Cam plate
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 69
From: Centerville, ohio
It's an upgrade for the '99-'06 TC88 with the spring loaded cam tensioners. Coverts them to hydraulic like the '07 up and has the high volume oil pump. The '07 up version has the higher pump.
Last edited by lt1-xjs; Aug 18, 2017 at 07:45 AM.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,763
Likes: 2,597
From: san antonio
The "real" purpose is to get you to spend more money. If you don't believe me, check the price of an early cam plate and pump now compared to what the cost prior to the development of the billet plate options; the MoCo bean counters figured that one out. If an early model, the OEM cam plate is more than adequate for most performance upgrades; just replace the tensioner shoes with CYCO shoes or go with gears. If a late model, IMHO, running performance cams in the parent material of a cast aluminum cam plate in a modified motor capable of delivering more than 100HP, a billet cam plate starts to make sense. Gear driven cams in either situation, assuming crank run out allows, is a permanent solution to the tensioner issue. JMHO.
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 82
Likes: 1
From: NC
I have a 08 Fxstc. if swapping cams and wanting this, it is an extra 4 to 500 bucks to the upgrade. If it is needed okay just don't see what's wrong with stocker. Oil pump upgrade I understand.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,763
Likes: 2,597
From: san antonio
The 2014 and up models run the same cam plate as the '07 and up models. "Better" is a subjective term. Of course the billet plate is "better" than the '07 up cam plates. It is billet material which makes it stiffer; it has bronze bushings for the cams to ride in and, last but not least; it is pretty orange color. The question remains, does one need the billet plate for a particular application? Is there a real cost/benefit to be gained vice the cost/benefit of spending the money on say fuel management and tuning? A subjective matter and personal choice.
JMHO but the '07 up cam plate is inferior to the early cam plate; no outer bearings for the cams. I run a hot 95" motor in an '05 FXSTD, soon to be a hotter 98" and I will retain the early OEM cam plate and gear driven cams. I also run a strong all bore 107" (124TQ/110HP) in an '02 FLHT but run the billet plate and chain driven cams in that motor. So, that should clear up my thoughts about cam plates.
The question remains, does one need the billet plate for a particular application? Is there a real cost/benefit to be gained vice the cost/benefit of spending the money on say fuel management and tuning? A subjective matter and personal choice.JMHO but the '07 up cam plate is inferior to the early cam plate; no outer bearings for the cams. I run a hot 95" motor in an '05 FXSTD, soon to be a hotter 98" and I will retain the early OEM cam plate and gear driven cams. I also run a strong all bore 107" (124TQ/110HP) in an '02 FLHT but run the billet plate and chain driven cams in that motor. So, that should clear up my thoughts about cam plates.
Last edited by djl; Aug 18, 2017 at 10:16 AM.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,923
Likes: 587
From: Alorton, Illinois
The S&S plate is not billet. Let's you adjust oil pressure. Doesn't recirculate hot oil or induce air. Doesn't run a cam or pinion on parent material. My choice for higher output engines. Add the 3 stage pump and then there is more benefits that can be seen with back to back testing.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,763
Likes: 2,597
From: san antonio
Not sure what "it" is but assuming "it" is an upgraded cam plate with bronze bushings and a pretty color; yup, that would be a good thing. If funds are unlimited, a three stage oil pump would also be a good thing but the upgraded HD pump would work as well.