FOUR STEPS TO BETTER PERFORMANCE
This year, S&S Cycle introduces some great new products for late model Harley-Davidson® big twins. With the addition of these new items, we can also suggest performance upgrades for these motorcycles that can be done in steps, which allow riders to use the parts they purchase in the early steps to compliment the parts they add in the later steps. There are several advantages to this approach. First of all, you can go faster right away, without having to pay a huge bill all at once. Then, as your budget allows or as your lust for power demands, you can go to the next step (also affordable). And of course, this way, you always have something to look forward to... the next step!
If you have a new bike and are considering high performance modifications, the expense can seem pretty daunting. However, if done one step at a time, these modifications can be pretty affordable. Here is a series of performance upgrades that can help you go fast and will fit any budget. The idea is to install some key components that will give you more power right now. Later, installing additional parts to what you already have will produce even more power. That way, you can build up to a respectable level of performance without having to make a large investment all at once. Of course, you can start at any step you want to. If you want the big numbers right away, just go for it and get everything at once.
STEP 1: INTAKE AND EXHAUST
One of the most cost effective ways to improve performance is a high flowing air cleaner kit and a set of high performance slip-on mufflers from S&S®. These parts are also required components of any more serious performance package.
More information on S&S high flow Air Cleaner Kits
More information on S&S Power-Tour & Quiet Tour Mufflers.
STEP 2: CAMS
The addition of cams is the next step toward higher performance. Several types of cams are available, and it is important to decide what cams are best suited to your immediate needs and what cams will be needed to achieve your long-term goals. If you can choose cams that will work for both, you will save money. For more torque we recommend the S&S® 551 cams for dressers, and the S&S 583 cam for Dyna® and Softail® models. For more top end horsepower, we suggest the S&S 585 cams. Dealer installation of cams is recommended, and EFI tuning is generally required. We recommend the Harley-Davidson® Race Tuner or Dynojet® Power Commander® for EFI tuning.
More information on Easy Start Cams
STEP 3: 97" AND 106" BIG BORE KIT
The next step is to increase the displacement of your engine. The S&S® 97" Big Bore Top End Kit for 1999-’06 88" engines or the 106" Top End Big Bore Kit for 2007-up 96" engines are an easy and cost effective way to do it. Simply replace the stock pistons and cylinders with the S&S 106" Top End Big Bore Kit. No machining or flywheel rebalancing required. Cams, exhaust, and intake components from steps 1 and 2 will work great with the 106" Big Bore Top End Kit. Dealer installation recommended. Larger fuel injectors, such as the Screamin' Eagle®, may be required.
More information on 97" and 106" Big Bore Kits
STEP 4: CNC PORTED HEADS
After the displacement of an engine has been increased, and high performance intake, exhaust and cams have been installed, the next step is to make the heads flow better. For this, S&S offers several options. The most economical route is to have S&S® CNC port your stock heads. This can be done on an exchange or rework basis (see page 8). The other option is to purchase new S&S cylinder heads. Either way, the increased flow of the intake and exhaust ports will allow you to take advantage of the extra displacement by filling it with more air. Dealer installation is recommended and EFI tuning is required. We recommend the S&S VFI modules, Harley-Davidson® Race Tuner, or Dynojet® Power Commander® for EFI tuning. Larger fuel injectors, such as the Screamin' Eagle®, will be required.
For even more horsepower, consider a set of cams with more radical lift and timing such as the Crane 296 cam.
More information on CNC Ported Heads
