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I passed on the Harley kit, and went with the Wiseco forged pistons, vs Harley Cast. Also, a slight increase in compression ratio from 9.5:1 stock to 10.25:1 with my build. I am very happy with the results.
You would be much better off with a solution from one of the vendors you mentioned.
Do your homework thoroughly and go for it.
Make a list of your goals & objectives for your build. Call all those shops and consider adding Head-Quarters to the list. Explain what you want as clearly as possible, without telling them how to do it, and then listen to the recommendations for reaching your goal. Have a pen & paper in hand so you can take notes during each call.
If the bike your planning on adding the 103 kit to is still under warranty, then I would go with the HD SE kit, and let a VERY reputable dealer do the install.....this way you will not get any static if something fails. A good friend had the HD SE 95" kit with heads installed at the local dealer. After about 2 years his oil pump bearing I think it was....or the pump it self....whatever failed. The bike was still under the original factory extended warranty. He was on the hook for only the deductable.....and the price of the new SE pump and mounting plate with updated bearings and stuff.
If the bike is no longer under the factory warranty....then I would say shop around, but stick with one of the more popular brands (no need to be a guinea pig) and do the install yourself.
@#$% a warranty! The HQ kit is worth voiding the warranty! Don't you get your money back if you don't use the warranty? If so, put that money in the bank and use it to fix any problems.
I have the stock HD kit on my 06 Road King. I added VH true duels and a screaming Eagle Race tuner and I am right at 100hp and 100tq....
It was installed by the dealer when I bought my bike. There are better kits out there but I stuck with it for the warranty and they throught in all my schedule maintaince as well. If you get the extended warranty and scheduled maintaince it is worth it, if not just get the kit that you want.
2. What kind of performance do you want? (If you research the HD 103" kits you will find they have very "peaky" torque curves; fairly steep ascending line to a brief peak followed by a fairly steep descending line, compared to a short, steep ascending line to a high, flat torque line from good aftermarket kits.)
3. What are you willing to pay once you have answered 1 and 2?
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