Nomad performance

moon · 03-10-2009, 07:03 AM

OK, I dont want (at this time) to change my exhaust system on my 08 Mad. So if I change the air cleaners to performance units like K&N, I do or I dont have to add a Fuel Injection Controler?

**Cajunrider** · 03-10-2009, 07:24 AM

You may not notice a whole lot of difference just modifying the air inlet without opening up the exhaust system. I'm sure the experts will tell you more.

watchman · 03-10-2009, 08:24 AM

The answer is no you will not need a fuel processor. We normally run K & N air filters with V & H Baggers and do not need any fuel processor. Saying that, should you install some kind of open exhaust just remember that not all Nomads are created equal. Be sure to check your spark plug color to look for a lean fuel condition.

cactusjack · 03-10-2009, 09:16 AM

I'm going to step out of line here and respond that opening up your intake by adding a K&N filter or doing the Caddmann mod, you are increasing the airflow into the fuel system. Nomads already are tuned very lean from the factory. Increasing the airflow without increasing the flow of fuel accordingly will force it to run even leaner. This can cause it to run much hotter and may cause pinging.

I don't think you'll see any benefit by increasing airflow without a corresponding increase in fuel flow. Maximum benefit would be realized by increasing both intake and exhaust flow and adjusting the fuel mixture.

Just my $.02 worth.

**Cajunrider** · 03-10-2009, 09:23 AM

Looking at the plugs, what color indicates too lean of a mixture Scott?

bosko · 03-10-2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cajunrider

Looking at the plugs, what color indicates too lean of a mixture Scott?

White insulator=lean
light brown/tan=good
Black=rich

spark plug comparison

phot · 03-10-2009, 12:34 PM

Like cactusjack mentioned, you will only gain on performance if you get the fuel/air into the engine quicker and then get the waste out quicker, intake + exhaust. You will then need to adjust the fuel air mixture accordingly, an aftermarket computer. Some people have changed the intake only and have got away without adding a computer, depends really on how your bike is set up, some bikes have been found to be running more lean than others. I wouldnt want to risk running any leaner. The performance increase after doing the complete job is worth the effort/expense, its significant.

**Top Cat** · 03-10-2009, 12:59 PM

White insulator=lean
light brown/tan=good
Black=rich

My question, do you check this with engine hot or go ride then let engine cool?
Thanks for the link to the chart, very helpfull.

dogdoc · 03-10-2009, 01:51 PM

always check your plugs cold, I agree with CJ you do need the TFI.

Netnorske · 03-10-2009, 02:10 PM

I had been running just the V&H Baggers since I bought my '08 new last July. I just recently added a K&N stock replacement filter and a Dynojet Power Commander III fuel processor.

While my expertise is limited only to what I have learned here from the real gurus, I can unequivocally tell you since my additions that getting the air/fuel/exhaust equation working in harmony will produce the highest quality results in performance.

My bike is now much more responsive, smoother on roll-ons...and most importantly, delivers a real punch while accelerating thru gears 3, 4 and 5...

. JMH $.02 worth....

dandolfn · 03-10-2009, 05:34 PM

Question: do you have to buy new pipes for the complete process? I have no particular interest in more sound nor for spending $600 on pipes. Is de-baffling sufficient to open up the pipes completing the process along with K&N and PC?

rickyboy · 03-11-2009, 05:28 AM

It was for me dandolfn

moon · 03-11-2009, 12:20 PM

Unless I hit the lotto or the state of the US gets back to where it was I dont want new pipes. Guess I will stay where I am. I like the look of the factory pipes and with the screens punched out I am happy with the sound. Cant do loud anymore.

dogdoc · 03-11-2009, 12:58 PM

Leaving on stock pipes even de-baffled with not equate to after-market pipes. In other words they won't flow as freely therefore you wont get optimum performance after adding a fuel processor. and even after an air cleaner mod. must get the air out once its in the motor.

foztex · 03-11-2009, 08:46 PM

Many on this site are more knowledgeable than I regarding these issues; I can share from experience that adding the V&H baggers along with a Cobra FI 2000 and a K&N filter resulted in improved throttle response. As soon as I tweak the throttle (even a tad), the motor responds instantly. This is an improvement over the stock set up on my bike. I have been told by those who know more about this than me, that the FI 2000 is not as flexible as other units; that is, it is good for plug and play, but if you are going to do serious mods, other fuel processing units may be more suitable.

03-10-2009, 07:03 AM	#1
moon Jr. Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 28	Nomad performance OK, I dont want (at this time) to change my exhaust system on my 08 Mad. So if I change the air cleaners to performance units like K&N, I do or I dont have to add a Fuel Injection Controler? Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

03-10-2009, 07:24 AM	#2
Cajunrider Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: (SE Louisiana) Posts: 8,340	Nomad performance You may not notice a whole lot of difference just modifying the air inlet without opening up the exhaust system. I'm sure the experts will tell you more. __________________ 2016 Electra Glide Ultra Limited CVO Palladium Silver / Phantom Blue 110 cu in SE 2012 Electra Glide Ultra Limited (Traded 6/22/16) Tequila Sunrise / HD Orange Vance & Hines true dual headers Rinehart 4" slip ons Screamin Eagle Super Tuner Screamin Eagle Stage 1 intake Dyno tuned H.O.G.# 4514015 2007 Nomad 1600 (Traded 6/23/12) VBA #482
	0

03-10-2009, 08:24 AM	#3
watchman Sr. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Macon, Missouri Posts: 1,175	Nomad performance The answer is no you will not need a fuel processor. We normally run K & N air filters with V & H Baggers and do not need any fuel processor. Saying that, should you install some kind of open exhaust just remember that not all Nomads are created equal. Be sure to check your spark plug color to look for a lean fuel condition.
	0

03-10-2009, 09:16 AM	#4
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	Nomad performance I'm going to step out of line here and respond that opening up your intake by adding a K&N filter or doing the Caddmann mod, you are increasing the airflow into the fuel system. Nomads already are tuned very lean from the factory. Increasing the airflow without increasing the flow of fuel accordingly will force it to run even leaner. This can cause it to run much hotter and may cause pinging. I don't think you'll see any benefit by increasing airflow without a corresponding increase in fuel flow. Maximum benefit would be realized by increasing both intake and exhaust flow and adjusting the fuel mixture. Just my $.02 worth. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
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03-10-2009, 09:23 AM	#5
Cajunrider Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: (SE Louisiana) Posts: 8,340	Nomad performance Looking at the plugs, what color indicates too lean of a mixture Scott? __________________ 2016 Electra Glide Ultra Limited CVO Palladium Silver / Phantom Blue 110 cu in SE 2012 Electra Glide Ultra Limited (Traded 6/22/16) Tequila Sunrise / HD Orange Vance & Hines true dual headers Rinehart 4" slip ons Screamin Eagle Super Tuner Screamin Eagle Stage 1 intake Dyno tuned H.O.G.# 4514015 2007 Nomad 1600 (Traded 6/23/12) VBA #482 Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

03-10-2009, 12:34 PM	#7
phot Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Hampshire U.K. Posts: 106	Nomad performance Like cactusjack mentioned, you will only gain on performance if you get the fuel/air into the engine quicker and then get the waste out quicker, intake + exhaust. You will then need to adjust the fuel air mixture accordingly, an aftermarket computer. Some people have changed the intake only and have got away without adding a computer, depends really on how your bike is set up, some bikes have been found to be running more lean than others. I wouldnt want to risk running any leaner. The performance increase after doing the complete job is worth the effort/expense, its significant.
	0

03-10-2009, 12:59 PM	#8
Top Cat Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of New York State Posts: 15,154	Nomad performance White insulator=lean light brown/tan=good Black=rich My question, do you check this with engine hot or go ride then let engine cool? Thanks for the link to the chart, very helpfull. __________________ Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4]
	0

03-10-2009, 01:51 PM	#9
dogdoc Top Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5,263	Nomad performance always check your plugs cold, I agree with CJ you do need the TFI.
	0

03-10-2009, 02:10 PM	#10
Netnorske Top Contributor Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Everett, Washington Posts: 5,709	Nomad performance I had been running just the V&H Baggers since I bought my '08 new last July. I just recently added a K&N stock replacement filter and a Dynojet Power Commander III fuel processor. While my expertise is limited only to what I have learned here from the real gurus, I can unequivocally tell you since my additions that getting the air/fuel/exhaust equation working in harmony will produce the highest quality results in performance. My bike is now much more responsive, smoother on roll-ons...and most importantly, delivers a real punch while accelerating thru gears 3, 4 and 5... . JMH $.02 worth.... __________________ *Kris Olsen* VBA #0691 2017 HD Ultra Limited Low 2013 Victory Cross Country Tour 2012 1700 Vulcan Voyager 2008 1600 Vulcan Nomad 1997 Vulcan 800 Classic *"Growing old is mandatory,* *but growing up is optional"* Custer 2009\|Kalispell 2010\|Cortez 2010\|Crescent City 2011\|Kanab 2012\|Canmore 2012\|Estes Park 2013\|Orofino 2014\|Lake Tahoe 2015\|Red Lodge 2016
	0

03-10-2009, 05:34 PM	#11
dandolfn Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 374	Nomad performance Question: do you have to buy new pipes for the complete process? I have no particular interest in more sound nor for spending $600 on pipes. Is de-baffling sufficient to open up the pipes completing the process along with K&N and PC? __________________ If you don't grow up by age 60, you don't have to...
	0

03-11-2009, 05:28 AM	#12
rickyboy Top Contributor Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: 108 Mile Ranch B.C. Canada Posts: 5,472	Nomad performance It was for me dandolfn __________________ Nomad'a What ! "rickyboy" Richard Cole Canada West Region 108 Mile Ranch, British Columbia Canada Vulcan Bagger Assoc. #00722 Black 2006 Nomad https://cdn2.iconfinder.com/data/ico...Book_32x32.png
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03-11-2009, 12:20 PM	#13
moon Jr. Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 28	Nomad performance Unless I hit the lotto or the state of the US gets back to where it was I dont want new pipes. Guess I will stay where I am. I like the look of the factory pipes and with the screens punched out I am happy with the sound. Cant do loud anymore.
	0

03-11-2009, 12:58 PM	#14
dogdoc Top Contributor Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 5,263	Nomad performance Leaving on stock pipes even de-baffled with not equate to after-market pipes. In other words they won't flow as freely therefore you wont get optimum performance after adding a fuel processor. and even after an air cleaner mod. must get the air out once its in the motor.
	0

03-11-2009, 08:46 PM	#15
foztex Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 407	Nomad performance Many on this site are more knowledgeable than I regarding these issues; I can share from experience that adding the V&H baggers along with a Cobra FI 2000 and a K&N filter resulted in improved throttle response. As soon as I tweak the throttle (even a tad), the motor responds instantly. This is an improvement over the stock set up on my bike. I have been told by those who know more about this than me, that the FI 2000 is not as flexible as other units; that is, it is good for plug and play, but if you are going to do serious mods, other fuel processing units may be more suitable.
	0

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