As I am doing homework for future (hopefully) buildup of my engine I have started asking myself: "How much horsepower/torque do I really need?" I know that I want more than I already have on my '02HD (to be precise: had before problems with it started), but I don't want to overdo it. I want to be able to lay the smack on the freeway even harder than I used to do before, but I don't want to diminish its value as a main daily driver (I drive 80-90% on freeways, which can be, as you can guess, from wide open for 50 miles to stop and go on 405 for miles and miles under Southern California heat, and rest of it is short trips neighborhood surface streets). At same time I don't want to affect mpg too seriously either (it's not that this is fuel efficient vehicle to start with, but you know what I mean).

So, I am looking for your advice. Which set(s) of figures would be "sweet spot" with this requirements in mind? What approximate mpg I would be getting at those spots?

Thanks in advance!

ZoranC

 

550/715 should be plenty. Remember, HD's are heavy pigs.

Build the bottom end and throw on a works 140. More then plenty for you.

 

Yes, I know they are heavy

Having somewhere between 450 to 600 rear wheel horse power is what I too have in mind, I just don't know at which point to stop Or having something like "dial a boost" setup would be best so I can turn it down to stock values during stop and go and turn it up when I want to lay the smack?

On the torque figures, can they be on lower side while still having high HP so I get somewhat more agressive start, but not so much agressive that I keep spinning tires?

Thanks!

ZoranC