Mods to stock TC88 on FXDX

I'm getting ready to start doing performance mods to my 2003 FXDX and would like some opinions regarding the following:

Vance and Hines ProPipe HS 2-1 vs. Thunderheader 2-1 - has anyone used both and which provides the best street performance? On down the pike I am planning on going to a 95 kit when the funds allow and don't want to have to buy another set of pipes.

If I go with the VH pipes, should I use their carb kit or go with the HD SE kit?

Anyone got any beginning settings on the carb adjustments that have worked in this type of setup?

I have the stock air cleaner on the bike (it's a 2003 anniversay bike) and it has a 2003 anniversay air cleaner trim medallion that I would like to keep. Are there any mods I can do to the stock air cleaner in order to keep it, but not hurt performance; or will I have to go with an aftermarket?

Any pointers anyone can give on this project? I'm an old hot rodder and 4 wheeler with not much "wrench time" on Harley's. This will be my first crack of anything major on the bike and I don't want to screw it up; but the dealer is way to expensive.

Thanks

I had a thunderheader on a 89 inch Dyna a few years ago. I liked the pipe but man, did it ever make my ears ring. The welds on some parts of the pipe were works of art, some of the others were worse than my welding..and I'm not a welder! I put a Pro Pipe on the bike a couple of years later and lo and behold the bike actually made slightly more power. I had a mikuni 42 with the hi'flo air cleaner. The pro pipe sounds good, it doesn't have that nasty bark the T-Header has. I love the sound of a Thunderheader, but it'll be on someone else's bike.

if I understand ya

I bought the Screaming EaGle AIR cleaner kit..it came with a Screaming Eagle ring..I did not use it....so I have the improved Air cleaner kit but still the "stock ring"...you can do same thing if I understand- your question.....I used the SCreaming Eagle ring to put around a cork coaster and I use it as a HD after-market cup coaster. (the ring is adhesive on the backside.) below is a pic of the coaster.
(the beer was not included)

Thanks for the replies. I'll check those air cleaner mods out -- like that coaster idea!
Sleepy - thanks for the heads up on the Thunderheader. I was leaning toward the ProPipe since a friend of my put a set on his Low Rider