Ok, I bought a 2010 Electra Glide Classic that has stage II done but the release valve wasn't installed at the time. What is the best way to go because of HOT start ups that isn't going to break the bank? Could I change the starter for a Hi-torque starter? Or should I have a manual/automatic release valve installed? what would be the costs?Thanks guys

 

Because its a 2010 i think you have to go with the automatic release,mt friend just had his dyna done,$800.i don't think the the high tq starter will work or last

 

Check your cranking pressures. You may not need them at all.

 

If a high torque starter is available for your bike it should work! There are 2.0kW and 2.4kW monsters out there. They may need a high capacity battery (although your bike probably already has one) and should hurl it into life in all conditions!

 

If it truly is an HD stage II that means it uses SE 255 cams which are tough on hot restarts (lots of cranking compression). Problem with beefing up the starter is that the starter clutch is still the weak link in the game. Strongest starter in the world won't help when the starter clutch let's go.

On my stage II 103 I use manual compression releases installed at time of build even though many kept stating they were not needed. I have never regretted installing them and on the couple of occasions I forgot to hit the buttons prior to a hot restart, I got to see first hand how hard it turned over. My 2006 Dyna with the SE 120R has automatic compression releases, I can't imagine what a hot restart without the releases would be like.

Seems like the simple question for you is whether to do manual releases or automatic ones. The determining factor for automatics is whether the heads on you bike have the hole in them or not. I went with manual releases because even though the heads had to be machined for them, I can swap them out without pulling the rocker boxes is I need to service a release.

 

Given the option of paying the dealer $800 to install auto releases, why not pull the heads for a street port job and have manual releases installed? Still spend about $800, if you do the work yourself, you will get your hands dirty and the bike will be down for a while but you at least got your money's worth with the upgrade.

 

I have a 2010 Ultra 96" also. Just picked up ACR heads, cylinders and pistons form a 2011 103" with 2500 miles for a great price and I plan on installing them very soon. Just waiting on the ACR harness and will have them activated. Currently running the Woods TW6-6 cams. ACR heads just for piece of mind.

 

Your 2010 came with auto compression release.
Unless you went over 103ci, you probably do not need manual realeases.

 

Why do you think it already has a release valve? I'm not saying you are wrong just wondering why.

 

Here's another angle...
Consider compression release cams, I think S&S calls them easy start cams.