103 VS 96" is it worth it?

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Dec 4, 2009 | 06:18 PM

#21

jag1886

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 4,122

Likes: 44

From: Boise Idaho

I did a set of HQ500 cams in my 96" last winter I already had a FatCat and a Big Sucker II and a SERT after the dyno guy got done with it, it puts out 90HP and 93 lbs of torque.
I can't see going for th extra 7 cubes and getting all the hard starting problems that come with it for another 5-10 lbs of torque and 5-10 less HP.
I'm putting in a 49T ring gear this winter and I'm going to be happy, it already hauls *** and after the gear change it will be perfect.
I probably will pull the heads down the road (2-3years) and have them ported and milled but I'm staying with the 96".

Dec 4, 2009 | 07:31 PM

#22

FLoTR

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 1,086

Likes: 1

From: North Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtdobber

Difference is:
96 ci = 1584 cc
103 ci = 1690 cc

I am just plain happy with the SE 255 cams only

dd

sorry to butt in, but does it have a more traditional HD style idle with these cams? I love my 09, but it just don't sound right yet.

Dec 4, 2009 | 07:39 PM

#23

IzzoQuazzo

Retired Admin

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 21,865

Likes: 9,047

From: Wisconsin

Quote:

Originally Posted by jag1886

I haven't had any starting problems after 7K miles on my Stage II 103".

Dec 4, 2009 | 07:43 PM

#24

BM83

Tourer

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 258

Likes: 0

From: north central missouri

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLoTR

sorry to butt in, but does it have a more traditional HD style idle with these cams? I love my 09, but it just don't sound right yet.

they sound alot better than stock, for sure

Dec 4, 2009 | 07:43 PM

#25

IceHeritage

Road Master

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 1,149

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Gliden

First off sorry for the post. I'm sure if I took a few hours to read through the thousand posts I'd find the answer.

Here is the question: 2009 96" SG....this upgrade to 103 is only 7cc's. (stand corrected CI's not CC's) SEVEN CI's!!

What power lift can I possibly expect from a 7 ci lift?

Is this "103" thing a marketing brain wash thing that I'm about to be lured into or will I be impressed with a 7 cc lift?

OK here is my View! I originally did the Exhaust and Cam thing and thought I was Good, then a friend who happens to be a HD Wrench talked me into Buying the 103 Kit. We installed the 103 Kit with 258 Cams and I will tell you this the Bike is 100% better and much Faster, the 103 was well worth it to get.

Dec 4, 2009 | 08:10 PM

#26

BM83

Tourer

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 258

Likes: 0

From: north central missouri

In order:

I changed air cleaner and exhaust(true dual) with a SERT, very slight felt increase in performance (hit the wall around 105mph)

Changed cams, tried 255 and HQ575, HQ had better overall seat of the pants feel (hit the wall just over 110)

Changed to 2 into 1, got back some bottom end and power seemed to be smoother (top end same as above with better response down low)

Installed HQ heads, Made one hell of a difference in the feel of the bike, seemed lighter (acceleration to just shy of 120 quick)

Installed 103 pistons and jugs, seemed to give the same feeling of increase in power as when I installed the heads. (Quick and easy to 125)

Added evo ind. engine sprocket, overall quicker acceleration (125+ feels quicker than before)

This was my experience on a fully dressed road glide with tourpac and lowers (lowers added before the 103)

Dec 4, 2009 | 09:10 PM

#27

davewear

Road Warrior

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 1,730

Likes: 199

From: Vancouver BC

interesting question, with the 88, going to 95 was the ticket. now with a 96 stock, going to 103 is the way to go.... my '02 RG put out 93hp and 97tq with a headquarters 9.8 comp 95 kit. my stage 1 '09 is a bit shy of that and definitely doesn't feel as strong. would some headwork, the right cam and leaving it at the stock 96 be putting out close to what a 103 would at less expense? hmmmmmm.........