Hello all, im in the midst of doing a stage 1 upgrade and am going with a Arlen Ness Big Sucker. I've noticed that they have a BS for a stage 1 and stage 2 but I am wondering whats the difference between them? Will the stage 2 BS work with a stage 1 upgrade? Is it just a lager filter and if so can I just swap the filter for a stage 1? I plan on doing a stage 2 at some point in the future and don't really want to have to buy another breather if I don't need to. I tried to call them but got an answering service so was hoping someone here could give me the break down. Let me know and thanks in advance!

 

Disclaimer: the following is hearsay.
Coincidentally, I was searched YouTube for some videos on an unrelated issue. I stumbled across one where the guy comments, "I have in front of me 2 Arlen Ness Big Sucker air cleaners. They are a stage 1 and 2. The only difference is the Stage 2 is larger." The only reason I paid attention is because I have a BS and wondered which one I had [concluded it was a Stage 1]. Hope that helps.

 

I"m no expert but the stage 2 air filter may be less restrictive than the stage 1 filter but that won't hurt a stage 1 build at all as long as it's tuned properly. Buy the 2 and be done.

 

The difference in filter size at that point doesn't matter. One may have slightly larger surface area but they will still breath the same and provide an equal amount of airflow to the engine. You cannot increase airflow any larger than the throttle body unless it's forced (ie charger, turbo, etc.). So honestly the only real difference between the two cans that really matters is what style do you prefer. If I remember correctly the first one is an old school cone shape (same one I have) and the second is reversed. Where the throttle body side is smaller and it expands outward.
Just keep an eye on any possible sumping. It's always a possibility but generally an easy fix.

 

Stage 2 is larger and I believe the filter is attached with 4 bolts instead of 3

 

The Arlen Ness stage 2 has a larger filter (20% more surface area according to the description) and the covers are different. I believe with the smaller one you can use the factory cover if you want.

I put a stage 2 Big Sucker on my bike because I like the look of the cover better and it was almost the same price. .

 

Thanks for the info guys! Finally got a hold of a service tech at Arlen Ness and he said that the back plate is bigger along with the air filter. Also said I can go with a stage 2 BS and have no worries at all with my stage 1 build.