Stage I for a 2007 FLHTCU

[2cam96]

Mike,

First, what a GREAT web site! Found it by accident when reading the last issue of American Iron, where I found some of your sage advice.

My wife and I (she was actually 100% supportive) just acquired a 2007 Ultra Classic. I want it to sound like a Harley, but not brand me as a menace with the neighbors. My question to you is, if I add the following HD parts, would this be a reasonable "stage one" upgrade? I based the choices on several of your repliles to other TC-96 owners.

Screamin' Eagle Street Performance Touring Mufflers 64985-07
Tapered Billet - slash 80623-07
SE Air cleaner modification (sorry, can't remember the part number on this one)

Or -- would I be better served with just the simple slip-ons and the air cleaner. I've also considered V&H slipons, based on some of your other posts.

Again -- great site, and thanks for making all this information available.

[Mike]

Thank you for the kind words. If you go with the SE mufflers and air cleaner you will have a Digital Tech calibration available for $150.00 vs. SERT for $460.00 + dyno time (custom mapping) requirred with non H-D accessories. You will get a little better sound and a modest performance increase with this combo. Of course, the V&H's will get a larger increase in performance, louder exh. note (still not so loud to be unfreindly) but will have the added cost of SERT and dyno time (unless your dealer has developed a SERT map for this combo and is willing to sell as a download, reducing dyno time). So in the final analysis it will come down to how much of a gain is wanted and at what price for that gain. Last, talk to your dealer about warranty implications of either combo. The SE 07 mufflers are EPA compliant and therefore do not impact warranty.
Thanks for using our forum, Mike

[2cam96]

Thanks Mike -- You've told me exactly what I needed to know. Time to hit the dealer and check the bank account!

[2cam96]

PS -- One more question --

The Stage I air cleaner allows more air to pass. Based on what I've read, it does this by getting rid of an oil-loaded outer filter (such as used on some lawn mowers.) This kind of implies to me that installing the filter may be giving up some engine life, as the SE filter must allow more dust / grit into the intake air stream.

Any reason to worry about this?

Thanks

[Mike]

Roger that, Mike