Another cam question
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,120
Likes: 192
From: Lakeland, FL
Another cam question
Hello! I have a bone stock 97 evo engine in my 84 fxrt. I'm going to be replacing the cam bearing shortly. I was thinking maybe id replace the stock cam while I was in there. I have another fxr with an ev27 and a bump in compression that runs very well. I'd like this one to be different. I'm considering a V thunder 3010 or 3020. Which of these would be a better fit? This bike has a cv and thunderheader. I do a lot of highway riding and dont mind higher rpms. I like how quiet the stock cam is and would like to keep it that way.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,090
Likes: 7,610
From: Poolville
Hello! I have a bone stock 97 evo engine in my 84 fxrt. I'm going to be replacing the cam bearing shortly. I was thinking maybe id replace the stock cam while I was in there. I have another fxr with an ev27 and a bump in compression that runs very well. I'd like this one to be different. I'm considering a V thunder 3010 or 3020. Which of these would be a better fit? This bike has a cv and thunderheader. I do a lot of highway riding and dont mind higher rpms. I like how quiet the stock cam is and would like to keep it that way.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 3,070
From: Brighton, MI
The 3010 is in between a ev13 and a ev27. My bike is light (yours may be even lighter) and that is a consideration. The 13 helps heavier bikes get off the line. The 27 is better at higher RPM.s than the 13. Read cam specs on what RPM's they work the best at and make the decision from that data. The 3010 had a broader RPM range.
I don't do much highway riding, but do the 50-65 mph back roads from town to town so I wanted a cam for this type of riding. The 3010 is just as quiet as the stock N cam. (I am using stock pushrods).
My mileage improved, and I like being able to pass cars (at the above speeds) without a down shift. BTW, I find myself not needing to downshift as much. I ride with mostly Twin Cam guys and some 6 speeds. Their "sweet spot gearing" is different than mine, so before the cam switch I was shifting fairly often, not now... I have no complaints about this cam.
If you shop around, you can find the cam without the gear to save some $$. You just need someone to swap the gear out for you. Make sure they know what they are doing and are careful about placement of the gear on your new cam. The factory cam gear is "fitted" to your engine, so you want to retain that. YD
I don't do much highway riding, but do the 50-65 mph back roads from town to town so I wanted a cam for this type of riding. The 3010 is just as quiet as the stock N cam. (I am using stock pushrods).
My mileage improved, and I like being able to pass cars (at the above speeds) without a down shift. BTW, I find myself not needing to downshift as much. I ride with mostly Twin Cam guys and some 6 speeds. Their "sweet spot gearing" is different than mine, so before the cam switch I was shifting fairly often, not now... I have no complaints about this cam.
If you shop around, you can find the cam without the gear to save some $$. You just need someone to swap the gear out for you. Make sure they know what they are doing and are careful about placement of the gear on your new cam. The factory cam gear is "fitted" to your engine, so you want to retain that. YD
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,556
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From: Long Island, New York
I run the EV27 in my '97 motor, stock compression, heads and push rods but with a Mikuni. Bike is a beast with great revving. I am sure increased compression would be a nice bump in power, but I was only there to replace a leaking lifter block gasket.
I also recommend re-suing the stock cam gear, keeps everything quieter.
I also recommend re-suing the stock cam gear, keeps everything quieter.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,590
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From: Cental, MI
the Older stocker...the "L" is pretty darn good... I pulled an "N" out, put an "L" in...no other changes..(oh I did tune the CV carb)
I will Not be changing that Bike Any time soon... works for how I ride..
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 3,174
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From: College Station, TX
You will lose a little on the low end (off idle to about 2k RPM) with the 3020, but with a later closing intake valve etc it will continue to pull longer than the 3010. But the thrunderheader will help. If you ride two up and loaded, you might notice the loss of some low end with the 3020.
I can't imagine opening the cam chest and not upgrading the cam.
Paul
I can't imagine opening the cam chest and not upgrading the cam.
Paul
