Cams or Cams plus 103 kit
There's a nice jump up in performance from a stage I 96 to a 103 with performance cams. Since you'll have to take your heads off to install the 103 kit, you might as will bump your compression just a bit. Deck the heads .015, and use a .030 head gasket and you should wind up at 10.2 or so static compression. At that point, you open the door to a lot of performance cams that will keep you grinning every time you twist the throttle. Woods 6 or 555 at that compression would be a good fit in a 103.
If you're going to use SE255 cams, just slap them in your 96, tune it and go riding.
If you're going to use SE255 cams, just slap them in your 96, tune it and go riding.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
It all depends on how much you are willing to spend. You can buy horsepower.
But don't forget you will also need compression releases ($250 plus labor), a better starter ($350 plus labor) and a dyno tune ($400) (at least once)
But don't forget you will also need compression releases ($250 plus labor), a better starter ($350 plus labor) and a dyno tune ($400) (at least once)
"Seeker of Freedom"
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 2
From: Kansas City Area
LOL, in the case don't stop at 103,because it wont' be enough. Mine is in the shop now getting a SE120R installed to help scoot her a little faster.
Last edited by itsaw0rkinpr0gre$$; Nov 14, 2010 at 12:58 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,413
Likes: 17
From: eastern oklahoma
look at harleys part #27544-10 you can google it. it's a great combination but a s.e. compensator really helps along with the right exhaust system. i am very happy with how mine runs with this kit. also manual compression releases are needed when the weather is hot and the air is fat.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,588
Likes: 9
From: Sunny Southern California
I've been running the SE 255's in a stage 1 96" for several months. Great cams for a bagger but, I want more so now I'm getting the parts together for a 103" build. Already feel like a kid on x-mas eve & my wrench doesn't even get back from vacation till Dec. 3rd! 
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,808
Likes: 285
From: Green Country Oklahoma
+1 Harley for enjoying the ride if you ride as bat out of hell then buy a cheap Crotch Rocket.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 280
From: North Cental Iowa
The OP didn't ask what he should ride, if we like comfort & speed nothings better than a Harley, to each his own!
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