Do torque cams help?
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Wisconsin
Do torque cams help?
Hi Gang....
Ok, so I'be been doing my homework with the search button on exhaust, air cleaners, and EFI with oxygen sensors and it seems I need to get the race tuner and have it dyno-tuned. I'm all for that.
However, when looking for info on cams...most people seem to want big HP numbers so I haven't really seen any info on what I am after. I am thinking about a mild cam for more torque down low. I seen them advertised for 2-up riding and heavier bikes. How much would one of those type cams really increase my Bob's low end grunt? Would it be cost effective or would I simply be spending money better used on something else?
Thanks,
dirty
Ok, so I'be been doing my homework with the search button on exhaust, air cleaners, and EFI with oxygen sensors and it seems I need to get the race tuner and have it dyno-tuned. I'm all for that.
However, when looking for info on cams...most people seem to want big HP numbers so I haven't really seen any info on what I am after. I am thinking about a mild cam for more torque down low. I seen them advertised for 2-up riding and heavier bikes. How much would one of those type cams really increase my Bob's low end grunt? Would it be cost effective or would I simply be spending money better used on something else?
Thanks,
dirty
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,872
Likes: 83
From: Canton, Michigan
RE: Do torque cams help?
Not too familiar with the 'newer' stuff, I own a 93 EVO....Carb...You remember them right? The first things you had to do with a stock EVO was to replace the restrictive air cleaner, go with a free flowing (not necessarily noisey) exhaust, and retune the carb. The improvement was night and day just by doing that. Next you went with a cam. The stock 1993 EVO HD cam had no overlap. As in zero. And like you are finding out, there are claims and counter claims from all the manufacturers.
What I would suggest first is to get a base line dyno of your bike. Then start with the add-ons. If you do a whole lot of two up riding I would suggest that you go with the cam that makes good power in the 1000 to say 5000 rpm range. This is power that you will not only feel, but will be able to put to good use. Most of your freeway running is at 2500-3500 rpm, unless you like blasting along at 80+. {Personally I like to do 70-80 on the interstates, anything slower you get run over, anything faster my bike gets kind of squirrely (big windshield, Dunlop tires, etc)} Your bike isn't in the category that most cam companies consider a 'heavy' bike. They're thinking loaded Electraglides. Check with Andrews, I've got the EV27 cam in my Electraglide Sport. Andrews was recommending I believe the EV3 cam for the softails back then. Also, think 'system' when you start modifying the motor. Every change has an effect on another aspect of the motor. Get on your bike and visit a number of shops and ask what combos work for them. And what it would cost to get it all done. Good Luck!
What I would suggest first is to get a base line dyno of your bike. Then start with the add-ons. If you do a whole lot of two up riding I would suggest that you go with the cam that makes good power in the 1000 to say 5000 rpm range. This is power that you will not only feel, but will be able to put to good use. Most of your freeway running is at 2500-3500 rpm, unless you like blasting along at 80+. {Personally I like to do 70-80 on the interstates, anything slower you get run over, anything faster my bike gets kind of squirrely (big windshield, Dunlop tires, etc)} Your bike isn't in the category that most cam companies consider a 'heavy' bike. They're thinking loaded Electraglides. Check with Andrews, I've got the EV27 cam in my Electraglide Sport. Andrews was recommending I believe the EV3 cam for the softails back then. Also, think 'system' when you start modifying the motor. Every change has an effect on another aspect of the motor. Get on your bike and visit a number of shops and ask what combos work for them. And what it would cost to get it all done. Good Luck!
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Wisconsin
RE: Do torque cams help?
Thanks, guy.
I'm not really interested in going big bore or with a stroker. Just a few bolt-ons (don't know if a cam really counts there or not). As for the kind of riding I do...lots in town and almost always solo. My bike will probably never see redline...or at least if it does, I won't know about it - no tach! But seriously folks...I don't ride hard. I usually short shift and like the torque. Ergo...I want more!!!!
I just found out that my local HD shop has a dyno so my next stop when I get home (been in RI for two weeks working) is there and see what they say. Unfortunately, I am usually skeptical and wanted to get some "grass roots" input here first.
Does anybody out there have a TC88 with mild cams in in a lighter bike like a Dyna or softtail? I sure would like some feedback on your experience.
dirty
I'm not really interested in going big bore or with a stroker. Just a few bolt-ons (don't know if a cam really counts there or not). As for the kind of riding I do...lots in town and almost always solo. My bike will probably never see redline...or at least if it does, I won't know about it - no tach! But seriously folks...I don't ride hard. I usually short shift and like the torque. Ergo...I want more!!!!
I just found out that my local HD shop has a dyno so my next stop when I get home (been in RI for two weeks working) is there and see what they say. Unfortunately, I am usually skeptical and wanted to get some "grass roots" input here first.
Does anybody out there have a TC88 with mild cams in in a lighter bike like a Dyna or softtail? I sure would like some feedback on your experience.
dirty
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21
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From: Pa
Go with the woods tw-6 cams the power of the line will not let you down. However they are noisy! Just built a 2010 ultra with 106 S&S cylinders. It moves out!
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 102
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From: Canada
Yes cams will help..well worth the investment..The stock cams are designed to be emission compliant. SE has a few 203,204,255. Andrews has some excellent grinds, Woods..do a little research ..Check out the "touring models" in this forum lots of guys have built torque motors..
Free flowing Air cleaner, free flowing exhaust, a cam and most importantly a good tune and you will wonder how you lived without...
Free flowing Air cleaner, free flowing exhaust, a cam and most importantly a good tune and you will wonder how you lived without...
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Hi Gang....
Ok, so I'be been doing my homework with the search button on exhaust, air cleaners, and EFI with oxygen sensors and it seems I need to get the race tuner and have it dyno-tuned. I'm all for that.
However, when looking for info on cams...most people seem to want big HP numbers so I haven't really seen any info on what I am after. I am thinking about a mild cam for more torque down low. I seen them advertised for 2-up riding and heavier bikes. How much would one of those type cams really increase my Bob's low end grunt? Would it be cost effective or would I simply be spending money better used on something else?
Thanks,
dirty
Ok, so I'be been doing my homework with the search button on exhaust, air cleaners, and EFI with oxygen sensors and it seems I need to get the race tuner and have it dyno-tuned. I'm all for that.
However, when looking for info on cams...most people seem to want big HP numbers so I haven't really seen any info on what I am after. I am thinking about a mild cam for more torque down low. I seen them advertised for 2-up riding and heavier bikes. How much would one of those type cams really increase my Bob's low end grunt? Would it be cost effective or would I simply be spending money better used on something else?
Thanks,
dirty
Scott
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