1) Would I gain more from an aftermarket set of heads that are ported and polished?
Yes
2) Would the best bet be to get the heads they recommend and have them 'tweaked' (where is a good place???)?
Unnecessarily expensive, but the SE heads can be improved. You don't want to run 10.5 CR with a 203 cam
3) OR - could someone work the stock heads to get the higher compression and performance (from what I understand, I would have to also upgrade the valve components as the SE heads are all inclusive).
Yes, there are at least half a dozen guys that make superior heads. The differences are in philosophy, the guys with a drag racing background tend to go for top numbers, the guys with a road racing background go for better driveability and quality of power delivery. I strongly suggest you go this way unless you intend to drag race exclusively.
4) Off topic - Anyone have any data on ignition system comparisons, like SE versus Dyna versus Crane...?
By far the best ignition system for a carb TC is the TwinTec system as sold by HeadQuarters, on an EFI bike the ignition is built into the ECM, the new EFI tuner from HD may well turn out to be the way to go.
If you want more head info you need to contact us off line.
Yes
2) Would the best bet be to get the heads they recommend and have them 'tweaked' (where is a good place???)?
Unnecessarily expensive, but the SE heads can be improved. You don't want to run 10.5 CR with a 203 cam
3) OR - could someone work the stock heads to get the higher compression and performance (from what I understand, I would have to also upgrade the valve components as the SE heads are all inclusive).
Yes, there are at least half a dozen guys that make superior heads. The differences are in philosophy, the guys with a drag racing background tend to go for top numbers, the guys with a road racing background go for better driveability and quality of power delivery. I strongly suggest you go this way unless you intend to drag race exclusively.
4) Off topic - Anyone have any data on ignition system comparisons, like SE versus Dyna versus Crane...?
By far the best ignition system for a carb TC is the TwinTec system as sold by HeadQuarters, on an EFI bike the ignition is built into the ECM, the new EFI tuner from HD may well turn out to be the way to go.
If you want more head info you need to contact us off line.
