DIY Stage 1
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 124
Likes: 1
From: East end of Canada
DIY Stage 1
I'll be the first to admit that I'm not mechanically inclined - that's the first step to absolving myself of any potential damage caused by me to my bike.
My father-in-law, however, is a heavy equipment and marine mechanic by trade, and quite a good one at that. My question is, how difficult would it be to do my own Stage 1 upgrade (well, me and him, together)? He has a garage full of tools and is quite knowledgeable, mechanically speaking.
All the parts are on the way, I'm too low on cash to pay a H-D dealership/mechanic, and most importantly, I'd like to begin to learn how to do some of my own work on my own bike.
I guess we all start somewhere.
Opinions?
Thanks.
My father-in-law, however, is a heavy equipment and marine mechanic by trade, and quite a good one at that. My question is, how difficult would it be to do my own Stage 1 upgrade (well, me and him, together)? He has a garage full of tools and is quite knowledgeable, mechanically speaking.
All the parts are on the way, I'm too low on cash to pay a H-D dealership/mechanic, and most importantly, I'd like to begin to learn how to do some of my own work on my own bike.
I guess we all start somewhere.
Opinions?
Thanks.
Supporter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,419
Likes: 90
From: Vermont
Piece of cake as long as you have the manual and the right tools. Most important of all, the almightly torque wrench. I installed a Vance and Hines Pro Pipe, Screaming Eagle/Fuel Moto stage one air cleaner and a PCV pre programmed for this combo by the good folks at fuel Moto in less than a day and I took my time. It can be done easily even if you have never done it before if you follow the directions from the manufacturer and use the correct torque values spelled out in you manual. Have faith...Sounds like you have the help you need.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 124
Likes: 1
From: East end of Canada
Yeah, like I said, he has the mechanical ability (albeit, not with motorcycles) and the tools. I also have the service manual.
I've ordered V and H Big Shot Duals, V and H V02 Intake Air Kit, and PCV.
Labour/hr. is $70, and the H-D mechanic said that it would take "a maximum of 6 hours to install and test ride". So that's a max of $420. It just makes me pucker up a little when I think of screwing something up...what, I don't know...but I don't want to get into that situation. What else should I consider? What do these techs check for in a test ride?
I've ordered V and H Big Shot Duals, V and H V02 Intake Air Kit, and PCV.
Labour/hr. is $70, and the H-D mechanic said that it would take "a maximum of 6 hours to install and test ride". So that's a max of $420. It just makes me pucker up a little when I think of screwing something up...what, I don't know...but I don't want to get into that situation. What else should I consider? What do these techs check for in a test ride?
Is there dyno tuning involved with this 6 hours of labor? Otherwise I think he's trying to rip you off. Stage one on my road king took about 2 hours to install, and that was stopping and looking at the manual constantly for torque specs.
Supporter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,419
Likes: 90
From: Vermont
You will know better than any tech once you take her for a test ride after the upgrades. You won't believe the difference. No more low rpm lean stumble or hesitation, much much cooler motor, and she'll really pull from a roll on. Not to mention she will sound so much better as an added bonus. If you are getting your map pre installed by Fuel Moto, it will be a plug and play! Don't worry about anything, just take your time. Most important, follow the procedure for the exhaust flange nut torque procedure. Those nuts don't get torqued real tight. Also, my .02, use the Harley stock conical gaskets. I went the gammit with the gaskets and the Stock conicals are the way to go. You'll get varying opinions, but I'm speaking from experience and from what those truly in the know told me. They seal first time every time. If you have doubts from too many opinions, give Jamie at Fuel Moto a call. He's very helpful.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 3
From: NYC
I did my own stage one...no dyno and no remap. make sure you use lock tight on the bolts and do not over tighten. Use the new o rings. And the black peices of plastic are important, make sure you install them.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 585
Likes: 3
From: Holland, Ohio
It's easy to do. I did it for the first time last year and it was a piece of cake. Took my time doing it and it turned out great. The PCV came from Fuelmoto with the tune already loaded (simple plug and play). All you need are some good tools and follow the instructions.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 124
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From: East end of Canada
Also, the PCV is not pre-loaded. I'm getting it straight from a parts dealer. This also concerns me. Is this part confusing? Man, all this talk about remapping, conicals, and seals is giving me that bad feeling. LOL
I can't see the exhaust and air intake kit being too bad, but I want to make sure it runs well after that (in terms of air/gas ratio [PCV]).
Last edited by diddydido; Jun 26, 2011 at 07:42 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 3
From: NYC
He said a "maximum of 6 hours" - install and test ride.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 124
Likes: 1
From: East end of Canada
So, the pipes, etc. arrived today. I picked up some LockTite, and my father-in-law is taking care of the tools (including torque wrench).
One final thing: do the pipes need to be "treated" or polished with a special chemical or something before installation? If so, that'll be something else I don't have and will need to purchase.
Thanks
One final thing: do the pipes need to be "treated" or polished with a special chemical or something before installation? If so, that'll be something else I don't have and will need to purchase.
Thanks