Performance Tips for the Harley-Davidson Milwaukee 8
The Milwaukee 8 is still practically brand new, and a big improvement on the old 2 valve, air cooled, big twin motors in terms of power and torque across the board. There are still some gains to be had, by trading off some noise and refinement.
1. Stage 1 - More Air is Better
Horsepower can be expensive. When you get a Harley-Davidson, it is the beginning of a long journey in making this blank canvas you own. You could get an increase of 10 or more horsepower by doing the following:
- Change to free flowing air filters and performance exhaust system.
- Install quality lubricants to boost horsepower by 2 or more and extend the motor's lifespan.
- Change ignition-system components to high-output parts to for hotter spark.
- Re-calibrate Electric Control Module (ECM) to tune for all this.
- Add aftermarket fuel management sytem.
2. Stage 2 - Engine Work
Performance cams move the engine's power band, and can give you more peak power, or fatten the torque curve everywhere. A variety of cams are available with slightly different profiles to allow for personal preference, and application. Valve and valve seat angles can be adjusted by a machine shop to further increase the flow through the intake/exhaust circuit. All this will get you around a 14% increase at 4,500 rpm. Of course, while you have is all apart you can get a real increase in power with a bigger bore and more compression, though it will run hotter.
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