Gents--
Here's my finalized plan for some modest performance upgrades to my F (just the stuff affecting the powerplant—suspension and other goodies is an entirely different list ). Could I ask you guys to take a look and chime in if there are any pitfalls or errors that you can think of that I missed or need to consider? The goal is to improve the fun factor of the bike for the street and the twisties (no track or drag strip) without getting stupid and breaking the bank— basically, I’m looking to make the bike more fun to ride without worrying about absolute power numbers at the very end of the power band. I also have a few lingering questions that I’d really appreciate an answer to if you have the knowledge. I’m pretty much sold on this configuration (i.e. I don’t want to change to a 2:1, do a big bore, etc.) but would like the warm fuzzy of knowing that the parts will play nice together before I melt my Amex card this week.
- Amsoil Ea high-flow air filter (I like this filter better than the SE or K&N since you it doesn’t have to be oiled and the graph numbers show that airflow is pretty much identical for all three.)
- Topless airbox mod using SE Stage II template cutouts. Also, plastic blocker panels removed from mesh side plates for increased airflow and aluminized heat reflective material installed on bottom of airbox to reflect engine heat.
- Ceramic/Jet Hot coated exhaust headers and pipes. This is mostly to cut down the heat on my legs when stopped on the bike but I like the idea better than wrapping the pipes. Question: Is there a benefit to coat the interior of the pipes as well as the exterior? Question: Any recommendations on the best place to have this done?
- TAB Performance slip-on exhaust w/ 1.75” baffles. Question: Are these the best baffles for overall performance? From what I’ve read guys with the larger 2” or 2.5” baffles have lost tq down low due to the loss of back pressure in the exhaust. Also, the 1.75’s are almost 20 db quieter than the other ones—I’m deaf enough as it is (sigh).
- TTS MasterTune w/ dyno tune & map (tuned for street riding, not max power on the dyno). Question: Will this work well with the Stage II cams and oem narrowband O2 sensors? I found a shop in Denver that manufactures custom cams and they’re very familiar with this software and have their own dyno so I feel fairly confident that they can tune the bike properly.
- SE Stage II cams w/ stock velocity stacks. Question: are these the best stacks to use for streetability/everyday riding? I’ve read a few threads where the short stacks worked better for max upper end/racing but weren’t so great on the lower end/riding around town. It seemed from the posts I read that for street riding, the combination of cams and stock stacks worked well. Question: Are there any cons to installing these cams? Other than an increased fuel bill? Question: What average MPG can I expect with the 1250 motor?
Many, many thanks. I appreciate it.
R.
Here's my finalized plan for some modest performance upgrades to my F (just the stuff affecting the powerplant—suspension and other goodies is an entirely different list ). Could I ask you guys to take a look and chime in if there are any pitfalls or errors that you can think of that I missed or need to consider? The goal is to improve the fun factor of the bike for the street and the twisties (no track or drag strip) without getting stupid and breaking the bank— basically, I’m looking to make the bike more fun to ride without worrying about absolute power numbers at the very end of the power band. I also have a few lingering questions that I’d really appreciate an answer to if you have the knowledge. I’m pretty much sold on this configuration (i.e. I don’t want to change to a 2:1, do a big bore, etc.) but would like the warm fuzzy of knowing that the parts will play nice together before I melt my Amex card this week.
- Amsoil Ea high-flow air filter (I like this filter better than the SE or K&N since you it doesn’t have to be oiled and the graph numbers show that airflow is pretty much identical for all three.)
- Topless airbox mod using SE Stage II template cutouts. Also, plastic blocker panels removed from mesh side plates for increased airflow and aluminized heat reflective material installed on bottom of airbox to reflect engine heat.
- Ceramic/Jet Hot coated exhaust headers and pipes. This is mostly to cut down the heat on my legs when stopped on the bike but I like the idea better than wrapping the pipes. Question: Is there a benefit to coat the interior of the pipes as well as the exterior? Question: Any recommendations on the best place to have this done?
- TAB Performance slip-on exhaust w/ 1.75” baffles. Question: Are these the best baffles for overall performance? From what I’ve read guys with the larger 2” or 2.5” baffles have lost tq down low due to the loss of back pressure in the exhaust. Also, the 1.75’s are almost 20 db quieter than the other ones—I’m deaf enough as it is (sigh).
- TTS MasterTune w/ dyno tune & map (tuned for street riding, not max power on the dyno). Question: Will this work well with the Stage II cams and oem narrowband O2 sensors? I found a shop in Denver that manufactures custom cams and they’re very familiar with this software and have their own dyno so I feel fairly confident that they can tune the bike properly.
- SE Stage II cams w/ stock velocity stacks. Question: are these the best stacks to use for streetability/everyday riding? I’ve read a few threads where the short stacks worked better for max upper end/racing but weren’t so great on the lower end/riding around town. It seemed from the posts I read that for street riding, the combination of cams and stock stacks worked well. Question: Are there any cons to installing these cams? Other than an increased fuel bill? Question: What average MPG can I expect with the 1250 motor?
Many, many thanks. I appreciate it.
R.