Engine Mechanical Topics Discussion for motor builds, cams, head work, stripped bolts and other engine related issues. The good and the bad. If it goes round and around or up and down, post it here.

Twin Cam Upgrade

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 2, 2015 | 05:13 PM
  #1  
big-gun's Avatar
big-gun
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Kanuckistan
Default Twin Cam Upgrade

Ok, I did the chain tensioner upgrade (well dealer did) now I am kicking myself should I upgrade cams? I have been reading on my choices (Fuelings 525 or S&S 509) for an otherwise stock 88, I ride it like I stole it sometimes. I'm 215 lbs and its an 03 Fatboy. My main question is since I did the tensioner upgrade new tensioner, pushrods, & lifters, Should I replace pushrods and lifters again? or is it safe to re-use them. Only 3000 km since upgrade.
 
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2015 | 05:26 PM
  #2  
QC's Avatar
QC
Seasoned HDF Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
Default

You can re-use them.
 
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2015 | 05:49 PM
  #3  
HDmikie's Avatar
HDmikie
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 112
From: Florida
Default

Originally Posted by big-gun
Ok, I did the chain tensioner upgrade (well dealer did) now I am kicking myself should I upgrade cams? I have been reading on my choices (Fuelings 525 or S&S 509) for an otherwise stock 88, I ride it like I stole it sometimes. I'm 215 lbs and its an 03 Fatboy. My main question is since I did the tensioner upgrade new tensioner, pushrods, & lifters, Should I replace pushrods and lifters again? or is it safe to re-use them. Only 3000 km since upgrade.
Just curious, how many miles on the bike and how bad were the OEM tensioners?
 
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2015 | 06:22 PM
  #4  
big-gun's Avatar
big-gun
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Kanuckistan
Default

Originally Posted by HDmikie
Just curious, how many miles on the bike and how bad were the OEM tensioners?


56.000 km and well on their way to failing. Got lucky I guess caught them in time.
I'm the third owner. Sold the aftermarket seat that came with it. when I advertised the seat the first person that looked at seat told me some history about the first owner. Seems his wife/girlfriend or mistress took a disliking to the bike and went at it with an axe she caused $8,200.00 worth of damages. The second owner did not tell me any history when I bought it. It is in really great shape for its age.
 
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2015 | 11:16 AM
  #5  
Max Headflow's Avatar
Max Headflow
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,944
Likes: 8,038
From: poway
Default

If the lifters are stock HD, I'd replace with after market like SnS, comp cams etc.. If already a good lifter, I'd simply inspect and reuse if they look good.. Not sure if you replaced the inner cam bearings but it's worth while to go from a caged to full complement bearing when making the change.
 
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2015 | 11:23 AM
  #6  
Hillsidecycle.com's Avatar
Hillsidecycle.com
Sponsor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 12,084
Likes: 829
Default

That OEM B lifter may be just fine particularly if has lower miles on it.
I'd lean towards the .509, just be aware that it is NOT a big hp producer, but that said we've seen 94 ft/lbs or a tick better in those 88"s.
Scott
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bettingpython
General Harley Davidson Chat
29
Sep 8, 2019 06:23 AM
irish44
2018+ Softail Models
25
Mar 19, 2019 11:19 PM
Stingray702
Primary/Transmission/Driveline/Clutch
4
Jun 25, 2018 05:39 PM
hdcyr
General Harley Davidson Chat
10
Jun 20, 2010 05:55 AM
Badlarry
General Harley Davidson Chat
43
Jan 30, 2010 12:43 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:30 PM.

story-0
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

Slideshow: Killer Custom's latest build relies on styling changes rather than performance upgrades, giving the cruiser an entirely different personality.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 18:28:05


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-6
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-7
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-8
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-9
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE