Chopper117
Chopper Nutt
I have TP Rocker Boxes on my 05 S&S 117. I was told if I'm going to do any performance I would have to switch over to S&S heads. Does this make a difference?
TP Rocker Boxes
- Thread starter Chopper117
- Start date
gearsmithy
Active Member
Anyone who tells you that "any performance" will require S&S heads is not someone you should be taking advice from, especially when you asked them about rocker boxes.
I'll bet you meant rocker covers instead of heads since you already have S&S heads.
No problem with mine either.
I do, they are in good shape, not new but well cared for. Make me an offer and will go from there
Carlos
twowheel99
Active Member
The 2005 BDM models we're the bastard year (don't get mad, I know for a fact because I had one). The EPA made motorcycle mfg's do thing they didn't want to do. The 117 cid motors we're detuned so to speak, they had less compression ratio (taller cylinder heads), smaller valves (although they flowed pretty well on the low end), restrictor plates in the intakes (to reduce fuel flow), E series carbs (also to reduce fuel flow but helped on low end), a smaller camshaft (to meet EPA noise meters). Also for some unknown reason, BDM used TP rocker arms & rocker boxes (which turn into another headache for them) can you say warranty issues. Some but not all had issue, for example Raywood has allot of miles and no issues to speak of, yet I like many others had bad chrome, excessive noise, bad geometry, that lead to egg shape valve guides, broken valve stems, oil consumption, etc. I think you get the idea, your motor can be turned into a true S&S engine. It just cost money, as I said before it just depends on how much you want to gamble with your engine. Just as a side note, in 2006 after using up all of the BDM engines they went back to the S&S motors built to there spec's......
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My understanding was they used the TP covers because they are quieter than the S&S and EPA is not only exhaust gases but noise too!
twowheel99
Active Member
You are correct Raywood, different cam with shorter duration, and lower lift, adjustable pushrods, weaker valve springs, TP boxes and rocker arms, SuperTrapp highly muffled exhaust all to appeas the EPA gods. All in all it caused BDM a big headache and allot of warranty work to try and make things right with there owners........My understanding was they used the TP covers because they are quieter than the S&S and EPA is not only exhaust gases but noise too!
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