95" piston and cam selection
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: cali
Wanting to stick with 95 is only because the pistons from screaming eagle will cost me approx half that of any 98" pistons, so that money can be used elsewhere in the engine. Originally my only plan was SE flat tops, and SE204 cams. I know I would be happy with that Combo, but eventually looking for more power. A tech at work suggested 10.25 pistons and 211's, which he said will take a lil longer to kick in but the gains I would see would be much more worth it, not to mention it is the exact same price as the flat tops/204s. I know if I get used to the power I will be looking for more, that's where the heads come in. I have access to a few sets of take off 07-newer heads, and local porters(known good), and occasionally get offered SE take off heads as well. I'm on a budget, and I'm willing to gain my power in stages. Even if it's only the big bore, then cams later, then heads. I just want to plan it all out so I don't buy a single item and have regrets.
I know this is nearly impossible with 10.25 pistons, as the cam timing is what helps the engine not meltdown and ping with such high compression. I'm not stuck on SE cams, but if I were to go 10.25 I know I would need an appropriate cam to make the combo run well on 91 octane. Is the 10.25 worth it??? Or is it just easier to go with the flat tops and if it's lacking, run 30 head gasket and mill heads minimally to get a slight bump??
I know this is nearly impossible with 10.25 pistons, as the cam timing is what helps the engine not meltdown and ping with such high compression. I'm not stuck on SE cams, but if I were to go 10.25 I know I would need an appropriate cam to make the combo run well on 91 octane. Is the 10.25 worth it??? Or is it just easier to go with the flat tops and if it's lacking, run 30 head gasket and mill heads minimally to get a slight bump??
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,887
Likes: 1,059
From: SE Washington
I took my 1999 FLHT to a 95. Used SE jugs, 10.2 to 1 SE pistons, rebuilt stock heads, S&S 570 cams, super e carb, daytona twin tech and simple true duals. That bike ripped, and had no problems hauling me, the wife and gear all over Washington, Idaho and Montana. And... it was absolutely the best sounding bike I've ever owned.
The rebuild was at 120k miles +. The complete rebuild included new bearings, flywheel assembly, fueling oil pump and cam plate, and the main ingredient... S&S 570 gear drive cams.
The rebuild was at 120k miles +. The complete rebuild included new bearings, flywheel assembly, fueling oil pump and cam plate, and the main ingredient... S&S 570 gear drive cams.
Last edited by MTBIG G; Sep 27, 2017 at 09:14 PM. Reason: Additional info
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,779
Likes: 2,609
From: san antonio
JMHO but always better to go with a domed piston to hit compression than decking the heads. In order to hit 10.25 in a 95" motor with flat top pistons, the heads would have to be decked about .060". That deep a cut sometimes causes intake manifold alignment/fitment issues and those heads become pretty much useless for future builds.
If using the 10.25 piston (PN 22661-99A) and SE211 cams, the power is going to come on later in the rpm range and while fun riding solo might not be so great for two up and loaded riding. I have never run or ridden that combination so I can't say for sure but something the OP might want to consider based on his previous post about how the bike is/will be ridden. Maybe Srcmnvtwins can weigh in on that point? Or post his dyno sheet, numbers look good just need to see what the curve looks like. JMHO.
If using the 10.25 piston (PN 22661-99A) and SE211 cams, the power is going to come on later in the rpm range and while fun riding solo might not be so great for two up and loaded riding. I have never run or ridden that combination so I can't say for sure but something the OP might want to consider based on his previous post about how the bike is/will be ridden. Maybe Srcmnvtwins can weigh in on that point? Or post his dyno sheet, numbers look good just need to see what the curve looks like. JMHO.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 17
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From: cali
As of now, I've been researching so much(literally making my head spin), and it seems like the flat tops will be a better option for me at this time. Everywhere I look, most anybody doing headwork mills them, even just a little, and I'm afraid with the 10.25 pistons, and being as I will ride a bit two up and loaded, that my compression may get out of bounds for a heavy bike.
Im still opting on a cam, local head porter recommends the SE551, others have recommended Andrews 54, and s&s 570. Most of which work well with closer to 10/1 comp, but I fear pinging. I do mostly ride above 26-2800 rpm, loaded or solo.
The endless options almost make it more difficult. I will be happy if I can gain 10-15 ft lbs, but have an engine that internally(pistons/cam) can make 100-110+ ft lbs, in the 2800-5800 range, eventually
Im still opting on a cam, local head porter recommends the SE551, others have recommended Andrews 54, and s&s 570. Most of which work well with closer to 10/1 comp, but I fear pinging. I do mostly ride above 26-2800 rpm, loaded or solo.
The endless options almost make it more difficult. I will be happy if I can gain 10-15 ft lbs, but have an engine that internally(pistons/cam) can make 100-110+ ft lbs, in the 2800-5800 range, eventually
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 497
Likes: 8
From: New Egypt, NJ
Don't be afraid of static compression. With the right cam choice, there's nothing to worry about.
A buddy of mine has exsctly the setup you are looking at: All SE parts; 10.25:1; 211 cams; SE heads (I know you're not looking at those heads). It runs well, but it's not anything to get excited about.
I really like the suggested 10.25:1 with S&S 570's for what you're wanting. I really think it will give you just what you are looking for. Either that, or the 10.25:1 with Andrews 57 (or 37).
For reference, I run a TMan 625G cam set at 10.6:1 static. Actual cold cranking compression is 200psi. This is in a Road King that periodically gets dressed up like an E Glide with tour pack, fairing and passenger. It never pings. Ever. And it get ridden. Bike has ~110,000 miles (current motor only has ~25,000). In the past, I've run the S&S 510 (similar to Andrews 37 but more exhaust duration) at 9.8:1. If I ever use that cam again - and I would, it was a decent cam that made roughly 100/100 in my 95" at the time - I would run it at no less than 10:1.
Keep in mind, too, that unless you (or your builder) does caredul measuring amd machining of the cylinders, those 10.25:1 pistons aren't going to be at zero deck height, they'll likely be .005 to .008 "down in the hole". This is going ro lower the effective compression ratio a little bit.
A buddy of mine has exsctly the setup you are looking at: All SE parts; 10.25:1; 211 cams; SE heads (I know you're not looking at those heads). It runs well, but it's not anything to get excited about.
I really like the suggested 10.25:1 with S&S 570's for what you're wanting. I really think it will give you just what you are looking for. Either that, or the 10.25:1 with Andrews 57 (or 37).
For reference, I run a TMan 625G cam set at 10.6:1 static. Actual cold cranking compression is 200psi. This is in a Road King that periodically gets dressed up like an E Glide with tour pack, fairing and passenger. It never pings. Ever. And it get ridden. Bike has ~110,000 miles (current motor only has ~25,000). In the past, I've run the S&S 510 (similar to Andrews 37 but more exhaust duration) at 9.8:1. If I ever use that cam again - and I would, it was a decent cam that made roughly 100/100 in my 95" at the time - I would run it at no less than 10:1.
Keep in mind, too, that unless you (or your builder) does caredul measuring amd machining of the cylinders, those 10.25:1 pistons aren't going to be at zero deck height, they'll likely be .005 to .008 "down in the hole". This is going ro lower the effective compression ratio a little bit.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: cali
Well this morning I was gifted some complete 06a heads, with some port work done on the intake side. Definitely looks cnc'd. So, with that, my plans on cam may change. Very excited and hopeful that I can build some great power now
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Belle Chasse, LA
I've been reading this thread, because I'm having a very similar issue. A little more varoom, for a little more $$. I'm happy for scuba_steve, but I don't have such benefactors. I appreciate the info y'all provided. It's been a big help. Especially about the cams.
I'm a bit older than most and was happy with the power I got from my '05 RK, tc88, carbed, with K/N air cleaner and V/N pipes, until my best friend and riding buddy bought a '16 Deluxe. It's much harder to keep up now. The local HD dealer had a clearance sale some years ago. I bought a set of TC88 SE Big Bore 1550 pistons NIB (P/N 22868-00) and now it's time to do something with them. So I'm looking to build around these pistons. I can't seem to find any specifics about 95ci cylinders. I know some people have simply bored out their 88s. I called a local bike/machine shop to bore mine, but they suggested against it because of heat issues. Also, I could buy a slightly used set for cheaper and keep my originals.
I'm looking to do some head work if I can manage it. '05 ports are smaller than most. I'll probably rejet the carb too. Cams are also an option if I can find a set that gives good low to mid range power increase with the 95ci set up. I have a friend who is good ga
I'm a bit older than most and was happy with the power I got from my '05 RK, tc88, carbed, with K/N air cleaner and V/N pipes, until my best friend and riding buddy bought a '16 Deluxe. It's much harder to keep up now. The local HD dealer had a clearance sale some years ago. I bought a set of TC88 SE Big Bore 1550 pistons NIB (P/N 22868-00) and now it's time to do something with them. So I'm looking to build around these pistons. I can't seem to find any specifics about 95ci cylinders. I know some people have simply bored out their 88s. I called a local bike/machine shop to bore mine, but they suggested against it because of heat issues. Also, I could buy a slightly used set for cheaper and keep my originals.
I'm looking to do some head work if I can manage it. '05 ports are smaller than most. I'll probably rejet the carb too. Cams are also an option if I can find a set that gives good low to mid range power increase with the 95ci set up. I have a friend who is good ga
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,117
Likes: 7,643
From: Poolville
Keeping the old cylinders around is fine. There's a ton cylinders on Ebay (88") that you can bore for your pistons. If the tune is on with your carbed motor you shouldn't have any issues with heat...
You can always call Kirby or Scott (forum sponsors) and they'll have no problem setting you up....
You can always call Kirby or Scott (forum sponsors) and they'll have no problem setting you up....
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2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Belle Chasse, LA
Outstanding. Thanks for the info. Went on eBay and found a set already bored, never used for less than $200 w/ shipping. Maybe make them a Christmas present. I have a garage monkey friend who is very good at carb work and can guide me through a rejet. I also read that '05 valves are smaller than most. If that is true I probably need a port & polish on the heads. A new cam to top things off, but it will take a while to get it all together. When it's all done I should be able to at least keep up with my buddy. Like I said, I'm not looking to make the Kessel Run in 12 Parsecs.
Also, I'm sorry I screwed up my first post. I sent the unedited version by accident. I just wish I had joined this forum along time ago.
Also, I'm sorry I screwed up my first post. I sent the unedited version by accident. I just wish I had joined this forum along time ago.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,779
Likes: 2,609
From: san antonio
Don't buy the "already bored" cylinders. Cylinders need to be bored/honed to fit the pistons. HD cast pistons set up very tight at piston to cylinder; forged pistons set up looser. Do this right and if you want to use pistons you have, pick up a set of cylinders that have not bee bored and bore them to fit your 1550 pistons.
Those pistons (PN 22868-00) have a 7cc dome, so you will should be looking at cams with a 36*-40* intake close. Headwork would be a good idea; the '05 heads are probably the most restrictive of the TC heads. Don't make the mistake many make and throw some parts together without knowing how things will turn out; do the homework and come up with a build plan that will produce the desired results.
Anyone that has told you boring to 95" or even 98" is giving bad advice or blowing smoke up you skirt. After all, HD has been selling 95" big bore kits forever and boring to 98" became the standard several years back.
EDIT: Apologies to scuba steve for contributing to the hijacking of his OP.
Those pistons (PN 22868-00) have a 7cc dome, so you will should be looking at cams with a 36*-40* intake close. Headwork would be a good idea; the '05 heads are probably the most restrictive of the TC heads. Don't make the mistake many make and throw some parts together without knowing how things will turn out; do the homework and come up with a build plan that will produce the desired results.
Anyone that has told you boring to 95" or even 98" is giving bad advice or blowing smoke up you skirt. After all, HD has been selling 95" big bore kits forever and boring to 98" became the standard several years back.
EDIT: Apologies to scuba steve for contributing to the hijacking of his OP.
Last edited by djl; Nov 26, 2017 at 02:10 PM.