I just ordered a set of V&H BR pipesfor my 06 FXSTI. I did a search on this particular install to see if I would need anything else done...i.e., SERT, PCIII or REMAP and now I'm confused as heck. I understood it as I would need no other work, parts or such if JUST changing the exhaust. But as you can see bymy search results below, I'm not sure now. Can anyone give me a definitive answer?

Thanks in advance, Jeff




According to advice that I have been given,... NO,.... You dont have to do the download if you "just" add exhaust, but if you add a free flowing A/C then you definately will need to do the download.

John

(in reply to stang2811
jmbear is right, you dont need it if you do your exhaust...

_____________________________
bill, westlake ohio

(in reply to jmbear328)
You dont have to... but if you do it it is much better! With the download you're not running so lean anymore, that means more power and better sound

ciao...

F
(in reply to jmbear328)

Stang.I researched this long and hard on as many sites as I can find and talked to quite a few hog mechanics over the past weekend.
If you are just installing slip on mufflers,you might get by without any download or fuel optimisers.If you are changing the complete system including head pipes you will need something to enrich the fuel system.
What it amounts to is this,you might end up burning a piston on a $20000 bike to try to avoid spending $150 on a fuelpack or a download.The 06 models use the o2 sensors and run lean right from the factory.When ya change the scavenge of the exhaust by adding a freer breathing system,you are compounding the problem.
I was going to install my V&H Big Shots this weekend without the air cleaner or the SERT.The SERT is on backorder.
You might get by with it but you might not.Why take the chance,do it right if your gonna do it.

(in reply to Pippeis)

Well I put a V&H Big Radius on my bike. While I was waiting for my powercommander to come in the mail I didnt put on the AC. The bike did pop a lot. So I would say yes you need the download even without the AC. I do think it will depend on what type of pipes you put on though.

(in reply to Sandhog)

You guys running the HD download don't know what you're missing. If you get a SERT and a good tune, it's like having a totally different bike. You will be amazed at just how crappy the download is once your bike is tuned with a SERT. (in reply to superdog48)


The mechanic (Master Mechanic) at the dealership informed me that the PC III is n

 

When changing pipes, you want to take full advantage of both air intake and exhaust. On EFI you need to be able to change the fuel and air mix. I have great success with the PCIII. You can use the dealer's SERT or any other 3rd party product that changes the map. Changing pipes without telling the engine how to best use them is like eating a hot dog without the chili and cheese!

 

Can I go with just a TFI since I really don't see any major mods to the engine. I may add an aftermarket AC in the future but thats about all.

 

Adding just pipes will not improve but may hinder performance. Your bike is tuned for the pieces in place. By changing pieces your bike does not know how to work and thinks it is working with the original pipe. With every car, bike, truck that I own, I always add parts to improve Air Intake, Exhaust and a programmer to tell the engine how to take advantage of the additions. I would suggest budget until you can get the Stage 1 air intake the PCIII and Exhaust and install together.

 

Exquzet,
Not trying to overide your advice here but seeing as I have already ordered the pipes, could I go ahead and use a TFI to get by until I get the funds to do the Stage I and intake? Or should I just wait like you suggested. Just getting eager to get that sound I guess. I ordered the pipes on the premise and input of another poster from this site that I could do this without any other mods such as a SERT or PCIII. And this is where the confusion started. I don't want to do anything that may cause me problems later on.

 

Hi Raptor 350,

Sorry to disagree with most of the information posted on this thread.

An engine is a complete system consisting of many componants that are designed to work together. If you change any componant, you will effect the balance of the system. Sometimes there is an acceptable range of change that will require no other change in other componsnts of the total system.

Changing the exhaust is going to effect,at a minimum your AFR (air fuel ratio) and quite possibly the VE (volumetric effeciency). Will your change fall within the exceptable range of parameters? I don't know, but I'll bet not. I'm not familiar with your chosen pipe set but the MOCO will tell you only about their products and they all need a download or SERT.

The 02 sensors for 06 models were only used on Dyna models, I believe. Check your Harley Davidson Factory Shop manual. That was the very first accessory you should have bought along with a Harley Davidson Factory parts manual. What, you didn't get them? Get up right now and go buy a set. You may find them on Flee-bay for a little less but you don't get to know the guys and gals at the dealership that will clue you in to lots of free expert advice.

You are just kidding yourself if you think that the pipes are the only modification you will do to that bike.

DFO/TFI (same thing) will probably do you up to a mild cam change but you should get a down load just to keep the settings to a minimum on the DFO (keep as much advantage of a really good fuel injection system as you can) and get a higher RPM limit. If you want the best, get a SERT, if you understand it and are wiling to invest the time and research into learning how to use it. PC-III, no comment only that I would not go this route.

I can hear the excitement in your typing and also that you hocked the family jewls to get the bike of your dreams. Don't turn that dream into a pile of crap, slow down and do your research, especially about the effects of a build (modifying your ride).

One last thought, if it doesn't improve the performance, it's a waste of money, looks and sound are not all they are cracked up to be, a fast smooth ride is priceless. BTW, your softtail is about 4 hp down on Dynas and Baggers, different engine.

Good luck and best wishes,

Pixs

 

Pixs,
Pipes are not the only thing I will do but I know it won't be much more either. I will addan intake in time but as for right now pipes are on the way. I have been doing alot of reading concerning the SERT, PCIII, TFI/DFO debate and from everything I have read thus far, the TFI/DFO is really all I need I think. I know, I know.... I can hear you now....GET THE SERT...LOL. Well I would probably go the route IF I were going to be doing some major mods, but I'm not. If all I really need to acheive is to richen it up I think the TFI/DFO is the best bet dollar for dollar.
Correct me if I'm wrong as I am still just a newb and learning here.