Stage 1 Download first ??

[Terryg43]

The Dealer told me my engine will run too lean unless I get the Stage 1 download. Is this true?

What the Dealer told you is not quite accurate. The HD Stage 1 download will not richen closed loop ECM operation. EPA and CARB emissions regulations will not allow Harley or the Dealership to make the fuel mixture richer than it currently is right now.

The Stage 1 Download does improve the Ignition Advance tables. The improvements are noticed most by Ultra riders.

Above is a quote from Nightrider.com's FAQ's. What I would like to know is should I do the Stage 1 download before installing a Power Commander V or V & H Fuelpak on my 09 Ultra so I can benefit from the "Ignition Advance Tables" being updated OR will the PC or Fuelpak also do that for me with the vendors custom MAPS ?
I'm planning on installing V&H Monster Ovals, V&H PowerDuals along with an Arlen Ness Big Sucker air cleaner kit on my 09 Ultra.

[texaswiz]

Most folks put the slip on mufflers on first, then add the high volume air cleaner followed by fuel management device and finally the stage 1 download. Keep in mind that once you add the new air cleaner the engine will be operating very lean so you would want to add the fuel management device soon.

The new air cleaner and the fuel management device will give you the bulk of your new horsepower gain. You can reasonably expect 8-10 hp gain after the changes above have been addressed. Harley stock 96" engines from the last year or two have 65 horsepower. This puny showing is largely because in order to pass EPA testing the engines have had to be de-tuned by the factory.
If you still desire more performance, then your next step would be Stage II, which consists of new cams and a larger bore to 103". Expect another 12-15 hp after Stage II is complete. Horsepower is very expensive.