Conversion
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Stage IV
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
From: Florida
Conversion
Hey all, hope everyone is ready for the new year. So my 09 FLHTC has 41K on it, and it runs great, but I've been contemplating doing the 96 to 103ci conversion. The bike overall is in great shape for the year it is, and I want this to be my last bike, or at least the one that I keep for a long period of time, it's my 3rd Harley, but my first Touring bike. I just had to replace the Rocker Box air breather assembly, but got to thinking about doing the conversion while working on it. One of he biggest questions that I can't seem to find an answer to, is the conversion worth it, don't get me wrong, the 96 is a strong engine, and I love the power that I get from it, but sooner or later, I'm going to have to rebuild the top end on this one, so when it comes time, should I invest and pull the trigger on converting to the 103, supposedly the bottom ends are good for around 100K +, any thoughts would be great.
I have a 96 also. When looking into engine upgrades, I was pulled more in the area of the 107 and 110 kits. Is it worth it? That depends, but if for some reason you're tearing into the engine and replacing things, then might as well why you're at it.
If the engine is running strong and running well, I wouldn't spend the money. Mine is sitting at 40k and has a tuning issue I can't get nailed down, but is otherwise running well and it's solid. The only issue it has is the compensator going out, but that wouldn't justify a complete rebuild right now.
If the engine is running strong and running well, I wouldn't spend the money. Mine is sitting at 40k and has a tuning issue I can't get nailed down, but is otherwise running well and it's solid. The only issue it has is the compensator going out, but that wouldn't justify a complete rebuild right now.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 5,157
Likes: 740
From: new caney, tx
My 96 has 37k miles and ive never had a single issue. If it were me id add a good cam that works with the stock 96 and then go get a good dyno run done. It might be just enough to get you where you think you want to be
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 1,187
Owning both a 96 and a 103, my answer to your question is that it's not worth it. I just don't see that much difference between the two, at least not enough to justify such a big undertaking. Also, I think that top end re-build is farther away than you think. If it's been reliable and you want to keep it that way, don't screw with it (too much).
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 4,034
Likes: 847
From: In The Mountains
Owning both a 96 and a 103, my answer to your question is that it's not worth it. I just don't see that much difference between the two, at least not enough to justify such a big undertaking. Also, I think that top end re-build is farther away than you think. If it's been reliable and you want to keep it that way, don't screw with it (too much).
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 279
Likes: 315
From: Southern Vancouver Island
I'm gonna be the odd man out here. I strongly recommend the SE 96 to 103 Stage II kit with cams. $959.00 includes new pistons, barrels, rings, cams and all other gaskets and hardware. That is a bargain and I'm sure you can buy the kit for less on-line. I installed the kit with SE255 cams years back on my 08 Electra Glide. Granted you will also need a tuner and expect to spend another $500.00 on a proper dyno tune but it turned that anemic 08 bagger into a tire shredding monster.
The difference was night and day vs the stock 96" motor.
I'm pretty happy with my cammed and tuned M8 107 FLHTK these days but that SE103 Stage II kit on my previous Electra Glide was no slouch by any stretch.
The difference was night and day vs the stock 96" motor.
I'm pretty happy with my cammed and tuned M8 107 FLHTK these days but that SE103 Stage II kit on my previous Electra Glide was no slouch by any stretch.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 353
From: Ohio
I'm gonna be the odd man out here. I strongly recommend the SE 96 to 103 Stage II kit with cams. $959.00 includes new pistons, barrels, rings, cams and all other gaskets and hardware. That is a bargain and I'm sure you can buy the kit for less on-line. I installed the kit with SE255 cams years back on my 08 Electra Glide. Granted you will also need a tuner and expect to spend another $500.00 on a proper dyno tune but it turned that anemic 08 bagger into a tire shredding monster.
The difference was night and day vs the stock 96" motor.
The difference was night and day vs the stock 96" motor.
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4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 8
Likes: 4
From: North Cooking Lake
The right cams for you, good headwork and a perfect tune is well worth (for me) the money.
On top of that you can beat all your friends.
On top of that you can beat all your friends.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,765
Likes: 1,802
From: Newnan, GA
Hi, I have a 2009 96 ci Flhtcu. I went with the S&S 106 Hot set. The heads are still stock. I would consider this as a mild upgrade. The power and torque won't rip apart my clutch and my bike seems to be able to keep up with the new "Stock" M8's. 103/108 pwr and torque. Not monster numbers but if you have the heads reworked and a larger throttle body and injectors, you could get to 110 or higher.
I have a few thousand miles on the bike now and I'm very happy with it. Oh, one word of advice if you do the up grade, take it easy when letting out the clutch or you may accidentally do a burnout.🤪
What ever you decide, good luck and be safe.
I have a few thousand miles on the bike now and I'm very happy with it. Oh, one word of advice if you do the up grade, take it easy when letting out the clutch or you may accidentally do a burnout.🤪
What ever you decide, good luck and be safe.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,765
Likes: 1,802
From: Newnan, GA
