DIY stage 1 on a Softail Slim
#1
DIY stage 1 on a Softail Slim
Hi folks,
I'm looking into getting a stage 1 setup for my Softail Slim, but prices from dealers are extortionate!
So if I do it myself, what do I need?...
- Pipes (V&H Shortshots)
- Air Filter (V&H VO2, so I can use the stock cover)
- Tuner - V&H Fuelpack FP3?
I'm not after 'better' performance, just a smooth ride without lumpiness
Is it just a simple bolt-everything-on job?
'Cause if so, it could save me hundreds!
Also, anyone got experience of any of the above products?
I'm looking into getting a stage 1 setup for my Softail Slim, but prices from dealers are extortionate!
So if I do it myself, what do I need?...
- Pipes (V&H Shortshots)
- Air Filter (V&H VO2, so I can use the stock cover)
- Tuner - V&H Fuelpack FP3?
I'm not after 'better' performance, just a smooth ride without lumpiness
Is it just a simple bolt-everything-on job?
'Cause if so, it could save me hundreds!
Also, anyone got experience of any of the above products?
#2
You can do this. Yes, this stuff just bolts together. You should get a shop manual and a torque wrench. Be careful to not over torque anything. Also, get blue Loctite and use it everywhere E crept the exhaust flanges at the head.
A lot of people have V&H Short Shots. They are probably the single most popular exhaust for Sportsters and Dynas, and they are fairly popular of Softails too. These happen to be the easiest pipes to install too.
Most intakes are the same as far as assembly, and most provide more airflow than necessary, so performance is relatively the same for almost all stage 1 intakes. The V&H is as good as any..
The tuner is a decent choice. Easy to use, good support and it works. It's nice that it is budget friendly too.
A lot of people have V&H Short Shots. They are probably the single most popular exhaust for Sportsters and Dynas, and they are fairly popular of Softails too. These happen to be the easiest pipes to install too.
Most intakes are the same as far as assembly, and most provide more airflow than necessary, so performance is relatively the same for almost all stage 1 intakes. The V&H is as good as any..
The tuner is a decent choice. Easy to use, good support and it works. It's nice that it is budget friendly too.
#3
#5
softail slim stage one
I did mine for around 1250.00 complete.
First I gathered all the info.
Second, I checked prices and shopped.
Purchased a Vance and Hines FP3 tuner, Cobra short swept pipes and Cobra Stage one intake.
I saved about 550.00 on the parts by getting them through Amazon, and got a 50.00 cash back in the deal from them!
I skipped doing the Dyno. 5 hp ain't gonna feel like much anyway.
I was after the look and sound like most of us.
I installed the Cobra intake myself. Even though it said it was a match for a 2015 twin cam i still had to modify the breather hoses. No big.
So, then i decided to pay the sealer for the pipe swap and tuner hookup. I figure, long term, if the there is a problem, I can hold them accountable to fix it.
Labor cost 200 bucks.
I left the baffles out which were a bitch to take out as I watched the tech struggle with them lol.
In the end of the day, this route saved me a grand total from what the dealer originally quoted me.And I am a happy camper!
Here's a link to how it sounds:
First I gathered all the info.
Second, I checked prices and shopped.
Purchased a Vance and Hines FP3 tuner, Cobra short swept pipes and Cobra Stage one intake.
I saved about 550.00 on the parts by getting them through Amazon, and got a 50.00 cash back in the deal from them!
I skipped doing the Dyno. 5 hp ain't gonna feel like much anyway.
I was after the look and sound like most of us.
I installed the Cobra intake myself. Even though it said it was a match for a 2015 twin cam i still had to modify the breather hoses. No big.
So, then i decided to pay the sealer for the pipe swap and tuner hookup. I figure, long term, if the there is a problem, I can hold them accountable to fix it.
Labor cost 200 bucks.
I left the baffles out which were a bitch to take out as I watched the tech struggle with them lol.
In the end of the day, this route saved me a grand total from what the dealer originally quoted me.And I am a happy camper!
Here's a link to how it sounds:
Facebook Post
#6
softail slim stage one
I did mine for around 1250.00 complete.
First I gathered all the info.
Second, I checked prices and shopped.
Purchased a Vance and Hines FP3 tuner, Cobra short swept pipes and Cobra Stage one intake.
I saved about 550.00 on the parts by getting them through Amazon, and got a 50.00 cash back in the deal from them!
I skipped doing the Dyno. 5 hp ain't gonna feel like much anyway.
I was after the look and sound like most of us.
I installed the Cobra intake myself. Even though it said it was a match for a 2015 twin cam i still had to modify the breather hoses. No big.
So, then i decided to pay the sealer for the pipe swap and tuner hookup. I figure, long term, if the there is a problem, I can hold them accountable to fix it.
Labor cost 200 bucks.
I left the baffles out which were a bitch to take out as I watched the tech struggle with them lol.
In the end of the day, this route saved me a grand total from what the dealer originally quoted me.And I am a happy camper!
Here's a link to how it sounds:
First I gathered all the info.
Second, I checked prices and shopped.
Purchased a Vance and Hines FP3 tuner, Cobra short swept pipes and Cobra Stage one intake.
I saved about 550.00 on the parts by getting them through Amazon, and got a 50.00 cash back in the deal from them!
I skipped doing the Dyno. 5 hp ain't gonna feel like much anyway.
I was after the look and sound like most of us.
I installed the Cobra intake myself. Even though it said it was a match for a 2015 twin cam i still had to modify the breather hoses. No big.
So, then i decided to pay the sealer for the pipe swap and tuner hookup. I figure, long term, if the there is a problem, I can hold them accountable to fix it.
Labor cost 200 bucks.
I left the baffles out which were a bitch to take out as I watched the tech struggle with them lol.
In the end of the day, this route saved me a grand total from what the dealer originally quoted me.And I am a happy camper!
Here's a link to how it sounds:
Facebook Post
#7
Hi folks,
I'm looking into getting a stage 1 setup for my Softail Slim, but prices from dealers are extortionate!
So if I do it myself, what do I need?...
- Pipes (V&H Shortshots)
- Air Filter (V&H VO2, so I can use the stock cover)
- Tuner - V&H Fuelpack FP3?
I'm not after 'better' performance, just a smooth ride without lumpiness
Is it just a simple bolt-everything-on job?
'Cause if so, it could save me hundreds!
Also, anyone got experience of any of the above products?
I'm looking into getting a stage 1 setup for my Softail Slim, but prices from dealers are extortionate!
So if I do it myself, what do I need?...
- Pipes (V&H Shortshots)
- Air Filter (V&H VO2, so I can use the stock cover)
- Tuner - V&H Fuelpack FP3?
I'm not after 'better' performance, just a smooth ride without lumpiness
Is it just a simple bolt-everything-on job?
'Cause if so, it could save me hundreds!
Also, anyone got experience of any of the above products?
Yes, it is an easy bolt-on process.
Not all Stage I's are created equal. Even if you're not looking for added performance, just a smooth running ride, there is still the issue of engine longevity and a stable tune.
To get a great Stage I that will do what you want (smooth ride without lumpiness) and be good to your engine, you can do it for as little as $250.00.
You can see a selection of Great Stage I kits at this LINK
Feel free to call or write with any questions about what will work best for what you are looking for.
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