NRHS -

If you've already answered this specific question, please direct me to the location.

I have a stock 1997 1200 with a K&N intake (modified Big Twin SE setup) and a Thunderheader. I don't have any interest in high compression or in moving the power curve up the rpm band. I have considered installing either the HD W-grind cams or the Andrews N2 cams.

Will I notice low to mid-rpm performance gains by having NRHS Stage 1 porting performed on my stock heads?

Thanks for your time.

The simple answer is yes it willl help in those low to mid ranges you are looking for. Better flowing heads give better performance across the rpm range. But your Thunderheader actually hurts the performance in the lower rpms range. It is designed for mid to upper rpms. Plus I would go with a bit more aggressive cam, something like an Andrews N8 or N4.

Thanks for the info.

I was under the impression that a N4 or N8 would require more compression than stock.

I guess I'm really just trying to decide if head porting is worthwhile if I leave everything else bone stock (except exhaust and air cleaner). It SEEMS that head porting is an enhancement that can be made without worrying about ignition, compression, or anything else. In other words... no adverse side affects like detonation, reversion, etc. The unanswered question in my mind is: how much improvement will I really feel?

The N4s are mild cams and even with stock compression you will see a benefit to using them especially with ported heads.

I realized my mistake and corrected it. You should have no issues with detonation as your stock heads are low compression.

I realized my mistake and corrected it. You should have no issues with detonation as your stock heads are low compression.
Sorry about the mixup... I deleted my response to your response, which was deleted while I composed my original response. :)

Anyone following this thread will be very confused. Sorry.