I'm looking at going with the 103 Big Bore kit. I am looking for feedback.

Anyone have a 103 without the compression release valves? If so, any problems with starting?

 

Keep it below 195 lbs cranking and it won't be a problem.
I'd personally invest in a 2.0kW starter instead of compression releases.
I'd even buy an Ultima starter although I know that's a bad word around here.

http://www.bigboyzcycles.com/TwinCamComp.htm

 

I had bad starting problems with my 103" SE255 cams bike. I lost 3 starter clutches in a year. The dealer replaced the starter and compensator under warranty. I paid the difference for a high torque starter and SE compensator and also installed the auto compression releases. I don't know which was the most effective but it starts fine now. I don't know how it affected the starting problem, but the compensator made it like a different bike.

 

I have the 103/255. No starting issues, but when it's hot I get the starter clunking/grinding issues that a lot of people are complaining about. As long as you hit the starter before the fuel pressurizes, it is fine. I believe the SE compensator is the answer. I'm just waiting for something to break to make the claim. If it doesn't this year, I will make a claim next year on the grinding clunking 2x4 smacking noise that others have complained about.

 

With the early closing intake on the 255s, you have to do something or you are gonna eat starters and batteries on a regular basis. I think that 255 cams with the standard 103 kit have like 215 or 225 lbs cranking. But they sure do produce a nice torque curve. Wish I could run them in my pre 06 motor.

 

I just dropped mine off at a dealer today, the same dealer that said I didnt need them in the first place says that I need them after complaining about the hard starting problem. SO I guess I will be having them installed and probably heads polished as well. If i were to do it again I would do it from the get go.

 

My CCP is 180 for my build. I put in MCR's and now find I am not using them. Just goes to show you about how different cams can effect the starting of the motor.

 

The 103 BB w/o 255 cams, probably not. With cams (Stage II), maybe--but I would add at least one CR. As KingCripps said, starting immediately after turning on the ignition will help.

 

My 103 had 175 ccp and never had an issue, I am bumping it up to around 190 and will be adding them, heads were already set for them so it will only cost me the price of 2 releases and the wiring harness, 120 dollars, no extra labor seeing that it is already apart. Easy decision for me.

 

I know how everyone here loves to spend extra money on "OEM" parts, but the STIHL chainsaw manual compression releases go in the same hole for a lot less money.