Help with a decision.. Plz.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 12
Help with a decision.. Plz.
Well. My b-day is coming up, and the wife says she would like to get me something special.
I have always wanted SE 204 cams in my 96" FXDB, but I have learned to ride in the power band, and I don't really have a "NEED" for the cams.
The bike has a Stage 1 AC and runs with a Thunderheader for exahaust. I am right around 20,000 miles.
I spoke to a new INDY here where I live. I just moved to a new town, and asked what the labor would be for a cam change. I told them I had the cam, and needed S&S Quickie Push rods from them, but I had the gasket kit and bearings.
The price I was quoted was $250 including the push rods. WHOA! Not bad. At least it beats the $650.00 for labor from the H-D Dealer.
So my question is this:
Is it a bad idea to do the change @ 20k miles? The bike rides great, doesn't use oil, gets decent gas mileage. I for some reason, even against my own suggestions to others want to have the SE 204 in my bike.
I have the map from my SEPST, to get by until I go see Ed in Dallas. Which is a 6 hour ride for me and the family, but we would have a good time going to Dallas.
Nevertheless, should I wait for the 50,000 or 100,000 mile rebuild to do the cams, and go with a 106/107 Cubic Inch upgrade?
I know the answer will probably be, no, it will not hurt. I am just having a hard time with opening the motor when it isn't broke.
I have always wanted SE 204 cams in my 96" FXDB, but I have learned to ride in the power band, and I don't really have a "NEED" for the cams.
The bike has a Stage 1 AC and runs with a Thunderheader for exahaust. I am right around 20,000 miles.
I spoke to a new INDY here where I live. I just moved to a new town, and asked what the labor would be for a cam change. I told them I had the cam, and needed S&S Quickie Push rods from them, but I had the gasket kit and bearings.
The price I was quoted was $250 including the push rods. WHOA! Not bad. At least it beats the $650.00 for labor from the H-D Dealer.
So my question is this:
Is it a bad idea to do the change @ 20k miles? The bike rides great, doesn't use oil, gets decent gas mileage. I for some reason, even against my own suggestions to others want to have the SE 204 in my bike.
I have the map from my SEPST, to get by until I go see Ed in Dallas. Which is a 6 hour ride for me and the family, but we would have a good time going to Dallas.
Nevertheless, should I wait for the 50,000 or 100,000 mile rebuild to do the cams, and go with a 106/107 Cubic Inch upgrade?
I know the answer will probably be, no, it will not hurt. I am just having a hard time with opening the motor when it isn't broke.
Last edited by editbrain; Mar 25, 2012 at 02:15 PM.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 12
I am not looking for the cam choice. My mind is made up. I am looking more for information to wait until the motor needs rebuilt, or go ahead and make the swap. But with 20k miles on the bike. I don't know if it would be a good idea to crack the cam chest open.
Like a don't fix it if it isn't broken type mentality.
Like a don't fix it if it isn't broken type mentality.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 79
Likes: 3
From: Bossier City, LA
I don't think the mileage on the bike should matter if you want cams. If you go with adjustable push rods, you really aren't messing with too much anyway (heads stay on, etc). I would recommend a good quality tune though (no guessing or using your best buds latest ECU map recipe, etc). That can get you buy but I wouldn't leave that as the final state. Just make sure your not running too lean. There was a ton of difference in power and drivability before and after my tune, money well spent in "my" case.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,760
Likes: 211
From: Manila, Philippines
I went with the SE204s at 15k miles. I don't think the cam change is as major engine work as changing out other parts. I would be concerned on the experience of the new indy, maybe check out whether he has installed similar parts before. I asked one indy and said to save on costs of new gaskets, just reuse old ones.
Does make a significant improvement and gives good power throughout the curve.
Does make a significant improvement and gives good power throughout the curve.
Last edited by DonN; Mar 26, 2012 at 12:12 AM.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,919
Likes: 23
From: Seattle, WA
Go for it ... I'd have to review the specs of the SE 204 for intake and exhaust events to comment on them ... but, pretty much categorically believe the cams will improve the bikes performance over the existing configuration with stock cams ...
I would estiimate that well over 90% of H-D owners who install aftermarket cams do so before there is a legitimate requirement for an overhaul ... or for repair work that would require that the cam chest be opened ...
I don't understand why one would think it better to wait to swap out the stock cams in favor of aftermarket cams until other repair work was necessary ... are you a monk sworn to an oath of self-denial ...? I could understand if it is a matter of economic necessity ... your kids can't eat SE 204 cams ... or wear them as articles of clothing ...
You could ride that thing another 125,000 miles until the 'need arises' ... if your spouse has offered to treat you, I say "no time like the present".
R/
'Chop
I would estiimate that well over 90% of H-D owners who install aftermarket cams do so before there is a legitimate requirement for an overhaul ... or for repair work that would require that the cam chest be opened ...
I don't understand why one would think it better to wait to swap out the stock cams in favor of aftermarket cams until other repair work was necessary ... are you a monk sworn to an oath of self-denial ...? I could understand if it is a matter of economic necessity ... your kids can't eat SE 204 cams ... or wear them as articles of clothing ...
You could ride that thing another 125,000 miles until the 'need arises' ... if your spouse has offered to treat you, I say "no time like the present".
R/
'Chop
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Berkeley, CA
Swapping cams isn't a very intrusive event for your engine. And, the 204 is a very moderate choice of cam (no radical lift/timing). My guess is, you'll really like your ride w/ the new cam. I'm also a big fan of a 30 tooth primary sprocket to lower the gearing. These 2 mods really wake the bikes up.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
Why is your mileage a factor if you want some more power?
I notice one thing about you, Editbrain. You overthink things waaaaay too much. If you want cams now, then do the cams now. No further thinking involved.
For the record, I swapped my cams at ~19k miles. Give you something to think about. Ha ha
I notice one thing about you, Editbrain. You overthink things waaaaay too much. If you want cams now, then do the cams now. No further thinking involved.
For the record, I swapped my cams at ~19k miles. Give you something to think about. Ha ha