Stock 09 Fxstc with short shots and big sucker, and thunder max tuner. Question would it be wise to put cams in this bike with 24,000 miles on it? If not then can choice is another question, what would be better? I ride somewhat aggressive (coming from a Sportster) I've been looking at SE204s or Andrews 48H? My wife rides with me sometime. I plan to change the exhaust, I don't really like the short shots, I prefer the look of the V&H big shots.

 

With 24,000 miles that bike is plenty broken in and go ahead and throw some cams at it. Just pick a decent cam and get a new tune for your tuner to match the changes you made. There are 1000's of cam mentions in this forum.... find one that matches the way you ride and go for it.

 

Cam are a personal choice,,, like pipes and seats... do a little homework yourself and get one that meets your Style of riding,, Don't get what someone else in here said is the best...

I ride slow and easy with the wife on the rear seat 90% of the time.. and for our riding style I had Andrews 26H's installed.. and I am totally pleased. But if you spend more time in the 3K and above rpm range then you'll need to look at something else...

Also you'll need to install new lifters along with new cam bearings...

 

Here's some really good site to learn more about comparing cams

http://www.bigboyzcycles.com/tccams.htm

 

Thanks guys, the thought process is still in. It'll be a winter project with also replacing and adding a new SE compensator. And while the primary is appart I might look into the pulley change of 30/70 tooth pulleys.

I also won for a great price a new HD NOS chrome front end kit. So while the forks are disassembled I'm going to put new brake pads and a new HD floating rotor. Plus a new tire.

Also eBay seems to be littered with like new take off 103 topends so that's a possibility too.

 

Cams are definitly a personal choice but, those personal choices bring experience to the table. My latest addition was under warranty so I went with an SE254 cam in my '14 Deluxe. Had I had any patience I would have waited out that 16 month warranty and slapped a Andrews 48 instead of the HD chain drive. I would have also added a high volume oil pump. Quite a few other cam manufacturers out there though, my two cents.

 

Where do you want the power? Stealing a quote from elsewhere on the forums, "Heads make power, cams put it where you want it." In a stock 96", and for good low end power that doesn't fall off at 4k rpm like the 255's, the Andrews 48 is a good choice. Getting rid of the short shot noisemakers will also help with more low end. Do you ever plan on doing headwork or going to 107"?

 

Cams are always a good choice as far as I am concerned. It's one of the first things I do on all my bikes.


I like the 48H on my 96. Great cam with lots of low/mid range. Increases torque and horsepower across the entire range. It makes the bike lots more fun to ride.


Definitely change the pipes. I think the big shots are probably better for low end torque than the short shots, but there are many better choices for performance. Both those pipes are more for looks and noise, rather than performance.

 

Addressing your initial question.
SE204 or Andrews 48H are both good cams for progression from Stage1.
48H is great in the lighter big twins.

Changing the compensator.
You have the older style which, provided it's operating correctly, not knocking, etc., will be fine with whatever cam you decide to put in.
The SE compensator kit is not cheap and doubtful it will provide you with anything better than you have now.

Your heads are fine too. However, if you bought a set of later model heads with ACR and had them tickled up, you'd be well pleased with the result and bang for the buck.
Bigger bores and pistons (to 107ci) complete the package. This would be half paid for with the money saved on the SE Compensator.

Leave the final drive pulleys, the extra power and torque you achieve with
cams and headwork will more than compensate for any perceived need for speed.

If you did decide to go ahead with the option or similar suggested, there's better cams for that package. Plenty of good vendors here on this board.
Check this thread and reply #14.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/engin...uestion-2.html


Continue researching, settle on your budget and what you want it to do for you.