[BNO Bro]

I have a 2002 Sportster XLH. I have installed Andrews N2 cams. S&S Super E carb. Dyna ignition and Custom Chrome coil. Samson 'Big Guns" pipes. I'm still getting only about 68 hp on the Dyno after all of that. I had the carb rejetted at the dyno shop. I was thinking of putting some Buell heads on the bike to try to get to the 85+ hp range. I'm trying for the low end torque as top end horse power is basically useless to me in city traffic.

I need some good advice. Do I need to get new pistons? Are the stocK 1200 cylinders OK with Buell heads? Where is the best place to order Buell heads and what kind? Thunderstorm? And, anything else you think I might need to know.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Anthony in California.

[Hal Smith]

Originally Posted by Hal Smith

I Have An 1993 Xl1200/XLSS Hot Set Up Sidewinder Stroker Kit,89", With A Accel Mega Fire Ignition,accel Super Coil And A Super E Carb ,Also I HAVE A SET OF BASSANI PRO STREET DRAG PIPES. 106+ Hp And Over 100tq. I Would Say Get In Contact With SS Cycle, And Tell Them What You Are Trying To Do And See What They Recommend. You Can Get Ahold Of Their Tech. Dept. On Line. WWW.SSCYCLE.COM

RIDE SAFE, AND KEEP THE SHINEY SIDE UP

[BNO Bro]

Thanks for the info. I may have found a set of Buell Lightning heads that would seem to be a good solution. They just bolt on (theoretically anyway). I'm running Samson 2 1/4 straight drags with torque cones.

If anyone else has any ideas or info I would appreciate it alot.

Anthony in 'Frisco'

[VYBR8R]

The Lightning heads are what you want to use. Also if you can get a set of the Buell pistons it will raise your compression to approx. 9.8 to 1 and they are still flat tops. I was able to get 85 horses useing the buell top end and buell cams with a set of drag pipes and tuned in the back pressure to gain low end torque utilizing washers welded onto bolts and then turned them in the pipes until I got some good bottom end on the dyno. It was a cheap way to get the power and torque that I wanted.

[BNO Bro]

Thanks alot VYBR8R. I think you're right about the lightning heads. Do you know if I'll need to change out those Andrews N2 cams and go with a higher set? I was told that if I put the Buells on then I'll need to change out the cams -again. Also, the stock pistons will still work with Buells? They are flat tops too. The washer solution for back pressure is awesome. An old school trick for drag pipes without baffles?

Once again thanks. Hope to have this Sporty flying by summer...

[CD]

Buell Lightning heads / pistons. N4 (mild), N6 (great choice) or N8 cams (nice mid range up), good 2-1 like the Pro pipe or the D&D fat Katz.

Makes a very streetable, quick ride.

[Sportster2003]

I have a 2003 centenary model XLH and was thinking along similar lines to BNO BRO, but don't really want to mess up any stock parts.
The one big thing that I wonder is how does the sporty frame and brakes handle that extra horsepower?
New Zealand has some lovely open curvey roads, but will stick a 65km corner just where you don't need it. Brakes and cornering ability are a necessity in my part of the world.
CD's suggestion seems the easiest to me, but I still wonder if I shouldn't just get a bigger bike, like an 08 wideglide?
Any and all suggestions entertained.

[AFNurse]

Any excuse to get a new bike sounds like a sound choice to me!!! Good luck in the decission!