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OK I am sure there are many opinions on this. I have 2006 Road King Custom that I just did a major upgrade to.
Am switching the saddlebags to the new style, getting a real tour pack and also adding a batwing faring. The engine is solid as I just rode it on an 8,109 mile trip but am looking to do some engine upgrades.
Still has the spring type cam chain tensioners so the options are:
1) Upgrade to the Harley Hydraulic cam chain tensioners with the upgraded oil pump and cam plate then while in there add a set of Andrews 21TW cams.
2) A complete S and S 510G gear driven cam kit.
Bike now has 35,000 miles. The chain tensioners had very minimal wear at 26K when we did the upgrade. I have no idea about the runout on the crank which appears to be the issue when switching from chain driven to gear driven cams.
I have solid bike knowledge but am no mechanic. Every shop I have talked to has a different opinion.
I had considered the Feuling chain driven cams but the fact that the tensioners are not included in the kit kind of swayed me. Lots of people here run the 88TC so what is everyones opinion on this? Thanks in advance for any advice.
Most here will opt for the gear drive. Personal exp. I went with the hybrid cam plate with the hyd. cam shoes and increased oil pressure/ volume of oil. when the shop did the 95" kit I went with the SE 203 cams. I'm sure more cam smart will chime in but I'm quite happy with what I have. This was done to my 2002 Dyna SuperGlide when we did extensive two up riding. The cams gave a little more torque and the kit just some extra ponies. This is a carb bike and the carb is modded also. Good luck.
Are you planning on head work and/or a big bore kit? If so, check out Head Quarters. Their kits and head work are awesome. Reaper has their HQ-TC-98-ST kit (an older version with their HQ-0039G gear drive cams), and I love it.
First thing you need to do is check your crankshaft runout.
.003" max for gear cams.
.012" max before junking the crankshaft.
Personally, I would replace the crankshaft if it is over .003" (old factory spec until the manufacturing process was changed and couldn't hold it constantly) with a S&S Cycle one or even look at a crate motor.
I bought all the parts to do my conversion from the dealer. '07 cam plate (to get rid of the outer cam bearings) so I had to put conversion cams in it and chose the 26Ns. Was only a few hours work in the basement. Tore it down one evening, and put it back together the next. Very happy with it.
Do you want to leave the rocker covers on, of off? If you want to leave them on, you'll have to cut the stock pushrods and go with adjustables, assuming your new cam(s) have a stock lobe base. When I did my 95" build, I went with Andrews 26Ns and the 96"-type cam plate and tensioners. I know a guy who just put Andrews 21s in his 88" Heritage, and he thinks it's great. Before choosing your cams, you need to decide what you want out of the engine and whether you want a "big bore" and head work.
No engine work just a little more mid range power would be fine. If it becomes too involved I will just switch the cam chain tensioners to hydraulic and be done. I figured while in there it wouldn't be too much more to upgrade cams, I am aware of cutting out the push rods and replacing with adjustables. None of this is a show stopper just wanted some opinions.
Last edited by capitan1962; Sep 28, 2016 at 12:56 PM.
Go with S&S 510G kit. Perfect fit, got a seat of the pants improvement across the board. Run out has to be checked but easy to do and usually within range. Use your stock pushrods just pop the cover and loosen the rockerarms. Go with the rockout bushings mod while your at it. I've put them in 2000. 2002 and 2004 stock TC88 Carb and FI, everyone very satisfied. Lots of peace of mind. Never give the cam chest a thought now.
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Opinions on Cam Upgrade
