Seriously, is the Torque Cam worth it?
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,299
Likes: 2,393
From: Florida
Seriously, is the Torque Cam worth it?
I know there have been quite a few threads about this, but I still need to ask: I'm on the fence about installing the HD torque cam in my 2020 Heritage with 3,000 miles. Those of you who have this bike know it has plenty of power. But, more power is always an allure.
One of the reasons I'm asking is I had a bad experience with my previous '17 Fatboy S. I had some serious engine upgrades, including S&S lifters, pushrods and their 585 cam. A week after I had this done by Speed's Performance during Bike Week, catastrophic engine failure. Bent valve.
Speed's kicked in new heads - those Screaming Eagle heads are known for weak springs - and I added a new premium oil pump. This setup also lasted about a week when a lifter failed. Needless to say, I spent a ton of money.
After all this, I can't believe I'm even considering going to Stage 2 (I already have Stage one on this new bike). But I am. I like the fact the torque cam would be under warranty.
So I'm asking: Is the torque cam really worth it? I don't know if I trust some of these dyno charts the dealers put out, so what I really want to know is if the torque cam delivers a real seat-of-the-pants difference to those of you who have it.
I appreciate any information or opinions.
One of the reasons I'm asking is I had a bad experience with my previous '17 Fatboy S. I had some serious engine upgrades, including S&S lifters, pushrods and their 585 cam. A week after I had this done by Speed's Performance during Bike Week, catastrophic engine failure. Bent valve.
Speed's kicked in new heads - those Screaming Eagle heads are known for weak springs - and I added a new premium oil pump. This setup also lasted about a week when a lifter failed. Needless to say, I spent a ton of money.
After all this, I can't believe I'm even considering going to Stage 2 (I already have Stage one on this new bike). But I am. I like the fact the torque cam would be under warranty.
So I'm asking: Is the torque cam really worth it? I don't know if I trust some of these dyno charts the dealers put out, so what I really want to know is if the torque cam delivers a real seat-of-the-pants difference to those of you who have it.
I appreciate any information or opinions.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,851
Likes: 420
From: Santa Fe NM
In your case I would say it's worth it just for the peace of mind that it's still covered by HD in the event you have a repeat of your last go round.
From what I've seen it doesn't quite perform as well as some of the aftermarket cams but does give a decent bump in performance even with the restricted SE tuner.
From what I've seen it doesn't quite perform as well as some of the aftermarket cams but does give a decent bump in performance even with the restricted SE tuner.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6,849
Likes: 1,389
From: Florida
One of the issues of your last build was you had the work done by Speeds during bike week. Don't get work done during a rally. At least not performance work.
Do the cam and keep the warranty. Win win
Do the cam and keep the warranty. Win win
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 575
Likes: 263
From: Spokane, WA
If you think your bike has plenty of power, then maybe you should leave it alone. I put a cam in mine because I was disappointed in the stock power output. As far as reliability goes, my stock lifters got real noisy at 15,000 miles. I think any lifter you put in will be better than stock. On the other hand, I think the adjustable pushrods are not as bullet proof as the stock one piece pushrods. Any motor work is invasive by nature. You can't be ignorant or in a hurry. Talk to the mechanic if you are going to have it done.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,584
Likes: 520
From: VA
I
I decided it wasn't worth it to me. I already had a PV tuner. So I spent the $200 on a new license and $400 on a set of mufflers. The bike runs a bit better than bone stock with that setup. I decided the $1400 I was quoted for cam, lifters, pushrods, gaskets and labor wasn't worth it. But thats just me. The bike has enough power, as it is, to satisfy me 99% of the time. So the bang for the buck isn't there for me. Can't answer for you.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 615
Likes: 209
From: California
Im riding a different bike but a M8 114 did the torque cam at a thousand miles with my service absolutely love it torque and power through all RPM minimal investment got it done for $888
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 913
Likes: 322
From: St. Louis
If you are going to do it, you might as well replace the cam plate and oil pump with a feuling or SS. Fuel moto has some really nice setups
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 443
From: PNW
I'm very pleased with my Stage 2. Even though the stock torque was quite impressive the increase with the 447 cam, SE street cannons, and the tuner is obvious and worth the cost, to me. That being said, whether you keep it stock or upgrade it eventually you'll grow accustomed to the bike's output. And most likely be happy with it however it's configured.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 371
Likes: 146
From: Colorado
Probably not the popular vote, but for me it wasn't worth it. I'm a former sports bike and still a current ADV rider as well and what I love about HD is the sound, pull off the line in daily driving, the look and quality (mostly). Adding more power to arguably lessen reliability and worsen gas mileage (I said this was going to be the un-popular vote) just didn't appeal to me. It's loud enough with exhaust and tuner, handles awesome and has PLENTY of power for me. Money wasn't an object for me and quite honestly, I don't miss my break neck fast sports bikes that laugh at stage 4 anyway. Honestly I don't miss the crazy power at all, I freak'n love my HD and pig BMW GSA.
All that said, it's personal preference and what you're after in your ride. If you're satisfied now, a cam isn't going to change that. If you're not, go nuts man!
All that said, it's personal preference and what you're after in your ride. If you're satisfied now, a cam isn't going to change that. If you're not, go nuts man!
