With that build you will be replacing spring pack and probably valve size anyway so the oil seal issue wont be a problem as you will be replacing them when the head is done. I don't think it matters one way or another in your case.
Check EBAY ---------> 4595590364 (sold now)ViennaHog said:AFAIK 2006 heads have a different port design compared to the earlier version and supposedly flow better. I venture a guess here, that there are not that many porters out there that have a good number of 2006 heads done and have a reliable data set to build on. Not sure about the ports diameter of the 06 heads and the location of the bolt holes etc, worth checking it.
I would go with the 05 and have them done by one of the pros.
The_Snowman said:Check EBAY ---------> 4595590364 (sold now)
Q: What are the improvements that the 2006 head provides? and will the 2006 head work on 1999 through 2005?
Dec-05-05
A: The 2006 head will fit 1999 thru 2005 by simply using the 2006 manifold flanges which only cost a few dollars each. Additionally, you can optionally use the 2006 manifold which greatly improves the angle entering the head, thus increasing flow and performance. The Harley redesigned 2006 heads provide improved port design both intake and exhaust. More important than having somewhat improved flow numbers is that the new heads have material in places where the old heads do not. This allows us at QHP to shape the port in ways we could not when porting the 2005 and earlier heads. The result is improved flow at every lift increment except for 0.650 & 0.700 inches. Unless you are running cams with lifts in excess of 0.650 inches, the QHP ported 2006 heads are superior to all 2005 and earlier ported heads. In addition to greater flow numbers, the 2006 heads have significantly high velocity percentages. This provides for much crisper responding horsepower as well as notable smoother cruising rpm's. If you have any questions or if you'd just like to know more about the 2006 heads, feel free to give us a call @ (425) 271-4077 anytime!
HDWRENCH said:Ok th is is going be a long post
1. 06 heads. Hope that covers it. ( they flow better bottom line)![]()
After close examination and comparison to the 05 heads, here are the additional changes I found.
The 06 Valve guides have changed. The exhaust guides used to be different than the intakes. At a glance and without removing them for total comparison, it now looks like they use the same guide for both the intake and exhaust. The guide ends are also more rounded in the port, 05 was kind of square. The intake port mounting screw holes also seem to be in a different location. More symetrical to the port, this means that the intake clamps are now the same and no longer have a front and a rear. The port itself doesn't seemed to have been moved but I didn't have time set it up and measure it. The differences in the ports themselves is significant. The exhaust port has been opened up considerably (maybe a little too much). The intake port more closely matches the valve seat now and has been lowered. The casting of the head has been changed in a couple areas, one noticable area is between the valve spring seats. Seems they added more meat to that area, no apparent reason at this point in time. Overall the 06 heads seem to be an improvement over the 05 heads with exception to the valve seals in this particular set of heads.
Because of the changes in the intake mounting, 05 heads are an easier retrofit. The 06 heads have some advantages as pointed out previously in this thread but ported 05 heads will get you there also. For ease, compatability of existing parts and cost, ported 05 heads are what I would choose. JMO95FLHR said:So would putting a set of stock 06 heads on an older bike, say an 01 with a mild cam and BB be worth it as opposed to stock 01 heads?
Good question. To me, the idea behind porting is to get more performance out of the heads. The 06 heads can also be improved. You have to ask yourself what it is you want out of the build. If all out performance is the goal, then an expensive port job would probably be in order. If you want improved performance with some added benifits AND cost is a consideration, a street port job will help. If just want more and cost is a BIG consideration, then stock heads might be in order.jasilva said:So the big question for owners of 06 bikes is, do we need to port these heads for a decent 95" build with say 37G cams and SE flat top pistons?
Joe
Thanks. Now anyone know the answer to the second question?bedemonster said:The head changes are common on all 2006 twin cam models.