 What engine mods are best [under 500.00]
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950
Banned
|
OP
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950 |
Ive been asking about specific items to be added and it occurs to me that I am so new that I have no idea what is REALLY available to help these engines along best.I would like to know what you guys would suggest I could spend 500 dollare for hp boosting parts.Nothing too in depth,Im not in to tearing the motor apart yet.
|
|
|
Re: What engine mods are best [under 500.00]
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
What year bike? Carbs or EFI?
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
|
|
|
Re: What engine mods are best [under 500.00]
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950
Banned
|
|
OP
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950 |
Sorry,Thats important for sure.Its a 2006 with carbs.
|
|
|
Re: What engine mods are best [under 500.00]
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
For under $500. you can: remove the snorkel, replace the stock filter with a UNI filter, buy some performance exhausts, and re-jet accordingly. Remove the AI if not done already. You can buy the Specialty Spares (great pipes) complete with an AI removal kit and a jet kit for only $435.
All that will be a major improvement and extremely noticeable difference in riding. You would even have enough money left over to stick a Polaris bellmouth where the snorkel used to be. You get a lot of improvement for very little and the bike sounds way better to boot!
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
|
|
|
Re: What engine mods are best [under 500.00]
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950
Banned
|
|
OP
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950 |
Quote:
For under $500. you can: remove the snorkel, replace the stock filter with a UNI filter, buy some performance exhausts, and re-jet accordingly. Remove the AI if not done already. You can buy the Specialty Spares (great pipes) complete with an AI removal kit and a jet kit for only $435.
All that will be a major improvement and extremely noticeable difference in riding. You would even have enough money left over to stick a Polaris bellmouth where the snorkel used to be. You get a lot of improvement for very little and the bike sounds way better to boot!
Thanks.I keep forgetting stuff.It already has bubs pipes and I assume the proper jetting for them.I do want to remove the air box but am thinking I would like to have no box at all there,not even the tool box thing that comes with the kits.Can the box be removed and just add kn filters or does it require a bunch of bracketing ?
|
|
|
Re: What engine mods are best [under 500.00]
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
I wasn't interested in airbox removal so I don't know the particulars other than you do have to support the carbs. I would think one of the removal kits available would be the way to go if you must have pod filters. If you do everything else right, IMO, it's not worth the cost or hassle removing the airbox.
Save some more and go for the BB 904 kit if you want major bang for the buck.
P.S. If you haven't already, get a dyno run done. Proper tuning makes a world of difference. A dyno can show you exactly where you need to make changes.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
|
|
|
Re: What engine mods are best [under 500.00]
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
|
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Thanks.I keep forgetting stuff.It already has bubs pipes and I assume the proper jetting for them.I do want to remove the air box but am thinking I would like to have no box at all there,not even the tool box thing that comes with the kits.Can the box be removed and just add kn filters or does it require a bunch of bracketing ?
The airbox has a few other functions besides the intake so you'd need to relocate the starter solenoid and carb heater switch and make a few other minor adjustments in addition to building a brace for your carbs. Then there's the issue of battery relocation to make things look "right". Tommy (brokenfixed) has details of the whole deal for you to pursue.
Are you running the stock air filter with those BUBS? If so you'll notice a definite improvement with a UNI or K&N filter, both under $60...
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
|
|
|
Re: What engine mods are best [under 500.00]
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950
Banned
|
|
OP
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950 |
i havnt looked at the air filter yet to know if its stock or not.
The bbkit is in the future for sure,maybe after next summer /fall riding season.For right now I was just looking for some smaller things I could do to tweak things a bit,just make her a bit snappier in the mid range between 30 and 70 mph,especially between 30 and 50.I know of no dynos close to me but I havnt really checked to hard either.
|
|
|
Re: What engine mods are best [under 500.00]
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58 |
I vote for air box removal. Either get a kit like the Freak of Tom's battery relocation kit. I used the space for other stuff plus feel the engine breathes much better. You can gut the stock exhaust for free and I like that better than the after market pipes plus you save the money. Even if I had the money for after market exhaust I would still want my gutted stock pipes. Definately re-jet the carbs. You can blueprint the engine if you have the mechanical ability giving a good HP gain.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: What engine mods are best [under 500.00]
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,932 Likes: 2
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,932 Likes: 2 |
screw the engine. buy some shocks & fork springs!
we should do this every weekend!
|
|
|
Re: What engine mods are best [under 500.00]
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950
Banned
|
|
OP
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950 |
I already have bobs exhaust and I assume the previous owner who installed them did the correct rejetting.It runs well enough that I cant imagine they are the stock jets anyway. Screw the engine  Well I never!My wife would divorce me for sure,she already thinks I love the bike more then her 
Last edited by smaug; 10/28/2009 4:21 PM.
|
|
|
Re: What engine mods are best [under 500.00]
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,207 Likes: 58 |
Just because the bike runs well don't assume the jetting is correct. A lean engine (depending how lean) will run great and even better than a properly jetted engine right up until you burn a valve.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: What engine mods are best [under 500.00]
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
In addition to what Ian said above, even adjusting or changing the needles will require a possible jet change. Even though the pilots, needles, and main jets primarily act on a particular range, they do interact with each other.
About the only way to know for sure is to run a dyno check to see how the engine is doing from idle to redline. My guess is that 90% of bikes that have not been dyno tested can gain a major benefit from proper tuning. This can create more hp as well as improving the throttle response through the entire range.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
|
|
|
Re: What engine mods are best [under 500.00]
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950
Banned
|
|
OP
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950 |
What can I check to see of the engine is running lean?I really do not have a dyno available to me.
|
|
|
Re: What engine mods are best [under 500.00]
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
Quote:
What can I check to see of the engine is running lean?I really do not have a dyno available to me.
One simple check is to check your plugs from time to time. Keep in mind that it is giving you only part of the picture. If the ceramic is white it is running lean (hot), if black - definitely rich (unless there is an oil problem). Most say that a tan to off-white color is ideal.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
|
|
|
Re: What engine mods are best [under 500.00]
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950
Banned
|
|
OP
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950 |
Thanks alot,Ill check that.As for the jets,is there anyway to check and see what size I have now?
|
|
|
Re: What engine mods are best [under 500.00]
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
I had to pull the bowls and check. My 03 BA had 120 mains and 42 pilots.
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
|
|
|
Re: What engine mods are best [under 500.00]
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950
Banned
|
|
OP
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950 |
Just an update.In the process of checking something else out,I find I have a 17t front sprocket.Is that correct for stock?
|
|
|
Re: What engine mods are best [under 500.00]
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950
Banned
|
|
OP
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950 |
Just an update.In the process of checking something else out,I find I have a 17t front sprocket.Is that correct for stock?And where is it marked on the rear sprocket what size it is?What would be a good combo for decent accelaration and still have some top end.
|
|
|
[under 500.00]
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 71
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 71 |
"When possible, make a legal u-turn."
|
|
|
Re: [under 500.00]
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950
Banned
|
|
OP
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 950 |
Quote:
It's all about the cam!
My question was all about the sprocket size 
|
|
|
Re: [under 500.00]
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
The standard rear sprocket is 42 tooth. Front sprockets are from 16 to 19 tooth typically. The early Speedmasters had a 16 tooth sprocket for quicker acceleration. The early Americas had a 17 tooth. These suited the 790 engines which had less bottom end torque but more top end hp. Most of the later models had the 18 tooth sprocket with the 865 engine (more torque). The 19 tooth is used by many who really want lower rpms while cruising. If you upgrade your engine, say with a 904 big bore, then it makes sence to tap into the extra horsepower and up your front sprocket. It is a matter of choice. Do you want to accelerate fast or cruise at lower rpms? Take your pick of front sprocket 
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
|
|
|
Re: [under 500.00]
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 71
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 71 |
Quote:
Quote:
It's all about the cam!
My question was all about the sprocket size
My reply was all about your first post.
Engine mods for HP gains under $500.
"When possible, make a legal u-turn."
|
|
|
Re: [under 500.00]
|
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 96
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 96 |
New 130 mains $14 Thruxton needles $15 JC Whitney/Emgo 19" turn out exhaust $100 Polaris bellmouth to replace top snorkle $20 Hole in bottom of filter $0 Hole in bottom of air box $0 Total $149 Bike pulls like a mule off the line, has no mid-range flat spot, has a top gear roll on (60-80mph) of about 6 seconds, and is just plain FAST. 
'04 Speedy. Emgo 19" turn-outs, Polaris bellmouth, 142/45 Thrux needles, 3.5 turns. Pod filters My Bike
|
|
|
Re: What engine mods are best [under 500.00]
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354 |
Quote:
For under $500. you can: remove the snorkel, replace the stock filter with a UNI filter, buy some performance exhausts, and re-jet accordingly. Remove the AI if not done already. You can buy the Specialty Spares (great pipes) complete with an AI removal kit and a jet kit for only $435.
All that will be a major improvement and extremely noticeable difference in riding. You would even have enough money left over to stick a Polaris bellmouth where the snorkel used to be. You get a lot of improvement for very little and the bike sounds way better to boot!
Bob (and anyone else who knows),
I'm finally getting around to tweaking my "new" 07 TBA. Regarding the snorkel, do I remove the whole assembly (top & bottom)? Is it something you have to cut down to get it out of the plastic oval mounting plate?
I saw your comment about the Polaris bit. I will look into getting one.
Thanks & Happy New Year
Steve
Blue/White 2007 TBA, Thruxton needles, Unifilter, AI removed, Polaris Bellmouth, Bubs, Nology Coils/wires, Lightbar, Ricor Intiminators, Hagon Nitros, Tall Sissy Bar w/luggage rack, Dart flyscreen & Lowers. 130 Mains, TrueGel Battery MG12-BS.
|
|
|
Re: What engine mods are best [under 500.00]
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616
Check Pants
|
|
Check Pants
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,616 |
Steve,
Grab it, squeeze and pull. Itll come out as one piece. I did that to Karens.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
|
|
|
Re: What engine mods are best [under 500.00]
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,354 |
Thanks Z!!! Dang...that was too easy!! 
Blue/White 2007 TBA, Thruxton needles, Unifilter, AI removed, Polaris Bellmouth, Bubs, Nology Coils/wires, Lightbar, Ricor Intiminators, Hagon Nitros, Tall Sissy Bar w/luggage rack, Dart flyscreen & Lowers. 130 Mains, TrueGel Battery MG12-BS.
|
|
|
Re: What engine mods are best [under 500.00]
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 84
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 84 |
I've opened up both the top and bottom of my air box (and the bottom of my K&N filter), and wonder if I should still consider the polaris bell mouth, or if it would even fit with the top of the air box opened up.
Smaug - when you check your spark plugs keep in mind that you're only checking the reading of the engine at one speed. If you kill the engine when it is idling that's the reading you're going to get from the plugs. If you want to see how the bike is doing at cruising speed, you need to be at cruising speed when you kill the engine to read the plugs. I suggest you find a straight stretch of road where you can kill the engine and coast to the side of the road, then check your plugs. That will give you the cruising speed reading of how the engine is doing.
08 America, A/I &, Calif emissions "stuff" gone, air box removed & battery relocated, billet intakes, UNI Pods, 145 mains, 42 pilots, Stage 2 igniter, intminators, 813 cams, Progressive 412's, modified seat.
|
|
|
|
|
