S&S 106 big bore kit vs. SE 103

jeroark · #1 08-10-2009, 09:24 AM

Hey guys,

Planning on doing a displacement upgrade this fall/winter and wanted to get some feedback. Is anyone using the S&S 106 big bore kit? http://www.sscycle.com/modules/feature/bigbore/. IF so i am concerned about smoothness, overheating, easy starting etc. My plan was to use a 255 Cam and stock heads. I also like the SE 103 kit it seems like alot of people are using it with good success....looking for comments pro/con either way.

Thanks in advance

Jarrod

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Kingofcubes · #2 08-10-2009, 11:48 AM

I'm doing a build with one of these now, don't know how it will turn out, parts from S&S look good. If I had my choice, I'd use stock cylinders with the CP full skirt pistons (cheaper option). I believe thy will last longer, have not seen a back to back comparison. The heads have more to do with smoothness, starting, and overheating than the cylinders.

jeroark · #3 08-11-2009, 08:30 AM

hey let us know how it turns out. It seems like it would be pretty straight forward. Do you know is there any machine work necessary. Also I am thinking about stock heads for now and the SE 255 cam. If i go this route do you think starting and smoothness will be an issue? Let me know your thoughts. I am pretty good mechanically but new to the harley thing so i just don't want to make a $1000 mistake.

beaureed445 · #4 08-11-2009, 09:29 AM

Depending on your location, you may consider adding manual compression releases, since your heads will already be removed. My 1st 103" build was with stock heads and SE255 cams. I got a ton of hot starts. But, I'm in Oklahoma, and it gets pretty warm there.

Kingofcubes · #5 08-11-2009, 10:28 AM

Stock heads are pretty much unpredictable because of the core shift and uneven combustion chambers, this is why I use the cnc ported heads first, big bore second. All of the characteristics you asked about come from the heads first, cam second, and exhaust.

jeroark · #6 08-11-2009, 11:32 AM

Thanks guys for your input. Another thought here. Maybe the 106 is overkill. Do you think that the SE 103 kit and machined heads will get me 100hp 100ft/lbs. It may be simpler and more reliable. If i go this route any suggestion on who i should have do the heads?

jeroark · #7 08-11-2009, 11:34 AM

on another note i am trying to keep reliability and machine work to a minimum

beaureed445 · #8 08-11-2009, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeroark

Thanks guys for your input. Another thought here. Maybe the 106 is overkill. Do you think that the SE 103 kit and machined heads will get me 100hp 100ft/lbs. It may be simpler and more reliable. If i go this route any suggestion on who i should have do the heads?

1st off, there is NO SUCH THING as overkill when it comes to these machines. The more you have, the more you will want....don't ask me how I know. Are you dead-set on using the SE255 cam? If not, you may consider a different (aftermarket) alternative. You didn't mention what tuning device and exhaust you're using. You may be able to get close to 100/100 with the right heads/pipe combo and the SE kit with 255s. My '07 FXST made 82/102 with the 255 cams, no headwork, and V&H Big Radius.

jeroark · #9 08-11-2009, 01:39 PM

I am open to other cams...suggestions? I want to keep some good low end torque, I do alot of touring two up, i would prefer not to have to drop a gear to get into the powerband. As for tuner and pipes i have jackpot pipes and a TTS tuner already

beaureed445 · #10 08-11-2009, 03:16 PM

My suggestion- Contact one of the site's sponsors....GMR Performance, Hillside, Hyperformance, or Head Quarters. Explain to them what you ride, what you want out of it, and how you ride. They will give you professional suggestions/ kit ideas. If I were starting from scratch again with a 96" motor, I'd definitely go with the 107" package.