i have a 96 fxd. wondering thoughts on 9.5:1 pistons with an ev23 cam.

 

I think that unless you plan to race it, 9.5:1 is a good number. It lets the starter do it's thing (until the battery starts getting tired, changed mine today). I've got the 9.5:1 in my 02 with 95" and 211 cams. runs strong and idles great and still gets 40mpg. I went to a 33tooth on the front so I could use the torque in the 45mph twist area in 5th and pull good up to ??? and will go like stink from 45 in third. If your battery is not real hot, anything above 9.5 could give you cranking problems. this is jmho in 45 yrs as a mechanic and I like my bikes sporty but also dependable.

 

Most guys shaved the head instead of replacing the pistons. My Evo heads were shaved .060 and using .030 gaskets. Using a EV51 cam.

 

i put the se flat head pistons in with the woods tw6 and have over 10 comp, but i put in comp release so no problem there, but without releases really drags the starter