hey all,
So I am looking to boost my power on my 2002 wide glide 88ci I am 2 up usually I am thinking cam upgrade (also converting from chain to gear drive) my question is will just installing a cam be enough for that low end power or is it better to also port heads and are there other upgrades that I need to consider if I do this BTW I will be doing most of the wrenching myself I am just looking to stay with the guys when they tear off as they all have 103 and up and I'm all stock.:cheers
The first step would be a Stage I upgrade as HDDon has suggested; however, that alone will not achieve your goal of keeping up with 103 crowd. You did not say whether or not the bike was carbed or EFI which will make a difference in how you manage fuel delivery post upgrades.
The first thing you need to do is decide how much you want to spend to keep up with or run away from the 103 crowd;that will determine whether or not you can make the required upgrades all at once or in phases.
In addition to a Stage I upgrade, there are three things you need to do to achieve your goal:
1. increase displacement
2. head work
3. cam set
I would suggest that you do all three at the same time. There are several builders/porters that will sell you a "package", i.e. cylinders bored with pistons fitted and rings gapped and a set of heads ported to match you cam set. Some will also include the cam set; a list of those follow:
1. Deweys' Heads, Don Dorfman
HDBD Home
Don is primarily a head porter but I know he works with customers to develop a package.
2. VTwin Performance, Kirby Apathy
VEE-TWIN Performance Center - High Performance Machining and Services for Harley Davidsons
3. Hillside Cycles, Scott Palmer
Hillside Cycle
4. Automotive Machine & Supply
Automotive Machine Supply :: Parts for Harley Motorcycles
AMS is the only vendor that I know will supply a complete package right down to the gear drive hardware and for a very reasonable price.
I would give each a call and select a vendor based on your comfort level with the vendor, the package they can deliver, delivery time and of course the price. These guys will quote a price on an exchange basis and will credit you back a core deposit when they recieve your undamaged cylinders and heads which will minimize down time.
You will need basic hand tools, the service manual, miscellaneous hardware, whatever is not included in the vendor package, a couple of specialty tools and a weekend to get the job done.
You should check crank runout to insure it is withing gear drive tolerance; runout should not be greater than .003". Having said that, the 2002 bottom end is near bullet proof with the Timken crank bearing and forged crank; the last year for both. Your crank runout will very likely be less than .002".
If the bike is an EFI bike, you will need to purchase a fuel management system and plan on a dyno tune. So, you might want to check the local market for tuners to fine one with a good reputation and what system that tuner perfers; they all have a preference.
If the bike is carbed, a Yost kit for the carb and a jet change will get the job done.
This is a general overview of a plan; have been through this many times with family members and friends. If you have questions, let me know but if you want to spank those 103s, IMHO, this is the way to do that. Any of the three upgrades listed above, alone, will not get the job done.:cheers
