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Great Experience - Dan Vance Racing
I just spent the winter rebuilding my 2000 Fatboy from a basically stock TC88 to a ported head, re-cammed, gear drive, 95 inch joy. To do that I needed a builder that would be willing to help me get past the questions and worries of doing it myself. I googled lots of builders and ended up with Dan Vance Racing out of Hampton, CT. I can't say it was much more than luck of the draw that I used Dan, but it turned out perfect in a number of ways.
First, Dan will answer all your questions. All of them. I must have sent him 150 emails over the winter (Dec-Apr) and he answered each of them the next morning. Disassembly, crank run out, gear back lash, cam selection, piston ring installation, cam plate scoring, oil pump witness marks, use of loctite, carb adjustments, setting squish, break in... you name it). He rented me specialty tools I needed. I sent him pictures with questions, I sent him sound files to hear noises. He patiently helped in every instance. Yes, he called me slightly paranoid at one point, but I deserved it!
The engine he helped me create includes his raised port heads (exchange -done by Dan himself), larger intake valves, Bored cylinders (exchanged), 95" Keith Black pistons, Andrews 37G cam, S&S gears, S&S lifters (avoid the SE adjustables - IMHO), decked head, gasket kit, etc. He supplied all the parts, as I had requested. I wanted someone to worry about the whole package of parts working together and he delivered.
It was a blast to learn about my engine without worrying that I'd somehow ruin it because I did something dumb. And he encouraged and supported me along the way. He didn't necessarily want more of my money (for him to do the work) - he wanted me to learn and enjoy the experience! How nice was that. Dan's semi retired (from owning a big shop and drag racing bikes with huge success - see his site) and does this for extra cash and because he loves bikes I think. Great, honest, genuine guy in my opinion. He'll do as much as you need him to do.
The bike, now broken in 120 miles to date, is like a new Harley. I've riden a lot faster bikes than Harleys and this new engine has brought back the fun of having that kind of power and response at your disposal. I started on dirt bikes as a kid and this new engine reminds me of the grab-some-throttle-and-snake-down-the-road feeling I got as a kid. And I created a fairly mild build!
Anyway, I documented my experience on robsfatboy.shutterfly.com, including the problems I ran into and lots of pictures. Would recommend Dan Vance for any engine work. I can't compare whose the fastest or cheapest or smartest, but I can attest to Dan being honest and fair and caring about your bike and your satisfaction. And he won some NHRA titles along the way to learning how to make YOUR bike go faster. Awesome.
Thanks for listening.
Last edited by robermcm; 04-10-2010 at 07:59 AM.
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