Do I need a power commander?

[chief]

Thanks for the info... don't really need/ it.. I have a cobra that does the trick for me. I can't justify spending a bunch of bucks on it. It would be nice!

[ranxerox]

If you're interested, I have a PC III that has been Dyno'd in for Bub Big Willy's and a Thunder Mfg. intake.  It has the dyno information and mapping CDs.

[chief]

Have a look at a rally... last time I got one was at a local rally and it cost $100. There may be a local guy that does it... ask around

[1SG CAV]

I agree with you chief, The best thing is have it dyno'd. Around here the going price is $300 to get yopu bike dyno'd, takes about 3-4 hours. When  done it runs great.

[chief]

Of course the best way is to take it to a dyno shop and have them adjust it to fit your configuration... everything else is guess work  - close if you can find a map for a bike with exactly the same setup as yours.

[1SG CAV]

Hooking up a power commander isn't hard if you have just a little mechanical ability. Follow the instructions. unplug this and that and plug into the other bam done. You do have to splice into one wire. That's where mine had issues( wire broke). There are several maps that you can use for each kind of pipes.
Changing the map is easy, just plug into a laptop or PC. Bring up the screen. It show rpm, throttle percentages. Various fuel changes at different rpms. valve settings. If it doesn't run right then just re-input the original map. Just play with the settings to find the best for your machine. I run the power commander because I have Hard-krome headers and a hyper-charger on my bike. The only difference I notice is in fuel consumption.

[lumper]

So, not knowing anything about mapping or whatever, how difficult is it for the average guy to understand how to use a power commado or whatever?

I have aftermarket pipes now and the bike runs great but I am thinking if I was able to handle it then maybe I would do an air mod when I find the pipes I want but even if I dont, just for changing the pipes and dealing with any possible issues that might come up running wise how easy is it for the average guy to hook up the power commander and make adjustments and see results?
I know with fuel injection it is different than with a carb sinc ethere is no jetting, but it is still adjusting air intake/fuel/air output
I am curious and I am going to have to learn at some point, so I thought I would ask in this thread while it was being discussed some.
Thanks
Lump

[VN1500]

I posted about this awhile back. Not trying to tell ya what to do,..just offering information.

I have Dooley's on my Nomad,..modified my intake, used a P/commander,..wound up disconnecting it, after some [going rich] problems on a trip. Motorcycle runs fine without it.

I have R/H 2-into1 on my Drifter [1500] stock everything else,...it runs just as good,..maybe just a tad better?

Ron

[chief]

There are several types of boxes you can use. I don't recommend the PC unless you dyno the bike and use that to adjust the map. Other boxes let you screw around with them and adjust to your bike. You will get better performance from a PC with dyno adjusted map - so keep that in mind.

But, to simply be rid of problems introduced from a pipe change... the cobra worked fine for me.

[1SG CAV]

If you change the air intake then you will need a Power Commander. I will say stay away from a Hyper- Charger. It will cause issue with the bike. AnneOakley and I both have hyper-chargers.  They do stick out from the side quite a bit. If you spend a couple hundred and have it dyno'd you'd get a little bit more power with one. If you change the air system you can't go back, with some changes (Hyper- charger is one) Chief is right you should need only the Cobra FI2000.

[Mike O]

Thank you. That is what i'll do.

[chief]

Well, I needed a box with only the addition of my Big Willys... most of the time you don't need anything. So, I suggest you install them and see. If you get backfires, decel popping etc... you may need to get a box. I got a Cobra FI2000 which did the trick with no adjustment.

[Mike O]

Hello,

I just order a set of Roadhouse Dooley's for my 2001 1500 FI.   Roadhouse literature states that no mod's need to be made?  I'm not planning on changing the air intake at this time.  Do I need something like a power commander?   I have no idea about this.  Also, the folks I ordered the pipes from said I didn't. Need new exhaust gasket?   Is that correct?