Harley Race Tuner vs Power Commander

CoronaZombie · #1 10-22-2009, 01:43 PM

Hi guys,

I will be putting new pipes on my bike in the future and have been gathering info. When it comes to tuning it my local MoCo told me I have 2 options. The Harley race tuner which is $450 but doesn't have to stay on the bike when complete or the Power Commander which I found online for $280 but it requires staying plugged into the bike.

My question is: Which do you guys recommend? The PC is way cheaper but is there a good place on my bike to hide it without having to alter/move all kinds of stuff? I ride a 2008 FXSTC.

Your help is appreciated!

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Mr. Wizard · #2 10-22-2009, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoronaZombie

Hi guys,

I will be putting new pipes on my bike in the future and have been gathering info. When it comes to tuning it my local MoCo told me I have 2 options. The Harley race tuner which is $450 but doesn't have to stay on the bike when complete or the Power Commander which I found online for $280 but it requires staying plugged into the bike.

My question is: Which do you guys recommend? The PC is way cheaper but is there a good place on my bike to hide it without having to alter/move all kinds of stuff? I ride a 2008 FXSTC.

Your help is appreciated!

The short version.

The new PCIII comes with a new ECM mounting bracket so it can be placed under the seat. An older PCIII will have to be mounted behind the battery/in front of the mud flap near the swing arm.

The PCIII, although is a good option for some, is not for others. It is limited as to what you can do to fool your ECM. Canned maps are available online and or a good tuner can set it for you which is more money.

A SERT/SEST doesn't stay with the bike and will let you do so much more to tune your bike. Yes, you will still need a good tuner or you can install a canned map that comes close to your bike.

If you don't plan on modifying your bike to the extreme then you may want to choose the PCIII or take a look at the PCV w/auto. The PCVw/auto doesn't need a good tuner as it will tune itself.

I can't make the decision for you but if you are only going to do a SEAC and pipes then I would go with the PCV w/auto. It will be cheaper in the long run and if you ever change your motor it will tune itself again.

There are other options out there such as the TTS but it is as expensive as the SEST.

Good luck with what ever you choose but don't let money make your decision. HD doesn't stand for cheap and cheap doesn't always get the job done.

CoronaZombie · #3 10-22-2009, 02:54 PM

Thanks for the info!

I guess it would have been helpful if I told you what I planned on running.

I'm not doing any serious modding or anything. Just adding V&H 2-2 BR and K&N high Flow air filter.

Wallaby · #4 10-22-2009, 03:00 PM

If that's all you're doing, then getting the dealer to do a Stage 1 re-flash of your ECM, around $150 may be a cheaper option.

Mr. Wizard · #5 10-22-2009, 03:11 PM

Wallaby has a good point. For some people the canned Stage 1 ECM flash will do nicely. It will run just fine and also take some heat out of the engine for you.

Down the road, when you want to tinker a little more, try your best not to go an inexpensive route for tuning your bike. I don't want to harp on this but over the years of tuning I've seen it happen again and again and the results haven't been positive.

CoronaZombie · #6 10-22-2009, 03:23 PM

So, when you guys say a Stage 1 ECM flash will do, does that mean I won't need the Race Tuner or Power Commander?

Also in order to connect the 2-2 BR's to my engine do I need to buy anything that doesn't come packaged with them, like gaskets or anything? Any special tools needed?

Mr. Wizard · #7 10-22-2009, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoronaZombie

So, when you guys say a Stage 1 ECM flash will do, does that mean I won't need the Race Tuner or Power Commander?

Also in order to connect the 2-2 BR's to my engine do I need to buy anything that doesn't come packaged with them, like gaskets or anything? Any special tools needed?

Your Dealership will use what is called a "Digital Technician" and simply plug into your bike and flash it with new software for the ECM which is the computer on your bike. Just like adding a file to your computer, copy and paste.

It's always a good idea to get new exhaust gaskets if they don't come with the new pipes. You will need to know if the end of the head pipe is curved or flat so you can get the correct gasket. The last V&H I put on used the stock HD curved exhaust gaskets. This was about a week ago.

Be sure to install your 02 sensors before you install the pipes on the bike and make sure the threads on the new pipes are clean so you don't strip out your 02 sensors installing them. Soak the four 1/2" exhaust nuts in WD40 (or alike) before attempting to take them off and don't over torque them or you may break an exhaust stud in the head.

Cheers

Ruprecht · #8 10-22-2009, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoronaZombie

Thanks for the info!

I guess it would have been helpful if I told you what I planned on running.

I'm not doing any serious modding or anything. Just adding V&H 2-2 BR and K&N high Flow air filter.

V&H have their own ECM add in, the Fuelpak which you can get for $200 odd on Ebay. It seems to work for many people and you can download maps for your specific application from the V&H website.

CoronaZombie · #9 10-22-2009, 05:32 PM

and this fuelpack has to stay with the bike or you unplug it once you program the bike?

SpyderTB · #10 10-22-2009, 05:51 PM

First off. I'm all for aftermarket parts but HD makes a great product with their tuners if you like EFI. With the info already stated by "Mr. Wizard" you should already have made your pick. and yes the V&H tuner is just like the PC. Go with the Race tuner. Remember once one has been matted to a ECU its ONLY good for that ECU.

Don't cheap out on this. You pay for what you get and get what you pay for.

Good luck