95" Build - Disappointing (Help!!)
More to consider. Did you CC the combustion chambers? Often times the combustion chambers are larger than the spec. Stock heads are a prime example. Stock heads are suppose to be 85cc but fall anywhere from 84-91cc and average in the 86-87 range. The SE heads are no different and vary considerably. This can dramatically effect your compression ratio. In turn the compression ratio effects the cam choice or vice versa. Through into the mix the deck height and you may find your compression ratio is no where near where you thought it was.
Next, the HTCC heads have a large quench and when coupled with HTCC piston, the quench is often larger than is should be. Sometimes falling in the .060-.075" range. A better quench would be in the .035-.040" range. To accomplish this, the deck height and/or the head can be adjusted (milled). The choice of head gasket will also effect this. In the HTCC builds, adjusting the quench also effects the compression ratio so it is a fine balance between head gasket thickness, deck height and combustion chamber volume to determine compression ratio and setting the quench. If I'm not mistaken, the SE 16101-01 head gaskets are .060" and this compounds the above mentioned issue. I have not measured a SE head gasket as we don't use them but for some reason I have the .060" thickness stuck in my head (I could be wrong).
Valve springs. I am a little confused as it states you used 18273-00 valve spring kit. These are the springs that come on the HTCC heads when you buy them, if I'm not mistaken. Not sure why they were changed out but that isn't affecting your specific question. What did catch my eye is they are designed for up to .575" lift and the SE-251 is a .579" lift cam. It seems 18223-98 with slightly less spring pressure and higher lift (up to .620") might fit your application better if you are looking for more low end torque and don't plan to ride in the 5500+ RPM range as much, of course this depends on the aggressiveness of the cam as well. Higher spring pressures require torque/hp to compress. Choosing the right spring for the cam is free HP.
According to your parts list, 22440-00a is a +.005" Piston. Curious as to why you started with a oversized piston. In pointing out the obvious I have to ask if the cylinders are +.005" as well. Did you start with your stock cylinders or purchase SE 95" cylinders. I can see boring the SE 95" cylinders to get a better fit piston but if starting with stock this could be achieved going to 95" STD bore.
Also I didn't see mention of the exhaust gaskets used. If stock exhaust gaskets are used and the exhaust not perfectly fit and then over tightened, it will crush the gasket into the exhaust port blocking your port. SE exhaust gaskets help prevent this.
Whats the Cranking Compression? I would not be concerned about the stock throttle body, it should get you well into the 100's before it is holding you back.
Now, please don't take this post wrong. I am not picking on your build but merely pointing out the things that jumped out at me. With stock engines and 2 identical bikes, same years etc. You can have a good one or a bad one. If you get the one that has 84cc combustion chambers, a -.007" deck height and nicely fit exhaust AND your buddy gets the one that has 91cc chambers, -.015 deck
In addition, if you have stacked tolerances when it comes to deck clearance, chamber size,piston crwon design, you could be well UNDER the compression you think you are at, add the big ports and big cam and you end up losing power
Springer---question for you, how does the head change quench distance on a Harley? I can see the issue of using a thick gasket, or having excessive deck clearance, but generally a cylinder head's quench pad the same as the head gasket surface. Basically they rely on the quench area of the piston and the deck clearance, milling and/or changing heads in other engines wouldnt affect quench.
That is of course assuming the quench area is on the same plane as the head gasket surface and not a hemi style head or something like that
Finally, how do the HD guys degree their cams? Intake centerline can make a huge difference on where cyl pressure peaks and also cylinder fill / power
Learning the HD stuff particulars now, thanks
Great points. I sure appreciate your thoughts. I want to try and call you at the shop to make sure that I understand some of the points that you observed. I am trying to prepare for a "what went wrong" discussion with the service manager and head wrench at Mancuso. So, I want to make sure that I have my points straight in my head.
How's the best way for me to contact you during the day? When I call, who do I ask for, Springer?
BTW, I have a buddy up in Carribou who farms potatoes. I have driven through Maine. A great State for sure.
Myself I am not fond of an angled quench pad, I like to see the whole pad flat into the chamber with the whole thing being .035 or so (no more than .045) with a matching quench pad on the piston, and if compression is too high, you use a reverse dome that matches the chamber shape to make some room, but leave the tight quench area.
A setup like I described is very detonation resistant and generally keeps the flame pattern moving fast toward the chamber
Lots of guys trying new things though, some guys are even grooving the quench pad with an agled groove that allows a burn path toward the center of the chamber for any trapped air/fuel during quench. Been pretty promising
Cool stuff, cant wait to play with my 07, but I think I'll let it break in first LOL right now <300 miles on it
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