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[Twolanerider]

Couldn't use those cool billet rocker box covers with the new setup?

Actually could have Brian.  They are clearanced for anything that might need to go in as well. 

Had a chance awhile back to get a set of these TP "Pro Vent" covers for a steal though.  A shop out in central Kansas had a bunch from their time as a Big Dog dealer and was blowing them out.  So got them and their matching roller rockers real cheap.

The goal wasn't to change primarily for the roller rockers though.  Could've done that with the other boxes too.  The rocker supports in these TP boxes are stronger.  But that's not that big a deal. 

These TP boxes are supposed to be about the best thing out there for blow-by.  And I'd fought a blow-by mess before.  Granted, changing top ends changed everything that would impact on it.  But I was really wanting to do what I could to avoid that problem again.  So went with the Pro Vent rocker boxes.  Now just have to get some time at cruise RPM on them to see how they'll do.

[110tHunDer]

 
I see.   Those covers look taller than the stock ones (or the billet ones).  Maybe it's just an optical illusion?

[Twolanerider]

I see.   Those covers look taller than the stock ones (or the billet ones).  Maybe it's just an optical illusion?

Clearance between them and the frame is perhaps just a tiny bit wider than the other.  Certainly no smaller.  The rear one will be easier to R&R with these than with the prior covers.

[naitram]

just noticed the heads are different on has SE script the other a CNC ported tag??

[SPIDERMAN]

just noticed the heads are different on has SE script the other a CNC ported tag??

That's because the heads he sent to Dave Mackie were H-D CNC - - - -oh chit my mind just went blank, what are the Screamin Eagle "torque" heads ? 

They come with the different tags.

B B

[Twolanerider]

just noticed the heads are different on has SE script the other a CNC ported tag??

That was one thing I wasn't wild about either.  This pair of heads comes that way from Harley.  One head with the nice cast in Screamin Eagle script.  The other with the cheesy plastic CNC Ported tag screwed on.

When I first got them I had an "oh chit" moment and assumed it was a mismatched pair.  Was getting ready to get on the phone and immediately assume a vendor screw up.  Before making an ass out of myself, however, looked at the parts breakdown for the pair and that's the way they're supposed to be. 

Guess they're just very proud of the "CNC Ported" part.  I thought of machining up a little aluminum plate akin to what I made for the center of the air cleaner cover.  But it still wouldn't match the other head.  The only small saving grace is that the cheap looking plastic tag is on the front head where it's not seen as much when everything else is installed.

[hogasm]

That was one thing I wasn't wild about either.  This pair of heads comes that way from Harley.  One head with the nice cast in Screamin Eagle script.  The other with the cheesy plastic CNC Ported tag screwed on.

When I first got them I had an "oh chit" moment and assumed it was a mismatched pair.  Was getting ready to get on the phone and immediately assume a vendor screw up.  Before making an ass out of myself, however, looked at the parts breakdown for the pair and that's the way they're supposed to be. 

Guess they're just very proud of the "CNC Ported" part.  I thought of machining up a little aluminum plate akin to what I made for the center of the air cleaner cover.  But it still wouldn't match the other head.  The only small saving grace is that the cheap looking plastic tag is on the front head where it's not seen as much when everything else is installed.

That's why I went with a stock set of blank heads. Wanted them to match.

[Twolanerider]

That's why I went with a stock set of blank heads. Wanted them to match.

I got the HTCCs at enough of a discount that it worth it to keep them even after I got them home and unboxed them.  The machinists involved were also recommending them as the suggested platform to start with for the pistons supplied with the cylinders I was using.  All I have to do is not look at it and it's fine.  Since I'm short legged and nearly always mount and dismount from the left that makes it easy .

[miker]

Yea, but how about when you get on the bike?

[Twolanerider]

Yea, but how about when you get on the bike?

I could see that little tag on the front head when I'm on the bike.  But I'd have to lose some weight, get a lot more flexible and ride with my face tucked over my right knee looking down in front of the air cleaner.  It's easier to change CDs while going down the road .

[REGGAB]

That's why I went with a stock set of blank heads. Wanted them to match.

Exactly!   

[Twolanerider]

Exactly!   

I can't disagree Henry.  Total symmetry would have been nicer. But I got that new pair of HTCC ported SE heads for $400 plus a pair of used 96" take offs that had not cost me a dime.  Since they are supposed to be a good head and were the machinists first choice for what I was doing it was just too good a deal to let pass.  Fortunately with the air cleaner cover on, lower on, tank on, etc etc etc you actually have to choose to look to find that tag on the front head.  It doesn't jump out at you at all.  And the bike runs so damn nice right now I can choose to accept it as a cost of doing business.

[Twolanerider]

And..... speaking of running well....

The other day the bike got a half hour's time after the dyno run.  On not bad but not good roads.  So not a lot of opportunity to really get a feel for it.

Just got bike from putting 80 miles on the odometer.  It's nice.

For others it might not be as ideal. But for the way I ride the bike I think it's going to be as close to ideal as I could ever hope to get one.

Torque really is in enough and early enough to make riding the thing fun again.  Going from, say, 65-85 on a twolane to pass a truck happens smooth and quick.  It's not snap your neck back quick.  But it somehow manages to be smooth enough to get there in a nice hurry without being abrupt.  First couple of times I thought I was still at 75-ish when it was approaching 90 mph.

If you're cruising at 65-70 in fifth on a little road and need to pass you can just go.  It'll make it around smartly indeed.  If you were suddenly tighter than you expected a quick downshift would make an abrupt and sharp difference.  It's got the torque or hp to do it either way.

Straight on cruising is equally as nice.  Over long riding days it'll be even more pleasant actually. 

Not sure why you'd want to but it will actually run with the cruise on at 65 mph in 6th and not lug.  Not even a little bit.  Most that think they can run at 70 or so in 6th gear don't realize they're lugging the engine a bit all too often.  This one settles in and just hums.  Up a grade without taking a breath.  It's a ready motor in that range.

Up around 75 in 6th it's really at home.  As much as any engine can actually speak to you it sounds happy there.  From 75 in 6th it will accelerate smartly too.  It's smooth and quick to respond to the throttle at any RPM range and usage above lugging the engine.  And you've got to really choose a wrong gear to make it lug now.

This is going to be a nice highway and roadway cruising combination.  The trailer won't make any difference to it at all.  And it's going to love riding in the mountains.  The engine sounds great.  Even better now than it did 100 miles ago.  Drop off cruise and pull up to a stop to hear this gorgeous slightly rumbly idle just thumping away beneath you. 

Looking forward to see if any tweaking will be required in the tune for hot weather.  Given experience with this tuner in the past I truly don't expect it though.  Barring some unforeseen complication it looks right now like this combination is going to be a home run relative to how I ride the bike.  Yeah red bike !

[SneakyPete]

Congrats Don!  Glad you are happy again

[Twolanerider]

Congrats Don!  Glad you are happy again

Thanks Pete.  It's nice when a plan comes together .