My dealer is running a Big Bore special for $999.

I have an '06 Softail Heritage (FLST/I) with V&H exhaust. I've been thinking since I got the bike a few months ago that I wanted more power, especially torque. I like the 88 twin cam but I need more boost.

Does this sound like a good deal? Is a big bore worth the money, will it get me that much more power? I know there's no replacement for displacement, but I've heard about a lot of guys who had problems afterward.

Thanks for any suggestions...

 

A cam will produce more then a 95" kit. How many miles are on the bike? If its time to replace cam chain tensiners it may be worth considering the se hydraulic tensioners and since that part of the bike is apart install a cam also. Or just replace the stock tensioners and install cam if funds are limited.

 

That's a fair deal but just the opener. If you don't have a fuel management system, you will need one and a tune. Get those prices tied down as part of the package.

A couple of things to consider and discuss with the dealer:

1. Get the SE204 cam substituted for the SE203, even if you have to pay for it.
2. Tell the dealer you want a .030" Cometic MLS head gasket, not the thicker stock piece.
3. Ask the dealer if they torque plate check the piston to cyliner fitment before they install. Getting the proper piston to cylinder fitment with OEM big bore cylinders and pistons is a crap shoot. If they do measure, it's all good. If not, see if they will modify the deal to allow you to send your cylinders out for a bore/hone job to fit the new pistons.
4. Replace cam tensioner shoes and upgrade inner cam bearings to Torrington B148s.

Going from 88" to 95" is a no brainer; guys have been doing if for ever since the TC88 came out. That's one of the reasons H-D finally got smart and bumped the 88" to 96" with the longer stroke. They can now sell two BB kits, 88" to 95" and 96" to 103"!

 

Good stuff I hadn't thought of. Still. I'm waffling. Isn't there more stress and strain on the drivetrain and other components when you go from 88" to 95"?

I'm craving the added power - I need it like a junkie needs a fix - but will it just give me more problems down the road? I blew most of my money on the bike, I need the rest of it for groceries and single-malt scotch, not repairs to the Moto men.

 

Not to fork the thread too much here, but I'm trying to learn - Whats the benefit of the .030 Cometic gasket?

 

The bike only has 7,300 miles on it.

 

Gasket, better squash effect into the bathtub as well as increased compression.

 

Stop thinking about it, really. Increasing displacement from 88" to 95" is no reason to waffle. The drive train and other components can easily handle the increase in torque and horsepower. The only issue you might have is the clutch but the BB kit includes the SE clutch spring. Your left forearm might get bigger than your right but there are no issues with this build. Properly maintained it will run forever.

 

Good advice, money well spent!

 

Tightens up the "squish" band in the combustion chamber for more efficient and complete combustion, plus it will add .25 points to the static compression ratio. In other words, if the CR is 9:1 with stock head gasket it will increase to about 9.25:1 with the .030" Cometic. Additionally, the Cometic is a multi layered steel gasket (MLS0 and will not crush.