What cams are you guys using?
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Berea, KY
What cams are you guys using?
So, I've recently installed a stage one on my 2011 FXDF. Now, I'm in the market for a cam upgrade. There are a lot of different options out there. Thought it would be interesting to gather everyones ideas in one thread. What cams are you using? Pros and cons?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,166
Likes: 4
From: la
If you're not pullin the heads for a compression bump it's better to get one with an early intake close so it doesn't bleed off too much compression. If you plan on doing work later like big bore or porting then it's a different story. T Man has a TR-600SM that just came out and it's a drop in with a 39* Intake close with .600 lift. When I go back in my bike that's the one I'm gettin. The Wood TW5-6 and Cycle Rama 575 are also good Dyna cams. My 37's work well but I advanced them and added some lift with the rockers. If I knew my heads could handle more lift 3 years ago I would have made a different choice.http://hawgnet.com/selecting-the-right-harley-cam/ http://www.harley-riders-guide.com/h...dson-cams.html
Last edited by paul s; Aug 2, 2011 at 09:39 AM.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,776
Likes: 2,607
From: san antonio
You will need a fuel management system with a cam upgrade.
A cam only upgrade, without headwork, doesn't require long duration or hi-lift cams; the stock head flow flattens out at .500" lift; anything with more lift is ovekill.
The previouis poster's advice on earlier intake valve closing is good advice. Getting corrected compression up above 9:1 shoudl be the goal. Unfortunately, you can't hit that target with a cam only upgrade. IMHO, the cams you should be looking at are those with intake close events between 34*-38*. SE204, Woods 5-6, Andrews 37, TMan 525, S&S510 or similar grinds.
Any of these cams can be installed advanced 4* and your corrected CR will be less than 9:1 but performance will be improved.
If I were you, I would seriously consider boring cylinders to 103", installing the SE cast flat top pistons, .030" head gasket and looking at cams with intake close events between 38*-44*. The Andrews 37 and the TMan 525 will work installed straight up but there are other options as well. If you are planning on headwork in the future, higher lift cams (.550"-.600") could go in now. Won't hurt but will accomodate better flowing heas in the future.
A cam only upgrade, without headwork, doesn't require long duration or hi-lift cams; the stock head flow flattens out at .500" lift; anything with more lift is ovekill.
The previouis poster's advice on earlier intake valve closing is good advice. Getting corrected compression up above 9:1 shoudl be the goal. Unfortunately, you can't hit that target with a cam only upgrade. IMHO, the cams you should be looking at are those with intake close events between 34*-38*. SE204, Woods 5-6, Andrews 37, TMan 525, S&S510 or similar grinds.
Any of these cams can be installed advanced 4* and your corrected CR will be less than 9:1 but performance will be improved.
If I were you, I would seriously consider boring cylinders to 103", installing the SE cast flat top pistons, .030" head gasket and looking at cams with intake close events between 38*-44*. The Andrews 37 and the TMan 525 will work installed straight up but there are other options as well. If you are planning on headwork in the future, higher lift cams (.550"-.600") could go in now. Won't hurt but will accomodate better flowing heas in the future.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Berea, KY
djl, thanks for the great advice. Right now, I'm running a vance and hines intake with a 2-1 pro pipe and power commander V. I think I'm leaning towards a little more top end power, so it sounds like to really get what I'm after, I need to invest in some head work. Bottom end grunt is great as it is, but I'd like to have a little more get up and go after 70 mph. As for the 103" kit, it's hard for me to justify junking the stock pistons and jugs when they're so new. So maybe a big bore kit in the distant future. I just want to get the most out of the configuration I can without jumping in the big bore boat.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,776
Likes: 2,607
From: san antonio
djl, thanks for the great advice. Right now, I'm running a vance and hines intake with a 2-1 pro pipe and power commander V. I think I'm leaning towards a little more top end power, so it sounds like to really get what I'm after, I need to invest in some head work. Bottom end grunt is great as it is, but I'd like to have a little more get up and go after 70 mph. As for the 103" kit, it's hard for me to justify junking the stock pistons and jugs when they're so new. So maybe a big bore kit in the distant future. I just want to get the most out of the configuration I can without jumping in the big bore boat.
Of course, if you pull the heads to do the big bore, and you have the $$, headwork will definitely add to the package. Goo luck.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,776
Likes: 2,607
From: san antonio
djl, thanks for the great advice. Right now, I'm running a vance and hines intake with a 2-1 pro pipe and power commander V. I think I'm leaning towards a little more top end power, so it sounds like to really get what I'm after, I need to invest in some head work. Bottom end grunt is great as it is, but I'd like to have a little more get up and go after 70 mph. As for the 103" kit, it's hard for me to justify junking the stock pistons and jugs when they're so new. So maybe a big bore kit in the distant future. I just want to get the most out of the configuration I can without jumping in the big bore boat.
Of course, if you pull the heads to do the big bore, and you have the $$, headwork will definitely add to the package. Good luck.
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,166
Likes: 4
From: la
I skipped going bigger for the same reason, well that and I was a bit crank shy and didn't want to stress it too much. I've seen enough bikes putting down decent numbers with stock cranks so I plan on pickin mine up a notch, I kinda regret not doing it when I was there with my heads off the first time, it would have been a breeze then. I would have found another reason to take it apart though,
I just like workin on my bike..My next build will be the TR600SM, HPI 51mmTB, a set of Wiseco's and porting w/valves to match my build.
I just like workin on my bike..My next build will be the TR600SM, HPI 51mmTB, a set of Wiseco's and porting w/valves to match my build.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
