FLHRC 96 Engine upgrade suggestion

[chris.calabro]

I have a 2007 FLHRC with the stock 96. I have gone with a Doherty Pacc, V&H Dresser Duals and Rinehart Slip On's. As expected I appear to have a tq dip due to the dual exhaust. The bike has a sert as well. I am interested in gaining some ooompphh between 2500-3000rpm. I rarely run over 3000rpm.

Reliability is key. I had one oil pump failure on a 07 stock engine @ 6K which the factory handled with a new motor. But the downtime is a bummer.

Figure the bike @ 1000 lbs with equipment, rider and bike weight. Occassional 2-up riding. I was considering going straight SE 103 Big Bore. So Questions:

1: Any advantages going new juggs SE 103 vs. Having stock bored?

2: What cams would you recommend?

3: Do I need to do heads? If I go with the Street legal BB kit would I realize any worthwhile benefit?

4: I also live close to R&R cycles who seems to have a strong reputation. Would an indy build give me the reliability I should expect from using HD parts?

[Mike]

R&R has a great reputation but may wish to do things slightly different. I would defer to them about heads and cam choices as they may have combo's that work with there stuff.

Advantage of the big bore will be an increase in torque which is exactly what your after. Boring is our preference as we have seasoned cylinders and control over piston/cylinder fit and cylinder finish. We do new cylinders when time is critical.

Reving the motor to only 3k presents certain challenges. Normally I would recommend a cam other the the 255's that come in the 103 kit (for 07's) and possibly head work. But with the 3k restraint not sure if these would be worth doing. The 255's may actually help up to this rpm. The exhaust is another issue and I would recommend getting Rineharts quiet baffles to build back pressure and improve low end torque. The V&H true duals do hurt top end power but should not be an issue up to 3k with the quiet baffles installed.

Now if your were to rev the motor higher (say 5k) the whole world would change and we would be recommending cams, heads and exhaust changes. Part of my recommendation would be to rev higher to take advantage of the greater power available, these motors are designed to be run from 2-6k rpm. Even limiting to 4.5-5k would allow much more power options and retain reliability.

Definetly talk with R&R and get their input.

Mike