I know there are dozens of threads on this but what's one more?

I have an 05 FXDL, 88". Already have stage 1. My local shop quoted me $2k for S&S cams, chain tensioner/oil pump upgrade, pushrods, rejetting carb.

Local HD dealer quoted me $1200 to have the 95 kit (boring my stock cylinders), SE pistons, install + carb work.

I know a lot of you will say "save your money and do both at the same time", but I don't think I'll ever be comfortable enough to drop $3k on this bike at one time. I want a little more OOMPH but I don't want to invest 3k in this bike.

That said...BANG FOR BUCK...would you drop 2k for the cams or 1k for the big bore kit??? This will probably be the last performance upgrade I do to this bike...

 

I think I would go for the cams because you are getting some cam side upgrades that might be needed anyway. Hopefully you will get some new lifters too?

 

Not being familiar with your area, I would say shop around for parts & best labor rates. You should be able to do either of those for less money. You also will save on labor if you do them both together.

I did cams first, and should have done the BB kit with it.

 

If you haven't already replaced/upgraded the cam chain tensioners I would opt for the cam upgrade with new Screaming eagle support plate or better yet the gear driven S&S cams. If you keep the bike you'll have to do this at some point anyway.

 

My local told me not to go with gear driven...said chain was better, less chance for catastrophic failure?

 

Gear driven cams need a nearly stellar crank run-out.

 

Ummm no... its the other way around. We go TO gear drive cams to eliminate the cam chains/tensioners and the risk of failure. Makes the drive train MORE dependable...not less. If your crank is good...definitely go gear drive.

 

x2
through some cams in it and some new tensioners if needed and run it
it will be like a whole different bike
not worth throwing a bunch of $ at it

 

How many miles on said engine? I used HD 95" kit (cylinders and pistons) and had 203 cams installed. The carb you can upgrade your self. Look up Joe Minton on Google, he's got good ideas on how to tune the carb. I followed his instructions on my 02 FXD, bike pulls real good with two up. Good luck and have fun.

 

Couple of years ago I had the Hybrid cam plate, hyd. cam chain tensioners installed. This package also included a more efficient oil pump. Something to consider if this bike is a keeper.