MegaHDman -

Should have said "questions" - as I have two. First, how do you like the Woods 9bg and is there a dyno you could share? Second - I'm really glad to see a few members running S&S 585 cams here and you seem to like them. Many don't care much for the 585s and I'm wondering why you do.

FWIW - I went with them in my build and am very happy - but I get a fair share of "Why S&S - why not (fill-in-the-blank)" and "Those things are soft on the bottom." Besides stock, I don't have experience with anything different to compare - but my bike is docile on the bottom, pulls hard when I hit it, made 106/114 on a 5th gear pull with AFR out of whack and ran an 11.99 @ 114 on the "long black dyno." So to me, that's pretty good and I'm just wondering why that cam isn't more popular. Any insights appreciated.

 

I love the Woods TW-9BG cams, I have installed a number of them with great results, don';t have my own dyno yet for my engine, but plan to post some late winter or early spring when the bike is finally back in one piece. Dyno's with the TW-9BG range from around 115-120hp on 95" builds to over 140hp and up on 107" and larger engines. I am gunning for 125hp and 115tq on a 4th gear SAE dyno pull on my 97", thats the goal. Its a great grind, not too radical a lift where valvetrain wear is a major concern, but agressive enough to maximise cylinder fill and allow an engine to really open up. I love the grind with 3.37 gearing on middleweight cruisers. Gives you all the low end torque you can handle without ruining the rear tires. And the midrange and top end power can be downright scary when used with proper flowing heads and correct compression. Its not a grind that is talked about alot, but its one of my favorites. Its very similiar to the S&S 625g but with more torque down low. Its my favorite "bar hopper" grind. If your thinking about this grind, you need to spend the money for serious headwork to get all its potential.

BTW sorry for missing this post, just pm me in the future if I miss a question or post....

S&S has made alot of very compentent camshafts, there isnt one I dont like really. I have never really heard anything bad or anyone knock them. The 570g and 585g cams are very popular among the touring bike crowd. Good low end torque cams with strong midrange. Make great combinations when paired with 3.37 primary gearing.

Some touring folks make complain abit about absolute low end torque, but the real problem isnt the cam, its the steep 3.15 stock primary gearing. HD bikes come this way now to help improve emissions. I always recommend folks with touring bikes to swap their 3.15's to the older 3.37 gearing to regain a significant amount of their low end torque. Its easier on the engine and prolongs life since there is less chance of lugging their bikes now. 3:15 is just too steep. If people complain about highway engine speeds being a bit too high in the rpm's while cruising, I recommend a SE or Baker 6 speed with the overdrive. That way they get the best of both worlds, great low end torque from proper gearing and rpm reduction from top gear overdrive. There is also the Baker DD6, I only recommend that transmission to folks who plan on keeping a relatively stock 88" motor or a very mild 95" motor who drive like old geese and are more worried about sufficient torque to haul their gear and passengers with ease.

BTW, have your dyno redone on a 4th gear pull with SAE correction. Your numbers will probably be more realistic. 5th gear pulls tend to inflate dyno numbers a bit. Still good peak numbers, would love to see a posted graph.

I assume your running 585g cams? Good cams, very strong midrange. A person on a tourer may consider it a bit soft on the bottom especially with 3:15 gearing, but if this is in the bike pictured and you do mostly solo riding its a really good moderate street performance cam. Its similiar to the Woods TW-6HG with a little less bottom end and more midrange generally(and is a bit easier on the valvetrain) and If your happy with it, thats all that matters.

 

MegaHDman -

Thanks for the input - reassuring to hear good things from a professional because like I said- the 585s are working fine for me. Was talking with Woods to see what he might recommend for a little more and if he thought the Woods 8 would be enough of a change. He recommended the 9bg. Dunno if/when I'll change up, as tweaking and tuning took a bit of time and patience -- and I'm pretty happy as it is, but you know how it goes - always looking for more.

FWIW my bike is an '03 FXD and the build consists of:

RevPerf 1.9 heads
98" Millenium
585s
10.5:1
re-worked CV44
rollers
DTT
V&H ProPipe
3.37s
SE a/c

I'll figure out how to post what I have and get them up.


GC

 

I wouldnt waste money on the Woods TW-8G, I dont think you would notice any difference at all, the grinds a very similiar, have the same powerband and timing specs and cylinder fill lift that is almoswt identical.

And before you even attempt to use a 9BG cam you will need to send your 1.9 heads back to Revolution. Im sure they set those heads up with .600 lift springpacks. You will need new springs rated to .650 and to have the valve to valve clearance checked on your heads and the valve to piston clearance set properly too. They may not be as they are currently since your taking about a .025 difference in valvelift roughly. Plus you will need to clerarance your camchest. for those cams.

 

MegaHDman -

It would be fun to try something else, but I'm kind of lazy and not inclined to go through that much trouble to switch to the 9. I'll just wait until rebuild time and go BIG too!!