changing cam without head work
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 352
Likes: 3
From: NorCal
I've also been doing some reading on this subject. I'd like to start by getting the TTS Master Tune - that should hold me over for a little bit. Then possibly some cams and maybe some headwork. I would like to put the cams in myself and follow up with the headwork when I can. Wondering the same as the OP - a cam that I could benefit from right away but would just get better when the heads were done. Andrews 37, SE 204, Headquarter 500's, Woods 6's .... so many choices. Would definitely like to here more on the subject.
Jimmie
Jimmie
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,530
Likes: 0
From: Diamond Bar, California
my friend did the SE 204 on his 2k Fatboy, and latter did the 95 SE kit and no head work, bike ran decent. Another buddy did just S$S 510 cams, and he was happy with the bump.
IMO,its only a waste if you wanted to go big to begin with. I just big the bullet and bought a whole Head-Quarters kit, no regrets.
If you do the bolt on upgrades right, it will run great.
IMO,its only a waste if you wanted to go big to begin with. I just big the bullet and bought a whole Head-Quarters kit, no regrets.
If you do the bolt on upgrades right, it will run great.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,166
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From: la
It depends on the cam choice, some of them need more compression to work well, something with an early intake valve close like the cams mentioned are worth doing and the Wood TW5-6(37*IVC) or the Cycle Rama575(35*IVC) are two more worth looking at. If you're reusing the pushrods it isn't that much more to change the headgaskets to the .030's, the .25:1 compression bump was worth it to me.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2009
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Likes: 4
It depends on the cam choice, some of them need more compression to work well, something with an early intake valve close like the cams mentioned are worth doing and the Wood TW5-6(37*IVC) or the Cycle Rama575(35*IVC) are two more worth looking at. If you're reusing the pushrods it isn't that much more to change the headgaskets to the .030's, the .25:1 compression bump was worth it to me.
kmontague, Head work, other than compression, does not necessarily improve things, especially if you ride less than 5000 rpms. Consider head work if going all out, otherwise I think you get little bang for the buck. Adding compression typically doesn't effect max power, but moves the power bump down in rpm where its more useful on the street.
Just changing cams can make a world of difference depending on your choice. In order of bang for buck, IMHO: ride at higher rpm, lose 30 pounds, a decent tune, more displacement, better cam, low restriction air filter, exhaust system... all with decent tunes..