Howdy All,

Over the past few month I've mentioned my forthcoming "engine build" on this forum. It has now been completed and I am more than happy to report the outcome.
First of, little background info:

I have 2008 Street Bob. About 18 month ago I purchased a "Peter Stevens" winter special - Stage 3 103 kit. This was good for about 86 hp and 90 fl-lb torque.
By itself the figures are quite reasonable, espcially since 103 kit was coupled with RB Racing LSR exhaust system.

http://www.rbracing-rsr.com/exhausttech.htm
 

Few month ago I was speaking to Darren Condy (Open Road MSC) who suggested that significant improvements can be made with a relatively modest changes.
His suggestion was to have heads flowed and ported, install high comp piston kit, SE-258 cams and have the bike dyno'ed. (see below for a complete parts list). I am running SE Racing Tuner (older version, not the "super" tuner) It took about a month go get all the parts in from Zanotti, have the heads flowed/ported and get the engine back together. The heads were done by Andrew Hallam and I couldn't praise him highly enough. He must have done this 1000's time but he took his time to listen, discuss and explain things in a relatively simple manner. (I certainly like to wrench myself but wouldn't undertake an engine build without a proper guidance).

Now, Darren Condy only recently started Open Road MSC but the guy is hard working, knows his Harleys and more importantly keeps you informed along the way. I couldn't recommend him highly enough. Darren, if you reading this, thanks heaps man. Awesome work and Awesome attitude. I wish you all the best with your business. We all know, it's hard to find a good independent motorcycle service shop in Melbourne.

Note to Stix: How did you manage to get a handle on all do's and dont's of engine building?
I've only just had bike dynotuned with some good results. The horse power went up to 103hp and the torque to 110 ft-lb. 
The  RB Racing  LSR2  (2 into 1) exhaust system apparently designed for torque rather than outmost horsepower and it shows.
Overall I am wrapped with the gains over a relatively "small" spend.

Here is the parts list used in the build...

22144-08B    SE Forged High Compression Pistons for stock TC 96 heads Complete kit includes pistons, rings, wrist pins and clips
25474-06    SE-258 Cam Kit
32076-04    SE Mechanical Compression Release
18404-08    SE Premium Tapered Quick Install Adjustable Pushrods
27623-05A    SE Pro 50mm EFI Throttle Body 26/02/2010
11301    Top End Gasket O-ring
25244-99A    Cam Cover Gasket
11256    O-ring
11273    O-ring
16719-99B    Rocker Housing Gasket 26/02/2010
17386-99A    Rocker Cover Gasket
26995-86B    Intake Manifold Gasket
65324-83B    Exhaust Gasket
16101-01    SE Big Bore High Per Head Gasket Kit, 3"-7/8 Big Bore

Here is the dyno chart after the final tyne.

Now, originally I've selected Andrew 54 cams for the build. However the concern was that Andew 54 cams are designed for compression ratio 10:1 where as with the
high crown pistons we would be at 10.5:1. At the end Andrew Hallam recommended sticking with SE cams and I've taken his advice.

I am still running the engine in, but it feels much stronger than the previous 103 kit did. It is very torque especially where it counts. It is very tractable and easy to ride.  Overall, in my opinion the combination selected above should be good for a well performing but still tractable engine. So far, I couldn't wish for a better results.

Gents, I am sure I've forgotten to mention some details, so if you need anymore info, don't hesitate to ask.
Cheers
Vlad

Vlad, can you give me some info on your head porting as to what was done ?  Using stock valves ?  Can you give me an idea on price for the heads (PM if you want to).

Did they give you any idea what's causing the dip in torque/power at 2800 ?   What intake are you using ?

Would love to see that build with the Wood TW-7 cam that i'll be using in my Brothers bike.

Looks like it would be a nice strong bike to ride. Well done.

Cheers 

 

Thanks for the info / write up. Well done chief.

Have you heard of the new SE cams 59E? or was it 259e?
They are the first true cam designed for purely injected bikes with great results - So i'm told.

Cheers all. Much appreciate encouragement.
The heads where ported and polished, reseat valves, valve cut/clean and decomp holes all done by Andrew Hallam. I think his experience building "strong" engines is his main asset. The guy is a gem!
The stock valves where retained. ect) You could mill the heads 35 thou instead of buying the pistons but this is not something I would recomend as it is not a reversable modification and
the intake manifold is a bit more difficult to align.

My opinion on the cams:
211 Nice ride, good highway bike.
Andrews cam Good around town and highway but might be a little harsh on valve springs as Andrew Hallam said the info was a little vague.
258 good around town and highway but get up and go, slightly more aggressive bike but safe with valve springs.
Hence I've decided to play it safe and used the 258. So far couldn't be happier.

Now, overall impression is overwhelmingly positive. The bike is strong and just "pulls" everywhere.
The only regret is not doing it sooner. I am still runing the engine in, so will report again after the next dyno run.

Stix - Would appreciiate if you coul dig up tuner details.

cheers



































































The difference is huge and I can really feel it. The bike feels strong everywhere
through the rev range.

The intake is PM variety using K&N filter.

Now the dip on the chart was due to a slight exhaust leak. (exhaust sucking the air back in through the gap). Very artifical and not noticeable on the road. The leak has now been fixed. I am doing a follow up dyno run once the engine is run it.

sounds good vladt ,if you dont get 1 hp per cu in something is missin from the build its good to hear from a sucessfull upgrade .

Great Vladt - its getting colder here - this makes me feel like putting the bike in to get tricked up a bit!

Firey - After the engine work, the bike feels like a completely new bike.
Highly recommended.

Cheers.

Not just yet Stix.
Want to run the bike in nice'n'proper first. Been away for a few weeks, so only done 500 kms since the engine build.
Hopefuly will get another 500 on over the next few weeks.

How is your engine build going?

I'm toying with the idea of the same kit or a 113 for the bob...

Any recommendations?

8 month on and still love that engine.
What I ended up with is a tractable and powerful (read: torque) engine. Few guys here done the 113. Not sure if they like th results (I am guessing -yeah)

If I had to do it over again now, I'd still choose the same recipe.

Cheers
Vlad

Have to bump into you one day vladt and compare 103's if you know what I mean... Glad to hear your build is running well..

Cheers Dave

Just did a 1500km stint through mt kosciusko and the engine is just a gem!
Keeps on pulling. Very tractable and has a "real world" usability.

I reckon this is still the best value for money in terms ofperformance.