Cams and compression go together. A "compression bump" would be raising the compression, either through a thinner head gasket, milling the heads, or different pistons. Some cams are optimized for higher than stock compression.

 

"Might as well" is budget dependent of course. Head gaskets are cheap. Big bore cylinders and head work, not so much. But if you want serious power, you need to spend serious money.

 

Just cause cams may be the next step doesn't mean you can't skip steps

Do something like this and headwork and Shazam!

https://www.fuelmotousa.com/p-33972-...-bore-kit.html

Call FM

 

If this is anything like the stuff he used to write for AI, it is likely a waste of money..

 

so I talked to my shop for just cams they'll charge 1400-1500 but if I want to do a 107 bore kit it'll be 2100 is this a deal or am I being taken for a ride

 

What does that include? Seems high to me then again I wouldn't let a shop touch my bike with a 10 foot poll. You can get a set of Andrews Cams with bearings for about $300. If doing just Cams you don't need pushrods. Lifters would depend on current condition/mileage. Add in a gasket kit and total cost isn't much.

Even if you did the FM kit they are only $500 for everything you need. I can't see an experienced shop taking longer than 3 hours to do this. Say $150/hr * 3 = $450 + $500 for the cam kit = $950

Consider future plans too. Will cams be enough? If not save your money and do it all at once. Head specs will depend heavily on what cam you have and how you ride. Point I'm trying to make is you want to avoid buying things twice. Do your homework, call some shops, make a logical decision based on what will suit you best.

I'd say go with a 57h or tw-555 cam. Leave the motor 96". Don't touch compression or heads. Best bang for the buck. After that hp/tq per dollar goes up significantly. If you have the coin and want maximum hp/tq your gonna spend probably close to 3k in parts/tune alone.

 

Big bore? She flat tops for a 103 is great and low budget. Save a few bucks and lowere that crappy too tall 2.79 gearing to about 3.00 or so,you'll be very happy.

 

Best cams is like asking what is the best beer to drink. I will add this, I did the Feuling 7000 Oil Pump and Cam plate when I did mine and it is the smoothest gear driven cam system ever. So quiet you can't believe it is gear driven and the engine runs a lot cooler. IMHO definitely worth the extra bucks.

 

sounds high to me. HD dealers charge 8 hours for big bore kits depending on the labor rate you could expect around 800 but that doesn't include tuning either.

 

well it's for fueling 543 cams AND a 107 bore kit if that makes a difference I should of clarified