Cams?
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,481
Likes: 4
From: Georgia
Those numbers quoted a few places above are a little suspect given the std HP is like 68. So if I give you a full 15% that takes it to 78 or 79 hp. That is closer to the max you will get from a cam than 100. 
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,663
Likes: 7
From: Northeast Ohio
The numbers some of the others have quoted do involve a little head work and in one a case a bump in compression, but those numbers are attainable. Cams only, you will usually (read - in most cases, but can be a much greater variance) be in the 80-90 hp and 90-100 tq depending on the exhaust, intake and tune.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,776
Likes: 2,607
From: san antonio
IMHO, it is a mistake to expect more power on the bottom and more on the top from a cam. Headwork and compression are factors and usually enhance the performance of any cam but there is about a 2000rpm range where you are "in the cam"; there is a little before and after that range but the biggest kick from the cam is going to fall in that 2000rpm range. You need to find that 2000rpm range where you spend most of your riding time and select a cam that will deliver the most in that range.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 698
Likes: 50
As Dalton stated, it's better to think realistically and conservative with regards that the "cams only" increases will give you. For example, my 2008 Street Glide had HQ-500 cams, SE intake/filter(stage 1) SEST, and Bassani Megaphone slip on mufflers installed last year. Had it dyno tuned and the results were respectable; 83hp/95tq SAE. Once again, not earth shattering numbers, but it's the increase that impressed me. My baseline run with only the slip-on mufflers, SEST, and the filter/intake were 65hp/80tq. This was with the stage 1 download from the dealer installing the SEST. So basically I picked up about 18hp and 15lbs/tq from a "cams only" install on a 96" motor. Like some of the other guys here said, think of the future; and if you ever do want to go bigger, plan now so it will all come together later on. Wish I had of thought of this last year....doh !
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 698
Likes: 50
Cams only
As Dalton stated, it's better to think realistically and conservative with regards that the "cams only" increases will give you. For example, my 2008 Street Glide had HQ-500 cams, SE intake/filter(stage 1) SEST, and Bassani Megaphone slip on mufflers installed last year. Had it dyno tuned and the results were respectable; 83hp/95tq SAE. Once again, not earth shattering numbers, but it's the increase that impressed me. My baseline run with only the slip-on mufflers, SEST, and the filter/intake were 65hp/80tq. This was with the stage 1 download from the dealer installing the SEST. So basically I picked up about 18hp and 15lbs/tq from a "cams only" install on a 96" motor. Like some of the other guys here said, think of the future; and if you ever do want to go bigger, plan now so it will all come together later on. Wish I had of thought of this last year....doh !
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