EVO All Evo Model Discussion

? about EV27

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Old Sep 9, 2025 | 01:07 PM
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I was watching a boobtube video and the mechanic mentioned that the EV27 cam was really hard on lifters because of the fast open/close ramps. Can anyone vouch for this? I've been thinking about swapping to the EV27 so I'm curious.
The only thing that's holding me back from swapping at this time is the fact that my EV13 is wonderfully smooth on the top end. She purrs effortlessly along at 80/85 mph (remembering my final drive pulleys are NOT stock)
 
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Old Sep 9, 2025 | 01:11 PM
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Originally Posted by SparkyD
I was watching a boobtube video and the mechanic mentioned that the EV27 cam was really hard on lifters because of the fast open/close ramps. Can anyone vouch for this? I've been thinking about swapping to the EV27 so I'm curious.
The only thing that's holding me back from swapping at this time is the fact that my EV13 is wonderfully smooth on the top end. She purrs effortlessly along at 80/85 mph (remembering my final drive pulleys are NOT stock)
With performance there will always be “some” measure of additional ware, some compromise. The EV27 is a very gentle mild cam. It’s designed to bolt right in without further modification. You should replace your lifters every 15,000 miles anyway no matter what you have in my opinion. I’d simply man up, enjoy the power.
 
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Old Sep 9, 2025 | 01:27 PM
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I had an EV13 cam in my 1989 for about 80,000 miles. I loved the torque as I pulled a trailer 1/3 of the time. That cam, head work, 10 over pistons and Quick Silver II carb meant the front wheel was coming up in first and second gear. Or I could get 55 MPG on back roads, and 48 MPG at 70.
 
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Old Sep 9, 2025 | 02:02 PM
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The EV 27 is not hard on quality lifters.

The first 80,000 miles on my 1989 Softail were with OEM lifters PN 8523-86 (the early type that were known for roller failures), 40k of which were with an EV 27 cam.

I am still using OEM lifters, PN 18523-86B (this part number lifter has no known issues, but they are expensive).

Next set I buy will be Johnson Hy Lyft, from WFO Larry.

Avoid ebay and no name lifters like the plague.

Change your lifters every 40K or so and you will be fine.
 

Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Sep 9, 2025 at 02:05 PM.
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Old Sep 9, 2025 | 02:04 PM
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I've put lots of miles on the EV13 and SE3 (same as 27) and the 13 is hands down best.

Andrews used to advertise "fast ramps" to make people think their cams were "fast" but has long since dropped that ad.

15k on lifters? lol I ride that in a normal year without road trips. OE lifters only.

 
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Old Sep 9, 2025 | 02:07 PM
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Originally Posted by SparkyD
I was watching a boobtube video and the mechanic mentioned that the EV27 cam was really hard on lifters because of the fast open/close ramps. Can anyone vouch for this? I've been thinking about swapping to the EV27 so I'm curious.
The only thing that's holding me back from swapping at this time is the fact that my EV13 is wonderfully smooth on the top end. She purrs effortlessly along at 80/85 mph (remembering my final drive pulleys are NOT stock)
For a heavy touring bike the EV13 is a better choice.
Strong pull from zero to just past legal speeds with an EV13.
I have an EV13 on a Road King and the "pull" from stock is night and day.
The EV27 is generally suggested for lighter bikes.
 
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Old Sep 9, 2025 | 02:37 PM
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Originally Posted by t150vej
I've put lots of miles on the EV13 and SE3 (same as 27) and the 13 is hands down best.

Andrews used to advertise "fast ramps" to make people think their cams were "fast" but has long since dropped that ad.

15k on lifters? lol I ride that in a normal year without road trips. OE lifters only.
While in your world you’ll trust lifters in low compression non-stroked motors that spend 80% of their life below 4000 rpm… mine don’t.

I don’t own a motorcycle that isn’t stroked. I don’t own one below 10,5:1 mechanical compression. I don’t own one less than 190lbs seat pressure on the valves. I don’t own one with a cam with less than 560 lift. 90% of every ride sees at least some north of 6000rpm. Lifters are cheap compared to total rebuilds.

93” Shovel 4.5 Stroke 12:1 compression 590 lift 210 seat, 7,000 rev limiter

113 EVO 4.5 Stroke, 10.8:1, 560 lift, 190 seat, 7000 rev limiter

127 EVO 4.5 Stroke. 10.6:1, 610 lift, 210 seat, 7,000 rev limter
 

Last edited by Rains2much; Sep 9, 2025 at 02:45 PM.
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Old Sep 9, 2025 | 02:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Rains2much
While in your world you’ll trust lifters in low compression non-stroked motors that spend 80% of their life below 4000 rpm… mine don’t.

I don’t own a motorcycle that isn’t stroked. I don’t own one below 10,5:1 mechanical compression. I don’t own one less than 190lbs seat pressure on the valves. I don’t own one with a cam with less than 560 lift. 90% of every ride sees at least some north of 6000rpm. Lifters are cheap compared to total rebuilds.
Oh, I'm sorry - I forgot. you have the maxed out everything that no one deserves to look at. You're so much better and smarter than anyone in the world. How dare me even think I could step near your shadow without permission, much less speak in your presence..


 
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Old Sep 9, 2025 | 03:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Rains2much
While in your world you’ll trust lifters in low compression non-stroked motors that spend 80% of their life below 4000 rpm… mine don’t.
In other words, if you are a blowhard, your lifters should be changed sooner...
 
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Old Sep 9, 2025 | 03:20 PM
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Settle down people . . .

So in other words . . . high compression/high output performance motors are VERY hard on lifters. Is that the gist of it?
 
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