Question: 96-103 conversion
Thread Starter
|
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,758
Likes: 953
From: Out West
Question: 96-103 conversion
Thinking about doing the conversion to 103", trying to pick up the torque I lost when I went to the true duals and more grunt never hurt.
For those of you that have done it can you tell me how much of a difference it was and any other info that would be helpful on getting it done.
Thanks, Scott
For those of you that have done it can you tell me how much of a difference it was and any other info that would be helpful on getting it done.
Thanks, Scott
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,602
Likes: 721
From: Bellevue, NE
I never could tell a difference in the "seat of the pants" feel going to true duals (and then to a 2 into 1). That said, I want more grunt too and am planning on a 103 w/cams and headwork this winter. Just have to commit to one darn cam, can't make up my mind.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 12,946
Likes: 32
From: Colorado Springs, CO
I can tell you from my experience, that the power is in the heads. Spend the money to get the heads ported and polished. Don't go with bigger valves, as it will take away low RPM torque in favor of high RPM power. With a bagger, you need all the torque you can get.
It's always a good idea to be conservative on choosing cams. Too many times, guys have over-cammed their motors.
Lastly, it is worth the money to have it professionally tuned on a DYNO
~Joe
It's always a good idea to be conservative on choosing cams. Too many times, guys have over-cammed their motors.
Lastly, it is worth the money to have it professionally tuned on a DYNO
~Joe
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,303
Likes: 4
From:
The 103 kits from HD came out after the early builds and corrected the piston height problems some early builds had.The down in the hole issue.So your compression should be at least what HD claimed from the start and a much better equalled motor-cyl to cyl on same bike. Hard to beat cubic inches but not sure if it holds true with HDs EPA kits.The money for Hds 103 kit plus adding dealer install isnt cheap for most and going with heads and cam would get you the same or better results.Of course headwork and cams along with going bigger is the better yet. If warranty is an issue,then wait.Check with dealer or HD and see if your warranty will still be good if this kit isnt being installed within their timeframe.Do it once to your expectations,speak with owners that have similar builds.The aftermarket kits have been tested with better results.Check the package kits.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 886
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
I feel the gear ratio of the 07-08's are to high. Take note that HD changed the final gear ratio in the 09's lowering it.
Have you thought about changing the final gear ratio or primary ratio? It may be a cheaper alternative?
Have you thought about changing the final gear ratio or primary ratio? It may be a cheaper alternative?
Last edited by Hog Yild; Sep 9, 2008 at 08:09 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,602
Likes: 721
From: Bellevue, NE
I can tell you from my experience, that the power is in the heads. Spend the money to get the heads ported and polished. Don't go with bigger valves, as it will take away low RPM torque in favor of high RPM power. With a bagger, you need all the torque you can get.
It's always a good idea to be conservative on choosing cams. Too many times, guys have over-cammed their motors.
Lastly, it is worth the money to have it professionally tuned on a DYNO
~Joe
It's always a good idea to be conservative on choosing cams. Too many times, guys have over-cammed their motors.
Lastly, it is worth the money to have it professionally tuned on a DYNO
~Joe
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 14
From: Atlanta
I think I agree with the comments about cams and headwork. I have the 103" Big Bore Kit (just the pistons & jugs) with stock cams and heads and although I definitely feel the improvement in torque, I don't think the cost of that kit alone adds enough value over a simple Stage 1 kit (intake, exhaust, ECM manager).
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
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 270
Likes: 69
From: Minneapolis, MN
I went with the SE stage II 103" with cams at time of delivery. I wanted the full 2 year warranty for the upgrade. Major difference over a couple buddies 96" with just slip-ons and one with the stage I. Very happy with it. The bike showed up in Febuary so I also saved around $400 for winter labor rates.