Does Stage 1 AC change alone require ECM re-calibration, and if so, immediately?

[cantgrowup]

I hate the "flying saucer" OE AC on my 15 SGS, so I'm looking to replace with a HD SE system for looks alone... not increased performance. I'm considering the SE "Heavy Breather - Elite" or maybe one of the "Ventilator" AC's. Of course I'm looking to do it myself to save money, but looking at the Instructions pdf, it says "You must re-calibrate the ECM when installing this kit. Failure to properly re-calibrate the ECM can result in severe engine damage." Later it says that before you remove the OE AC, that I should "have a Harley-Davidson dealer re-calibrate the ECM before air cleaner installation.

I've read and heard that simply changing the AC without changing the OE exhausts doesn't necessarily require an ECM re-calibration.

I've also heard that HD sets these bikes up to run lean at the factory and that you should have your bike re-calibrated/dyno'd to make it run richer/better, even if you keep the OE AC. I can understand that and may go ahead and get it re-calibrated with the new AC.

However.... is it possible to install the new AC myself and drive it 20 miles to the HD dealer to get it re-calibrated (without damaging the engine), or does it absolutely have to be re-calibrated at the same time/before the new AC is installed?

 

[corey45k]

I put the V&H Naked O2 air cleaner on three years ago, and never did anything. Everything else is stock, and have not had any issues at all.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[velopod]

You will be fine - however, why would you drive 20 mins to a HD dealer after installing and spend the money? Get another "upgrade" and have to do it again? Dyno tune? This is where the Vance & Hines FP3 comes in might handy! Do it yourself!

 

[corey45k]

You will be fine - however, why would you drive 20 mins to a HD dealer after installing and spend the money? Get another "upgrade" and have to do it again? Dyno tune? This is where the Vance & Hines FP3 comes in might handy! Do it yourself!

Well said!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Spazz]

Corey makes a valid point. FP3 Tuner is something you need to think about and keep on the forefront of your upgrades. It's one I have worked with and still have on my 14SGS and it's a easy to use and a world of difference in performance for about $300... stock or upgraded. Yes... ALL HARLEYS run lean from the factory, so you can bet an AC upgrade or slipons will make t run hotter.. will it hurt it... prolly not.....

Read on for some insight....

Knowing what I know now ( If I was in your shoes ) and having $300+ to spend on a 'pretty' AC... I would buy a tuner such as the FP3 for the performance benefits over looks. I know that's easy to say from this end and I COMPLETELY understand that.

You will run better across the powerband, throttle response will be RIGHT THERE with no lag, no flat spots thru the RPM range and a COOLER running, more efficient 103 to boot. Furthermore... you will READY for the next couple of upgrades which will include an AC and slipons... or maybe a full exhaust system of your choice. With having the FP3, you can upgrade things and remap to get the best performance without having to worry about running HOT OR LEAN.

I'm off my soapbox now... choice is up to you.

 

[cantgrowup]

Okay.... let's assume that I get a tuner module like the FP3. I am probably one of the most tech un-savvy people out there. Does this module negate the need for getting Harley shop ECM recalibrations and "dyno" tuneups?

Can someone give me a brief description of how one installs and utilizes an FP3 tuner?

 

[Spazz]

FP3 plugs into your bike under left side panel... download the app for iPhone or Android and run the app and turn on your bike... they will connect via BT or wifi... I prefer BT and less problems that way.

Once it connects... it will search for updates.. if there is one.. do it. Then you can proceed to finding a map if you need to.

Best thing to do is download the app since it's free and play with it in demo mode so you can see how easy it is.

Basically you start by finding a map closest to your existing setup and flash the ecm following the prompts ( which you will see in demo mode). If there is not an exact map, find one closest to your setup and flash... then run an auto tune session which you can read all about FORCING THE TUNE in my autotune thread... plenty of info there to read up on.

Sent from Note4

 

[JMeadows]

Okay.... let's assume that I get a tuner module like the FP3. I am probably one of the most tech un-savvy people out there. Does this module negate the need for getting Harley shop ECM recalibrations and "dyno" tuneups?

Can someone give me a brief description of how one installs and utilizes an FP3 tuner?

Watch this Video from Vance & Hines, they have a bunch of videos that explain the FP3.
http://fp3.vanceandhines.com/#fuelpakfp3

 

[Aviator5456]

I have a question....are those tuners locked to a bike or can they be used for different bikes?

 

[velopod]

I have a question....are those tuners locked to a bike or can they be used for different bikes?

It is "locked" to one bike's serial number. You can plug a friend's FP3 in to read/clear trouble codes, but not to flash the ECU.

 

[cantgrowup]

Okay... I've read up on more of V&H literature and watched some of the videos. I don't mind spending money to get the FP3 system, but if I left the bike stock and never change the AC or exhausts, would the FP3 allow me to improve the way my stock bike runs? Is there a "map" for improving the stock configuration so that it runs a bit richer and/or smoother? Is the FP3 justified if I'm not installing different exhausts? I've sent a similar question to V&H experts (after hours) but am interested in what you guys think, too.

 

[velopod]

My opinion is that the bike would STILL run better overall - but if you are certain you would not be changing the exhaust, headers, intake, etc. then I probably wouldn't spend the $300+ and just leave it stock.

However, I don't think I know a single soul who has left any Street Glide stock! Surprised you are on this forum if that was the case ;-)

 

[cantgrowup]

Well... it's no longer "stock" but I've not changed the AC or exhausts yet. I will probably replace the AC just for looks, but I think my stock exhausts are loud enough as it is .

My opinion is that the bike would STILL run better overall - but if you are certain you would not be changing the exhaust, headers, intake, etc. then I probably wouldn't spend the $300+ and just leave it stock.

However, I don't think I know a single soul who has left any Street Glide stock! Surprised you are on this forum if that was the case ;-)

 

[Spazz]

In short... you can benefit with an FP3 and stock... you just use the stock map as a base map and run autotune... it will improve... how much? Can't say but would be better I'm sure

Sent from Note4

 

[cantgrowup]

Thanks for the help guys. I will get the FP3 and go from there.

 

[cantgrowup]

I got a positive reply from V&H that said that using the FP3 would improve performance even if I don't change AC or exhaust yet. So.... I just ordered one. Thanks again guys.

 

[HellifIknow]

Corey makes a valid point. FP3 Tuner is something you need to think about and keep on the forefront of your upgrades. It's one I have worked with and still have on my 14SGS and it's a easy to use and a world of difference in performance for about $300... stock or upgraded. Yes... ALL HARLEYS run lean from the factory, so you can bet an AC upgrade or slipons will make t run hotter.. will it hurt it... prolly not.....

Read on for some insight....

Knowing what I know now ( If I was in your shoes ) and having $300+ to spend on a 'pretty' AC... I would buy a tuner such as the FP3 for the performance benefits over looks. I know that's easy to say from this end and I COMPLETELY understand that.

You will run better across the powerband, throttle response will be RIGHT THERE with no lag, no flat spots thru the RPM range and a COOLER running, more efficient 103 to boot. Furthermore... you will READY for the next couple of upgrades which will include an AC and slipons... or maybe a full exhaust system of your choice. With having the FP3, you can upgrade things and remap to get the best performance without having to worry about running HOT OR LEAN.

I'm off my soapbox now... choice is up to you.

Thanks for the post. I bought a 14 with Monster Ovals on it last Fall, otherwise basically stock motor wise.. I'm looking to do complete exhaust and intake, but still so undecided. I'll start with the FP3 now.