Performance Upgrades

By Mark DiPietro

Question for Fix My Hog I have made upgrades of Cobra exhaust pipes, Screamin Eagle mufflers ,and air cleaner upgrade. I now need a tuner,but am undecided between Harleys and Cobras. I have heard that Cobras only works after the throttle is opened and not at Idle. I like the idea of the constant tuning of the Cobra, but I do a lot of commuting with a lot of traffic idle and concerned about lean at idle. Can you compare the two systems and give your opinions on the best choice? Via Email
Fix My Hog Answers Your combination of exhaust and air cleaner is quite common, and easy to properly tune. Cobra is a good choice. Never heard of what you mentioned about no adjustment @ idle, that doesn’t sound right. We use more Power Commanders and Vance and Hines FP3s than anything else. Also check out Dyno Jet’s Power Vision. It is expensive, but a lot of fun to play with. You can mount it on your handlebars or leave it at home. Related Fix My Hog Videos: https://www.fixmyhog.com/post/cobra-powrpro-hp-exhaust-powrpro-tuner/ https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/custom-efi-mapping-installation-001395/ https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/custom-efi-mapping-install-2-001456/ https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/vance-and-hines-product-review-007293/ https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/vance-and-hines-fuelpak-3-install-007295/ Have more questions? Check out our Q&A index page to find some answers.

Share tips, start a discussion or ask other students a question. If you have a question for the instructor, please click here.

Make a comment:
characters remaining

5 Responses to “Performance Upgrades”

  1. Nick.Leischen

    I have a 2017 CVO Limited. Rinehart 4.5” mufflers and no cat in header. Using the V&H FP3 and like it better than others in the last. FL3 shares a lot of info from the ECM. Let’s me view and even clear error codes! A big plus! Also easiest install. I considered ThunderMax but everyone I spoke to said that since it actually replaces the OEM ECM that it voids the H-D Warrantee.

  2. Michael Moschella

    I have a Thunder Max and I swear by it. Can make changes and the TMax will tune accordingly with no dyno time.

  3. Stephanie

    That's the most un-informative "answer" to a question I've ever heard.

  4. EMBRY HARRELL

    I have had 6 new Harleys since 2007 now have a tri glide due to health, used all of the tuners you mentioned including the sert. the best tuner for Harleys I have found is the tts mastertune it works very well and can do many things can be tuned very well without a dyno by riding and adjustring

  5. Joan

    Can I use the same tuner for my 2014 fat boy harley and 2008 soft tail custom?