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103 build and cam choices - again

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Old May 11, 2008 | 10:40 PM
  #1  
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Default 103 build and cam choices - again

I am in the process of getting parts for a 103 build for my road king classic. My priorities are low and mid torque. I want to pass on 2 lanes in a hurry. I mostly tour in the 70 to 80 range with most of my riding on two lanes and interstates. I seldom ride 2 up but am a big dude and pack heavy. I want a dependable and reliable engine. My current set up includes a big sucker, pc III, and rinehart true duals. I will be going with flat top pistons in 103 jugs. I am not planning on doing any head work at this time. I am debating between the andrews 26 and the wood tw6 - I want bolt ons. The dealer who will be doing the work suggested se 203's. If anything goes wrong it's on my dime, even if I use the se cams. SO I thought, why not go with the best cam for my set up. What do ya'll think would be the best cam choice? From reading the hundreds of cam posts, it looks like the andrews 26 and the wood tw6 are both very popular.
Also, what are the opinions about the need for upgraded crank bearings on this set up?
Thanks for the input!
Bill
 
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Old May 11, 2008 | 10:51 PM
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Default RE: 103 build and cam choices - again

The 203, and Andrews 26 are pretty small for a 103, I have the Crane 290s in my 103"er, and am making 100+ ft lbs by 2500rpm. I bet the Andrews 37, or the SE 204 would work just as well, in fact Spankustang on this forum got the same results as I did with the 37s.
 
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Old May 12, 2008 | 12:26 AM
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Default RE: 103 build and cam choices - again

Seems the cams for a torquey 103 is the r&r 525,the se 255 and the andrews 54.
 
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Old May 12, 2008 | 12:31 AM
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Default RE: 103 build and cam choices - again

Not doing head work kinda limits your choices on some realy great cams. (look for Philms dyno in the bagger section)

but the HQ TC500 is also a contender for a great bolt in cam. HQ has a independant dyno submission comparing this cam to the SE 255.

Exhaust choice is crittical here too, I would be looking for a 2 to 1 VS the true duals.
 
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Old May 12, 2008 | 05:26 AM
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Default RE: 103 build and cam choices - again

I just finished doing a 103" build with the Woods 6-6 cams............that thing is a monster. The 30-60 3rd gear runs to seat the rings were a blast to do, and were over pretty quick if you know what I mean............LOL.

Steve
 
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Old May 12, 2008 | 06:25 AM
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Default RE: 103 build and cam choices - again

In a touring application, either the 6 or 37 cams will work great.
Done 'em both ways. Smooth,broad,strong power from off idle to 5200-5400.
Not trying to see who makes it down the 1/4 mile first, just super-strong, long distance, highway runners.
Scott
 
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Old May 12, 2008 | 07:46 AM
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Default RE: 103 build and cam choices - again

I went with the Andrews 37H cams in mine. Made good power and great torque. I ride mostly two up, so the torque is good for me. Not too mention, got 53.1 mpg riding solo a couple weekends ago.
 
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Old May 12, 2008 | 09:07 AM
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Default RE: 103 build and cam choices - again

I'd bit the bullet and do ,at least enough head work to include a little cleanup. Then Woods 7H cams, valves and springs. Not quiet bolt in but the main thing is clearancing the rocker boxes, just drimmel grinding.

My bike will pull and sound like a old style big ole John Deere, In 6 gear at 45 MPH, going uphill. A friend road it and commented, "It's All Torque". But it will wing out till my vision blures. Which at 72 is not that much really. Hell I quite at about 120, worry about the windshield.
 
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Old May 12, 2008 | 05:30 PM
  #9  
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Default RE: 103 build and cam choices - again

The main thing to think about is do you want to pull off the rocker boxes, and buy roller rocker arms? The valve stem to rocker arm angles in a Harley are pretty bad, and with higher lift comes more wear on the valve guide. Plus the cast rocker arm supports wont do well with heavy springs, that go with high lifts. The seals on the late bikes do a real good job of controling the oil up there, but when the guide wears the valve job suffers.
We all like to argue which is better, and get worked up trying to decide which one will make more power, but were really comparing 6 to half a dozen in most cases. Keep in mind that the stock heads while better than the earlier heads dont flow much better at .600 than they do at .500 so going with a high lift most likely wont do you much good. All the popular manufacturers make cams that are what we call 'bolt in' which range from .490 to .525 lift, and close the intake valve between 38 and 42 degrees. They are all within a few degrees everywhere you check them, so dont think one company's "magic camshaft" is better than another's. You have a lot of choices, but will most likely get the same results from all of these;
Andrews 37
Woods tw6
Head Quarters HQ500
Dave Mackie 510
Crane 310
Kuryakin tc-1
Leineweber RE T3s
Screamin Eagle 203, or 204
R&R 525
Tman 525c
Look on the Bigboyz porting website, go th the camshaft comparator and look how close they all are. With chains and no way to degree them in, 2 or 3 degrees either direction wont make any significant difference at the rear wheel. I like the Andrews 37s, you can get a set for at or under $250.00 if you shop around, and a few guys are selling their old ones cheap.



[IMG]local://upfiles/21800/1F353C8FD5D5444EB9739259FA010E4F.jpg[/IMG]
 
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Old May 12, 2008 | 08:46 PM
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Default RE: 103 build and cam choices - again

I have andrews 67g Gear drive In my 103 set up with My heads ported & polished & I typically cruise around the same speeds as you, I am also not that small of a guy & when i want to get up & go it does.
 
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