Reader Duane Sprague recently inquired about some contradictory information he received from various shops and dealers regarding the installation of a Stage 1 performance kit on his 2009 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Classic. Replies to his queries ranged from claims that the kit would make no measurable difference in performance to warnings of possible engine damage if non-Harley sourced parts were used. Some shops recommended using the Power Commander V EFI calibration system, whereas some swore by the Screamin’ Eagle Pro Super Tuner. These differing opinions only served to confuse Sprague (rightly so), forcing him to abandon his quest for more performance. As he put it, “I certainly don’t plan on spending any money at this point on an upgrade that’s so controversial and where the opinions are so divided.”
Sprague’s 2009 Electra Glide is fuel injected, and the Stage 1 kit, according to the Screamin’ Eagle catalogue, includes a high-flow air filter in combination with a street-performance exhaust system. If a significant increase in power throughout the rev range is the primary goal, this kit won’t do the trick. That doesn’t mean there won’t be some improvement, and if the engine mapping is properly tuned using the Screamin’ Eagle Street Performance Tuner kit, there will be a noticeable increase in power, as well as improved throttle response throughout the rev range.
The Screamin’ Eagle Street Performance Tuner is software designed to adjust the engine’s air-fuel ratio to match the freer-flowing air filter and exhaust, while remaining within EPA-legal emissions parameters – in other words, these modifications are street legal. It’s the equivalent of adjusting the air/fuel mixture screw on a carbureted bike, maybe even lifting the jet needle a notch. It is limited in its tuning capability, but is a necessity if the air filter and exhaust system are replaced and a certain level of driveability is to be maintained.
Unless other engine modifications are performed, like increasing engine displacement or swapping the cams for more aggressive grinds, neither the Power Commander V or the Screamin’ Eagle Pro Super Tuner will provide much benefit. These tuneable, fuel-injection modules are meant to provide a wide variety of adjustments to the engine mapping to match power-boosting engine modifications. And they are supposed to be reserved for “race application only.” There is no need for such adjustment on a stock engine, and buying these items would be a waste of money – again, if no other engine modifications were performed.
There are other options if you’re looking for more substantial increases in horsepower, although with more power comes more cost and complexity. The Screamin’ Eagle Big Bore Stage 1 kit is one option. This kit includes larger-bore pistons and cylinders that bump displacement from 96 cu. in. (1584 cc) to 103 cu. in. (1690 cc). It also includes a high-flow air filter. It, too, will need proper recalibration, at extra cost, and it is also street legal. The Stage 2 kit adds cams (and even more money).
Perhaps the information given to Mr. Sprague was contradictory, but it may not all have been incorrect. Motorcycle stores, be they authorized dealers or independent shops, deal with different distributors, and it is in their interests to sell what makes them the biggest profit. There’s nothing wrong with that, as long as the final results are satisfactory to the consumer. Shops will also promote products they have experience with, and it’s perhaps the inexperience with competing products that produces dubious claims of unreliability – or exploded engines.
To answer the original query: A properly installed Screamin’ Eagle Stage 1 kit (the one with the freer-flowing air filter and exhaust system) is a worthwhile investment. It is the least amount of money you can spend, and will result in a slight, yet measurable increase in performance. This, of course, includes recalibrating the mapping using the Street Performance Tuner – and your neighbours won’t protest, because the kit meets EPA requirements.
You don’t need the added cost of the Power Commander V or the Screamin’ Eagle Pro Super Tuner if you make no other modifications to your engine. Period.
And, finally, ask around and try to establish a shop’s reputation before spending your hard-earned cash. Meet in person with a shop’s mechanic if you can. Ask them some questions, as they’ve got firsthand experience installing these parts and can likely provide information that will help you make an informed decision.
