Upgrading the TC88 -options?
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6,673
Likes: 502
From: Orange County
Upgrading the TC88 -options?
I read a few posts about either rebuilding the 88, making it a 95, or getting a complete engine. The T111 costs $7K - I could sell my bike and get another bike for about $14k. Or, just look for another bike this winter for $7K.
Is that what a kit or new motor will cost? $7K??
Are there any other options? Maybe less expensive?
I see all these other bikers just pulling away from me, effortlessly. My 88CI is a slug. I was also hoping to convert it to a carb, primarily so it's cheaper and easier to tune.
Is that what a kit or new motor will cost? $7K??
Are there any other options? Maybe less expensive?
I see all these other bikers just pulling away from me, effortlessly. My 88CI is a slug. I was also hoping to convert it to a carb, primarily so it's cheaper and easier to tune.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
a carb conversion need not be expensive- really good used Keihin CV carbs can be found for under $100 at swaps.
that would put some tunability in your hands- but you have to know what you are doing- otherwise do you gain?
the 95 is not expensive...pistons, cylinders and gaskets... the motor stays in place, parts and labor costs are low.
the TC88 was greatly hampered by head design- you could do headwork and cams and have a reliable, moderately powerful machine- there are a number of "packages" out there and you'd do well to research.
a builder will be interested in your budget, the model bike ( weight) gearing, type of riding and your expectations.
cost
power
reliability
you get to pick 2, the other is out of your control.
mike
that would put some tunability in your hands- but you have to know what you are doing- otherwise do you gain?
the 95 is not expensive...pistons, cylinders and gaskets... the motor stays in place, parts and labor costs are low.
the TC88 was greatly hampered by head design- you could do headwork and cams and have a reliable, moderately powerful machine- there are a number of "packages" out there and you'd do well to research.
a builder will be interested in your budget, the model bike ( weight) gearing, type of riding and your expectations.
cost
power
reliability
you get to pick 2, the other is out of your control.
mike
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6,673
Likes: 502
From: Orange County
a carb conversion need not be expensive- really good used Keihin CV carbs can be found for under $100 at swaps.
that would put some tunability in your hands- but you have to know what you are doing- otherwise do you gain?
the 95 is not expensive...pistons, cylinders and gaskets... the motor stays in place, parts and labor costs are low.
the TC88 was greatly hampered by head design- you could do headwork and cams and have a reliable, moderately powerful machine- there are a number of "packages" out there and you'd do well to research.
a builder will be interested in your budget, the model bike ( weight) gearing, type of riding and your expectations.
cost
power
reliability
you get to pick 2, the other is out of your control.
mike
that would put some tunability in your hands- but you have to know what you are doing- otherwise do you gain?
the 95 is not expensive...pistons, cylinders and gaskets... the motor stays in place, parts and labor costs are low.
the TC88 was greatly hampered by head design- you could do headwork and cams and have a reliable, moderately powerful machine- there are a number of "packages" out there and you'd do well to research.
a builder will be interested in your budget, the model bike ( weight) gearing, type of riding and your expectations.
cost
power
reliability
you get to pick 2, the other is out of your control.
mike
As far as my budget, I could spend $2k. What will that get me?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
some good reading here:
http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/hdengines.htm
and more reading at the links on the right side of the page
mike
http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/hdengines.htm
and more reading at the links on the right side of the page
mike
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
Check out Fuel Moto's conversions as well. For $2595 you get 98", everything installed, including a dyno tune.
http://www.fuelmotousa.com/site/98-inch-big-bore.html
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 39
From: Everywhere
My TC88 would leave stock TC96's in the rearview mirror. My TC88 had stock displacement, stock heads, large SE Mikuni Carb, SE 203 Cams, SE air cleaner and the older (race only) SE II Performance Slip-ons (the good ones). The first time I got on my TC96 (2008) I went back to the dealer and asked for the rest of it and my Svc Mgr laughed and said "that's most people's response".
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 7
I read a few posts about either rebuilding the 88, making it a 95, or getting a complete engine. The T111 costs $7K - I could sell my bike and get another bike for about $14k. Or, just look for another bike this winter for $7K.
Is that what a kit or new motor will cost? $7K??
Are there any other options? Maybe less expensive?
I see all these other bikers just pulling away from me, effortlessly. My 88CI is a slug. I was also hoping to convert it to a carb, primarily so it's cheaper and easier to tune.
Is that what a kit or new motor will cost? $7K??
Are there any other options? Maybe less expensive?
I see all these other bikers just pulling away from me, effortlessly. My 88CI is a slug. I was also hoping to convert it to a carb, primarily so it's cheaper and easier to tune.
I have PCIII, k&n filter, v&h exhaust, and Andrews cam in mine and it really woke up the 88. Ride with a friend that has a 103 and have no problems "keeping up".
Also not sure about spending money switching to carb. Once tuned, your not going to mess with either.....
Anyway for under 2k, you can get more power out if the 88
Last edited by simpkinst; Aug 14, 2013 at 06:46 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,549
Likes: 18
From: Upstate SC
Yes there are less options to tune on a carb and you just need jets, needles and a little know how but you could get a good tuner for what it would cost to switch over to a carb and have more options and get a great tune. You could have it tuned or tune it yourself with many of them.