TFI or PC-V - Harley Davidson Forums: Harley Davidson Motorcycle Forum

Blackie_ · 08-19-2009, 10:24 AM

New to this Harley business, just purchased my very first one and am slowly getting things in perspective.

The bike is an 09 Heritage Classic

I just purchased and installed V&H straight shot, slip-ons and am getting a bit of popping on the decel, I've read through several threads and have the understanding that I either have a leak and or lean.

Local HD will do the fix for me at $460+ using their stage 1 upgrade method. I would like to tackle this myself, after research I've read positive and negative results on both the TFI and the PC but I'm leaning more toward the PC due to its many functions. I've also considered the Thunder-max but I don't have an arm and leg to give atm.

Any help here would be greatly appreciated

Thanks
Blackie

sirbOOm · 08-19-2009, 10:49 AM

PC V w/Auto-tune gives you wide band capability like the ThunderMax but, unlike the ThunderMax, it doesn't replace the ECU so basically you'll need to shove a PC V and Auto-tune module under your seat. Not always hard, but I'm just not a fan of more wires and modules stuffed in there. From the units you mentioned, here's what I'd do in order:

(1) ThunderMax w/Auto-tune ($800)
(2) PC V ($360) + Auto-tune kit ($370 = $730 total)
(3) TFI Techlusion ($260; its a blunt instrument, compared to the above)

Click to see Nightrider's suggestions. He doesn't even mention the PowerCommander but he wrote the page in the PC III days, so I'm not sure if he likes it or not.

The Daytona TwinTec is similar to the ThunderMax, with smaller wire connections. The ThunderMax is arguably more popular and arguably the greatest support overall.

I have the SERT. It actually reprograms the Delphi ECU which I'm a fan of. But, yes, you always have to have the dealer do it unless you order the software and cables (which isn't that expensive but it's complicated). Personally, I would not recommend the PC III as it forces you to remove your O2 sensors but your bike doesn't really need them... just a lot of people have noticed lost fuel mileage and I've heard of issues where the PC III has fried the stock ECU (I don't believe that, though). Also take a look at the V&H Fuel Pack. I've never heard of complaints about this unit when you have V&H pipes.

blackwell33 · 08-19-2009, 02:32 PM

One small thing to keep in mind.. if you install a TMAX and on the small chance it goes out, you gonna be callin a buddy with a truck. The power commander doesn't replace the ECU, so you could limp home if you needed. A lot of people don't think about this when they install it.

Also keep in mind that the autotune and TMAX sensors are the most expensive because you get the most out of them. A lot of people just install the PCV without the autotune, with a relevant map, and they do just fine. The bottom line is that it comes down to what you want to do and how much you are willing to spend to get there.

Are you also planning on installing a better flowing air breather? If you are going to let more out of the engine, and put more fuel in the mix with a fuel management system, then you will need to let it breath more.

Drum Dog · 08-19-2009, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackie_

The bike is an 09 Heritage Classic

Given that your bike is an 09, I assume it is still under warranty, so you need to be careful what you do to it, if you do not want to void the warranty. I suggest checking with your dealer about what will and will not void the warranty, before taking action. For example, HD dealer informed me that a Thundermax will void the warranty. Generally, piggy-back systems will not (e.g., PC). To add to your confusion, there is also the V&H FuelPak to consider. In terms of lowest to highest (peformance and cost) and not voiding the warranty - 1) FuelPak, 2) PC, 3) Race Tuner. I am sure there are others on here who might disagree with regard to that order, but that is what my research has lead me to conclude IMVHO. Hope this helps.

Blackie_ · 08-19-2009, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackwell33

Are you also planning on installing a better flowing air breather? If you are going to let more out of the engine, and put more fuel in the mix with a fuel management system, then you will need to let it breath more.

Blackwell, Thanks
Yes on the breather, I plan on doing the complete stage 1 on the bike, going to keep it simple nothing fancy or extreme.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drum Dog

Given that your bike is an 09, I assume it is still under warranty, so you need to be careful what you do to it, if you do not want to void the warranty. I suggest checking with your dealer about what will and will not void the warranty, before taking action. For example, HD dealer informed me that a Thundermax will void the warranty. Generally, piggy-back systems will not (e.g., PC). To add to your confusion, there is also the V&H FuelPak to consider. In terms of lowest to highest (peformance and cost) and not voiding the warranty - 1) FuelPak, 2) PC, 3) Race Tuner. I am sure there are others on here who might disagree with regard to that order, but that is what my research has lead me to conclude IMVHO. Hope this helps.

Drum Dog thanks for info
I spoke with the dealer and they told me I'm free to do what I want to the bike as long as I show record and retain receipts. I mentioned the Fuel Pak to the service department and was told to stay away from the fuelpak. *shrugs* I'll use my best judgment here and yes I don't really want to break the bank.

Blackie_ · 08-21-2009, 02:10 PM

OK I have the PC-V and the SE air cleaner on their way, once I get everything installed and squared away, I'll post a status update on the results.

Thanks all

Blackie

blackwell33 · 08-21-2009, 02:15 PM

awesome, you're gonna love all of this. Go ahead and save up a few curse words for installing the power commander, I used up all of mine before I was done, ha!

Let us know if you have any issues after the install and hopefully some of us can help you work them out.

Ride safe!

Blackie_ · 08-28-2009, 05:57 PM

Ok just got everything installed, tucked away and did a 4 mile run getting it up to 50ish she only popped a couple times not real bad so I seemed to have made a substantial improvement not sure how much, going to take her on a long group ride tomorrow and see what she does.

This thread will show what map I used on her.

PCV as arrived need assistance.

Blackie_ · 09-16-2009, 08:42 AM

Over the past couple weeks of tinkering and tweaking I think I h finely ave her running as good as I'm going to get her without either dyno testing or custom map created for her by professional.

Everything is running great thus far and I am happy with performance but I'm not happy with these slip-on's so I'm on my over to the exhaust to post my un-happiness.

Straightshot slipons TOO LOUD!

Blackie