pc3 or se race tuner kit

on my 05 softail deluxe i am going with v&h big shots, i was going to go with the pc3, a parts guy at the local HD shop recomended the se race tuner kit, im not sure if im going to install the pipes or have them do it, it depends on the price.does any one have any opinions on this. also, how user friendly are these things, if i take it to a shop, which program would the tech want to use and how much does it cost to have them dial it in.

A couple of schools of thought here.

On one hand, the PCIII USB is easy to install and use. There are many maps available for various combinations and a tuning center can build a specific map if needed. Reliable, cost effective, well established.

On the other hand, the HRT writes directly to the bikes ECM which is not a bad thing since it eliminates an external box (PCIII). It has more capabilities and is built by the same folks as the PC (Dyno Jet) for Screaming Beagle errr, Eagle.
The only real downside is that unless someone has a map already built, the HRT must be either hand tweaked or run on the Dyno. The software is very complex and capable of many changes so a knowledgable tech is a good thing to have.

There is a cost difference but if you want an honest opinion if the tech is good and the $$ not that important, go with the HRT. Just make sure that you get the cable, software etc as they belong to you.

I'll lay odds that we will see a street version of this in the near future.

Someone will figure it out and we will be able to work directly with the ECM like we are able to on cars.

True, but on the other hand, with the PC111USB when you disconnect it everything is returned back to exactly where the bike was originally. I like that, because iif I mess anything up i can alway get back to "ground zero".
I put the pC111 on after getting intake and pipes and was able to download a map that was almost exactly right for the setup I had. then I was able to tweak the map very easily after reading Dynoo's on line instructions.
I have installed V&H pipes on the Vulcan and Supertrapps on the HS, and IMO changing pipes is about the easiest wrench project there is. I wouldn't pay stealership rates to have it done. but that's just me.

Thanks for the great info CD. i just forund out that there are no pipes avalible for the 05 softtail yet. ill see if direct parts can hook me up.

Tritip