head work, what did you notice
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 12
head work, what did you notice
Who did your heads, how much did it cost and would you do it over again? Lets hear it! What did you notice most? Was it more power, better throttle response, more power only in the higher rpm range? The bad weather is pretty much right around the corner for those who have not already experienced some. Is it time to send heads out for work?
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 247
Likes: 1
From: FL.
I am getting ready to do the same with my 2011 flhx. I have been doing alooooot of research, and the outcome is doing your heads based around your build makes all the difference.
I am putting in a woods tw-777 doing the heads, and I should get 100+ everywhere.
I am with you I don't know who to use, I don't want to spend a ton of money cause I might as well go to a 107", but you pay for what you get so i would figure I am going to spend at least $800+ for a kick-*** head job.
I am putting in a woods tw-777 doing the heads, and I should get 100+ everywhere.
I am with you I don't know who to use, I don't want to spend a ton of money cause I might as well go to a 107", but you pay for what you get so i would figure I am going to spend at least $800+ for a kick-*** head job.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
I've got T-Man Stage II heads on the Night Train. That build is just plain sick, and the headwork is part and parcel of that. It allows the high compression and big cam to work properly, and the thing just moves a ton of air.
The best advice I can give you is to talk to someone who builds Harley engines for a living and is reputable. Doing an engine build right means that you're addressing the entire engine, not just throwing a few parts at it.
I have no direct experience with FuelMoto's heads, but they're priced very aggressively, and they seem to give impressive results. Jamie has done the community a huge service by testing a bunch of different parts combinations and posting the results. Were I doing a build, he'd be one of the first people I called.
The best advice I can give you is to talk to someone who builds Harley engines for a living and is reputable. Doing an engine build right means that you're addressing the entire engine, not just throwing a few parts at it.
I have no direct experience with FuelMoto's heads, but they're priced very aggressively, and they seem to give impressive results. Jamie has done the community a huge service by testing a bunch of different parts combinations and posting the results. Were I doing a build, he'd be one of the first people I called.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
Had Baisley do mine - very good work. There's also Branch-Okeefe and several others. Not worth the trouble (or expense) unless you need the improved flow to compliment your cams. The cams I chose needed the port work so I bit the bullet and had them done.
Too bad HD's are so horribly expensive to hop up - $800 for 2 single cylinder heads (I $hould learn how to port HD head$). I've had SBC and SBF heads done for less.
The novelty of a hot rod Harley has worn off so this is the only one I'll ever do. Stock gets me there just as fast and the money saved can be spent on gas for the next trip.
Too bad HD's are so horribly expensive to hop up - $800 for 2 single cylinder heads (I $hould learn how to port HD head$). I've had SBC and SBF heads done for less.
The novelty of a hot rod Harley has worn off so this is the only one I'll ever do. Stock gets me there just as fast and the money saved can be spent on gas for the next trip.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 7
From: Wisconsin
Who did your heads, how much did it cost and would you do it over again? Lets hear it! What did you notice most? Was it more power, better throttle response, more power only in the higher rpm range? The bad weather is pretty much right around the corner for those who have not already experienced some. Is it time to send heads out for work?
If I would have had all the time in the world and free gas, I would have (and should have) just asked for a set of stock heads back and my money back. They tried to make it right, twice, but both times they didn't get it right. By the second time I was out of time, patience and confidence in what they could (mostly couldn't) do.
A good set of heads will flow more air into the engine helping your midrange and top end performance. You can also have your heads set up to raise your compression, giving you more low end torque (all else being equal). A good set of heads can really help you everywhere.
Doing it again, I'd look at the Fuel Moto level B heads or go with an expereinced race shop (like VeeTwin Performance) that can match your heads to your existing cam / engine package. Lots of good shops also have well laid out packages that have a proven record.
Good luck.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Keyser, WV
No reason to do heads unless your doing other mods as stated. I like the looks of Fuelmoto stage 2 heads, Zippers does a good job, Sam's Performance Specialties in Charleston, SC does excellent work, and does extensive work with Bob Woods. Use to work there and heads are his specialty. How much depends on what is needed to compliment the other engine components. No need for stage 3 if your not going to do anything to increase airflow to the motor(larger throttlebody, injectors). Also, bigger doesn't always mean better. A properly shaped port can actually make more power than a bigger port due to greater velocity thereby creating greater cylinder fill. Getting ready to do a 107 with Sam's stage 3, 10.5-1, Woods TW-9B-6 cams, and a HPI 58mm throttlebody. Good luck with the build.
Last edited by Twigg; Dec 15, 2011 at 10:06 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 885
Likes: 14
From: SoCal
I am getting ready to do the same with my 2011 flhx. I have been doing alooooot of research, and the outcome is doing your heads based around your build makes all the difference.
I am putting in a woods tw-777 doing the heads, and I should get 100+ everywhere.
I am with you I don't know who to use, I don't want to spend a ton of money cause I might as well go to a 107", but you pay for what you get so i would figure I am going to spend at least $800+ for a kick-*** head job.
I am putting in a woods tw-777 doing the heads, and I should get 100+ everywhere.
I am with you I don't know who to use, I don't want to spend a ton of money cause I might as well go to a 107", but you pay for what you get so i would figure I am going to spend at least $800+ for a kick-*** head job.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 154
Likes: 8
From: Cape Coral, Fl
I think Fuel Moto level B head must work pretty good. Jamie just did my '04 ultra with the 98 kit and level B head. It pulled 100.37 HP and 106.75 Torque. He says it would pull probably 5 to 7 more HP with a 2 into 1 pipe. Check out the Fuel Moto 98 thread. There is a dyno sheet without the head done, one with a level A head and with the level B.
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Google Dan Vance Racing. He has done 2 sets of heads for me and the results are nothing short of spectacular!! First set on a 95" motor. Before having the heads done I was at 82 hp/94 tq. After with no other component change other than a new dyno tune 100hp/107tq. I highly recommend him. He works with you on what you are trying to do and the components you will be using.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,437
Likes: 15
Had Baisley do mine - very good work. There's also Branch-Okeefe and several others. Not worth the trouble (or expense) unless you need the improved flow to compliment your cams. The cams I chose needed the port work so I bit the bullet and had them done.
Too bad HD's are so horribly expensive to hop up - $800 for 2 single cylinder heads (I $hould learn how to port HD head$). I've had SBC and SBF heads done for less.
The novelty of a hot rod Harley has worn off so this is the only one I'll ever do. Stock gets me there just as fast and the money saved can be spent on gas for the next trip.
Too bad HD's are so horribly expensive to hop up - $800 for 2 single cylinder heads (I $hould learn how to port HD head$). I've had SBC and SBF heads done for less.
The novelty of a hot rod Harley has worn off so this is the only one I'll ever do. Stock gets me there just as fast and the money saved can be spent on gas for the next trip.