What's next?
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 12
From: Greene County, MS
What's next?
Well, since I've had my bike most of my $$ has been spent getting it close to looking like I want it. Not much has gone into performance. So, where do I start as far as gaining more performance/power? The only thing I have really done performance wise is adding the Big Radius pipes, Screamin' Eagle A/C kit and PCIII. I have not had it dyno tuned. Should I start out with cams?
If I start with cams, is that something I should be able to do myself? I am familiar with tools and I work on aircraft for a living so I can mechanic but I am not familiar with working on motorcycle engines. Is it best left to a pro or can I do it?
If I start with cams, is that something I should be able to do myself? I am familiar with tools and I work on aircraft for a living so I can mechanic but I am not familiar with working on motorcycle engines. Is it best left to a pro or can I do it?
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 279
Likes: 9
From: Houston, Texas, USA
I have replaced cams on an EVO and a Twin Cam. I don't have the training that you do as an aviation mechanic. But, I was able to accomplish it with no problem. You will need to buy a tool to lock the cam gears so you can get the nut off. It can be found at JPCycles. The rest is just following the mechanical procedures in the service manual. I highly recommend getting a service manual if you don't already have one.
The cam will make a big difference in sound. Not so sure about performance, because I haven't dyno'd mine. One thing to keep in mind is whether you plan to make head or piston changes in the future. Your cam selection should accomodate your future plans so you don't have to swap it again later.
The cam will make a big difference in sound. Not so sure about performance, because I haven't dyno'd mine. One thing to keep in mind is whether you plan to make head or piston changes in the future. Your cam selection should accomodate your future plans so you don't have to swap it again later.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,419
Likes: 1
From: Ashland Ore.
You can do it yourself. Just follow the manual. There are a couple of specialty tools that you;ll need, Here's the place to get them. Have fun!
http://www.georges-garage.com/
http://www.georges-garage.com/
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 12
From: Greene County, MS
Good deal...that's what I wanted to hear. I do have the service manual for my bike. It was highly recommended when I started visiting this forum and it's proven very valuable. If I start with a cam change this winter, do I have to do anything else or can I do the cams and do more later? I know I'll likely have to remap after the cam change.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 12
From: Greene County, MS
Righteous, the cam change made a big difference in sound but not much power gain? You said you didn't have it dynoed but I was hoping there would be a noticeable gain in power...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,419
Likes: 1
From: Ashland Ore.
Choosing a cam depends on your riding style. First you'll want a bolt in cam. If most of your riding is 2 up then consider an Andrews 26H. Solo riding look at the Andrews 37H. It's the cam timing thats going to determine when it comes on. You can make it really easy on yourself if you go with adjustable pushrods. You can just cut out the old ones and install the new adjustable ones. This will keep you from having to remove the rockers.
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 512
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, Arkansas
what cams did you use? the reports I've read about the 37s is that they don't change the sound much but help a LOT in power
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,166
Likes: 4
From: la
I felt a noticeable power increase with the 37's, and it did sound a little different. I have an auto tune so I didn't bother with getting a dyno tune. I plan on getting just a HP/TQ readout just to see where I'm at now, my 30T and clutch are in now and it feels pretty strong. It is an easy job to do, I just took my sweet time.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 279
Likes: 9
From: Houston, Texas, USA
I did the Andrews 37H. Andrews says it has a smooth idle, which is true, but it does sound different. A little more lope. I installed a much longer duration cam in an EVO that I used to have and it sounded great! Nice lopey idle. But, it was really too much for the stock heads and pistons and I think I actually lost power. The Andrews 37H is perfect for a stock motor with aftermarket exhaust and air filter.