quote.
OK, let's have it. What do you guys think? What's the best way to go? I'm depending on your advice to help me make up my mind. Any real world experiences you can pass on or any advice on different components I should consider? Let me know what you think. Thanks.
Hutch
First the basics - I'm already running a PCIII, Arlen Ness big sucker and Wild Pig mufflers. I was pretty happy with the performance until I spent two weeks in Colorado and Wyoming riding the mountains. I was riding 2-up and pulling a trailer and realized I was WAY underpowered. Now that I'm home I'm determined to upgrade but I want to do it right.
I couldn't care one wit about top end speed. I almost never ride faster than 85 mph. I also don't really care about top end HP. I'm after stump pulling torque - all across the power curve.
Here's where I'm at.The dealer says that their standard 95" kit with SE cams will do the trick. The custom shop say don't waste my time and money. What they propose is to bore my existing jugs, replace the pistons, do some head work (he called it a stage 3 rework), go to gear driven Andrews cams, add an oil cooler and change out the exhaust system (he's recommending the Bassini TD power curve). Except for the cost of the exhaust system the custom shop's quote is only about $200 more than the dealers quote.
OK, let's have it. What do you guys think? What's the best way to go? I'm depending on your advice to help me make up my mind. Any real world experiences you can pass on or any advice on different components I should consider? Let me know what you think. Thanks.
Hutch
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,439
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From: Lancaster, PA
RE: 95" build - need help sifting out the BS
Go 98" and give these guys a call. http://www.head-quarters.com/index.html And yes if you want allbottom end, stay away from the SE stuff IMO.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 6,100
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From: Boerne, Texas (Gods Country)
RE: 95" build - need help sifting out the BS
Get a proven 95" build from a proven engine builder.The guys at Head Quarters and GMR have taken allot of time and have kits that are proven.Everyone has opinions on who's kit is the best.In all reality,these guys have made this their business and they know what they are doing.I suggest You call and talk to Doug at Head Quarters http://head-quarters.com/ and tell him what You want out of Your bike and he will help You out.I would never start buying something at one place and something else somewhere else.If You really want tq,get rid of the pigs and go 2 into 1 and that will help even more.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,663
Likes: 7
From: Northeast Ohio
RE: 95" build - need help sifting out the BS
HD HTCC Heads HTCC pistons, bore your stock jugs to 95", Woods Performance TW5G cams, stock throttle body and injectorsgot me to 102hp, 115 tq on my 03 RKC. The PCIII will work fine with this build, and a good two into one pipe will help it come alive, although the wild pigs wont hurt it too much. Very reliable build.
I am sure others will chime in with HQ and GMR builds, also reliable. I dont like HD cams.
I am sure others will chime in with HQ and GMR builds, also reliable. I dont like HD cams.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 363
Likes: 2
From: Virginia
RE: 95" build - need help sifting out the BS
Just had my 05 Ultra done last week. My wrench (indy.shop) installed the 95" kit with 203 cams. Previouly I installed a PCIII USB. Bike has stage 1 download with SE mufflers and air filter. Have rode about 200 miles since and I can notice a big difference in the mountains riding 2 up. Mileage was about 42-44 before and 39 after install. Just using canned map right now . I think when I get the PCIII adjusted it will get a litter better mileage. I did not install gear cams due to cost and I understand they make alot more noise.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,939
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From: TX
RE: 95" build - need help sifting out the BS
They Harley shop will tell you whatever it takes to make a sale. Their stuff is "ok", but WAY over priced for what you get.
There have been some good recommendations already. If you have, indeed, been researching this on this site and others, there is no need being repetitive.
In a nutshell:
1) Write down what you want to accomplish
2) Call a couple reputable performance shops (Head-Quarters, R&R Cycles, Performance Techniques, Zippers, etc)
and discuss your goals and let them make a recommendation for you. TAKE NOTES DURING EACH CALL.
3) Pick the one you like best and FOLLOW THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS - no more, no less.
You will end up with what you are after.
There have been some good recommendations already. If you have, indeed, been researching this on this site and others, there is no need being repetitive.
In a nutshell:
1) Write down what you want to accomplish
2) Call a couple reputable performance shops (Head-Quarters, R&R Cycles, Performance Techniques, Zippers, etc)
and discuss your goals and let them make a recommendation for you. TAKE NOTES DURING EACH CALL.
3) Pick the one you like best and FOLLOW THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS - no more, no less.
You will end up with what you are after.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 692
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From:
RE: 95" build - need help sifting out the BS
Im doing an HQ 95 build Augaust 17th....... I can let you know after that... I talked with Doug and he is very informative. Like Phil says write it down and talk to them.....
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Joined: Aug 2006
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RE: 95" build - need help sifting out the BS
Thanks for all the great replies. I'm starting to get the picture that you guys have all gone to widely known shops. Am I understanding it right that you're purchasing the "kits" and doing the wrenching yourself or are you traveling to their shop, or do these just happen to be local shops? I'm in Kansas City and the only "good" shop I'm familiar with is Hard Core Customs.
Also, here's a follow up question. What about the exhaust? Is the Bassani a good choice?
Thanks again. Hutch
Also, here's a follow up question. What about the exhaust? Is the Bassani a good choice?
Thanks again. Hutch
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Joe Kucinski
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 3
From: TX
RE: 95" build - need help sifting out the BS
Sounds like the pics is getting clear.... 
Yes, most of us bought "kits" of components that are known to work well together and installed them ourseleves. Even if you can't install it, you could still pick the "kit" you want and have your shop install it for ya.
Exhaust:
I have tried a tone of pipes & (for me) the D&D FatCat give the best performance. I understand the Bassain RoadRage is doing well too, I just have not been able to play w/one yet.
Yes, most of us bought "kits" of components that are known to work well together and installed them ourseleves. Even if you can't install it, you could still pick the "kit" you want and have your shop install it for ya.
Exhaust:
I have tried a tone of pipes & (for me) the D&D FatCat give the best performance. I understand the Bassain RoadRage is doing well too, I just have not been able to play w/one yet.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
RE: 95" build - need help sifting out the BS
Given the riding two-up and pulling a trailer, consider changing out the 3:15 final drive, with the 3:37 final drive. It involves changing the compensating and clutch sprockets from 25/36 teeth to 24/37 teeth; parts cost is about $350. If you really want a stump puller, consider the 21 teeth compensating sprocket originally released by HD for touring bikes with sidecars, but is now in the HD SE catalog; part no. 30331-02 or 40200-02, the latter for touring bikes, list price of $134.95 which includes a new primary chain. It changes the primary drive from 1.44:1 to 1.7:1.
Your problem may not be power so much as it is torque multiplicaton which can be addressed by changing the sprockets as described above.
Your problem may not be power so much as it is torque multiplicaton which can be addressed by changing the sprockets as described above.