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Engine Mechanical TopicsDiscussion 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.
My old heritage softail is not bad, but considering first major upgrade to correct a couple things. I see lots of videos on sound, lots on power curves, but nada on street performance, specifically just normal throttle response on the back roads. Anyone have an S&S setup with the 509 that can comment on just normal throttle response after the changes. I would like a bit of performance upgrade, with the hydraulic tensioners, and at just over 40k on the clock, maybe to improve on a bit of cam and lifter wear. Thoughts appreciated before I spend half of what the machine is worth. Thanks
Can't go wrong with the Andrews 26 or the S&S 509 in a stock or Stage I TC88; the 509 would be my choice but plenty of others are happy with the Andrews 26. If the INA inner cam bearings have not been replaced with full compliment Toyo/Torrington B148, that should be part of the project. No mention of mileage or carb/EFI. If lifters are OEM with high mileage, might consider replacing them with a set of Johnson Hy-Lifts from Larry's Motorcycle and Machine, AKA WFO Larry; probably the best on the aftermarket at the moment. If carbed, might need a re-jet; if EFI, investing in a dyno tune would be a good idea if funds are availble.
I did not do the testing; a post from a tuner on another forum a few years ago; just sharing information.
Listen to what @djl mentioned. The 509 in my lowly stock 88TC works well with good throttle response on back roads I ride with nice linear power. Nice little bump over stock. Happy how the 509 works for me. Just don't expect to run with the big boys with the low compression 88TC.
I have the S&S 509 gear drive in my 00 Heritage with a Mikuni carb and V&H straight shots. Throttle response, idle and sound are perfect for this bike. You will really like either cam you mention. Enjoy the upgrade. It’s a fun and rather easy job to do yourself…..
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88b S&S 509
