Oh no, not another cam thread right

Anyway, I have read every cam thread in existence and I hav decided to stick with HD SE cams for a few reasons. That being said, please narrow your responses to actual experience with the SE 204 and SE 254e. I know there are several similar cams from the aftermarket.

My setup as is consist of Arlen Ness big sucker AC, V&H dresser duals and Rinehart 4" cans with 2.5 high flow baffles and super tuner pro. I am not chasing the big numbers and am more concerned with 2000-4000rpm ride two up about 50% of the time and prefer my power low to mid. I don't red light race so not worried about getting ahead of my buddies. I like good acceleration and throttle response. I just put a set of 204's in my 2010 Wide Glade last week and really like how the bike is running.

All that being said, I am leaning towards the 204's on the SGS and the only other consideration is the 254e. I have heard nothing but great reviews on the 204 and have first hand experience with them. Should I stick with them or is there any benefit with the 254e? Reading tell me to stay with the 204's.

 

You seem to know more about this than me.
Can you tell me why you are not going with a SE 585 cam?

It is the one in the stage 3 package I am considering, and I am curious of the differences between it and what you are considering.

Thanks

 

585 lift is a bit much IMO for stock springs.

 

Not sure of your reasons for SE cams, but the 204 has been around for 15 years and was designed for the 88/95 cu in engines. It isn't known for low end torque.

Most people that know how to build real power don't consider SE products worth a damn. The same money can yield much better results with aftermarket products.

If you want a great cam for the specs you describe, the Andrews 48H is much better than the SE204 and 254.

 

I had the SE204 in my 99 EG Standard and would still if they made them in a gear drive cam, I have the Andrews 37G now and like the SE204 better, it is one of the best cams out there, thats why they still make them 15 years later......

 

IMO 204 cams are still pretty good cams for 96 and 103 and the reason you don't see much about them other than "hey I got a cam with that potato potato sound" is because they're similar in tuning characteristics to the SE255. They're a bitch to tune if you don't know what you're doing and even some good dyno tuners catch hell with them

 

204 is a very mild cam at best and the power comes on late for a bagger.

Of the 2 the OP is asking about, I'd take the 254E over the 204.

 

The SE204 has 4 degrees advance built into them, thats why they come on earlier then my Andrews cams, is one of the best street cams I have tried, my Andrews 37G cams would be identical if they had 4 degrees of advance built in them.

 

Yes, please enlighten me as to why? I think a lot of people have a favorite cam, however, I am really looking for an understanding of the 204 vs the 254e. I am installing it myself and after I run on a base map for a bit, It will get tuned. My guess is any cam I install will be a world better than the almost 255 that cam in my HO motor. Hell, I have not really rulled out just getting a real 255, but there are those that state the 254e comes on a bit later that than the 255 and does not drop off as soon. I want to stay strictly bolt in.

 

i get that it's not a TQ cam (I know and understand cam profiles) but your comments above would elude to nothing HD makes is worth a chit.

I feel the same way about Wood cams/lifters and FuelMoto and that's my opinion. To each his own.

SE cams are very well suited for their intended purposes. It's up to the rider to decide what his purpose is for wanting a cam to begin with and go from there and it sounds like the OP has decided what his purpose is.

I'm also going to make an assumption here but since the OP specified a couple of SE cams I'll go with the fact that he's probably wanting to stay within his ESP or original warranty through HD.

Either way, the 254e and 204 cams are very similar in their TQ and HP curves with the 204 carrying out further to the right when tuned properly.

*NOTE*
poor exhaust choice will kill any cam you decide on.