selecting the right cams
HD 203 cams are great for low and mid-range torque (I have a set on my bike).
Let's say that is your choice… then the 'build' needs to work around that cam. You can send your heads out and have them ported; about $200 each and they need to know what cam you have and what compression you want. If you go over 9.5-1 you will need to always add octane booster when you fuel, you could make a bit more power with a higher compression ratio, but I don't think that is what you want. Just tell whoever does your heads you want to run pump gas.
Now you have re-worked heads/a good torque cam.. change your pushrods over to adjustable, and put in new lifters. You already have hydraulic cam chain tensioners, but have them checked for wear. While in the cam chest you can also replace your 'lefty' bearing to a roller bearing (always a good idea when making more power).
But before all of this, you have to decide if you want to go to a 103".. if so, then everything else needs to be built with that in mind.
And again; to make all this 'work' like you want, a fuel tuner is a necessity.
Let's say that is your choice… then the 'build' needs to work around that cam. You can send your heads out and have them ported; about $200 each and they need to know what cam you have and what compression you want. If you go over 9.5-1 you will need to always add octane booster when you fuel, you could make a bit more power with a higher compression ratio, but I don't think that is what you want. Just tell whoever does your heads you want to run pump gas.
Now you have re-worked heads/a good torque cam.. change your pushrods over to adjustable, and put in new lifters. You already have hydraulic cam chain tensioners, but have them checked for wear. While in the cam chest you can also replace your 'lefty' bearing to a roller bearing (always a good idea when making more power).
But before all of this, you have to decide if you want to go to a 103".. if so, then everything else needs to be built with that in mind.
And again; to make all this 'work' like you want, a fuel tuner is a necessity.
So; where do you begin..? stay with a 96" or go to a 103".?
(the 103" will give you more power across the board, but of course, more $)
.. a 96" you say.. Okay, then. Much simpler and cheaper. So now what.?
.. a HD 203 cam, adjustable pushrods, new lifters, re-worked heads (and while in the cam chest; lefty bearing, check tensioners, new cam chain (optional, but just a few more bucks)
.. one more thing to mention; when the heads are being done, you need to ask what size gasket you will need for the compression ratio you want: 0.03, 0.04, 0.045. Each gasket size will equal a different CR
.. then; do your mechanic magic …… and when done, take the bike and the fuel mapping product you and your tuner have decided on, get it on the dyno and then a few bucks later… you have a new engine build.
**Now, I am no know-it-all, so please, forum members, add/correct my 'how-to' to get this biker a build he wants.
(remember; planning your build is half the fun..! at least for me it was..
(the 103" will give you more power across the board, but of course, more $)
.. a 96" you say.. Okay, then. Much simpler and cheaper. So now what.?
.. a HD 203 cam, adjustable pushrods, new lifters, re-worked heads (and while in the cam chest; lefty bearing, check tensioners, new cam chain (optional, but just a few more bucks)
.. one more thing to mention; when the heads are being done, you need to ask what size gasket you will need for the compression ratio you want: 0.03, 0.04, 0.045. Each gasket size will equal a different CR
.. then; do your mechanic magic …… and when done, take the bike and the fuel mapping product you and your tuner have decided on, get it on the dyno and then a few bucks later… you have a new engine build.
**Now, I am no know-it-all, so please, forum members, add/correct my 'how-to' to get this biker a build he wants.
(remember; planning your build is half the fun..! at least for me it was..
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 539
From: BHC, Arizona
Mild cam like a 203, adjustable push rods are not necessary, but if you plan on doing later mods to the top end, are a good idea, you are going to need old style push rod tubes too for easy adjust. I love cutting the stock push rods out with a bolt cutter, freaks the novice observer out.
It's an '07, decent heads already. Maybe go with a .030 MLS Head gasket set.
Make sure cam chain tensioners are in good shape.
Hardest part of this whole job is getting the intake all lined up and snugged down and putting the exhaust back on.
It's an '07, decent heads already. Maybe go with a .030 MLS Head gasket set.
Make sure cam chain tensioners are in good shape.
Hardest part of this whole job is getting the intake all lined up and snugged down and putting the exhaust back on.
Last edited by Apendejo; May 22, 2015 at 12:42 PM.
I was doing some more research… and I found this: it might save you some money...
http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/kn-vs-oem-filter.html
http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/kn-vs-oem-filter.html
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I want to thank everyone that took the time to give me advise. Ive been doing a lot of research. Even considering extra variables like as hot as it gets here in Florida with oil temp and high lift, high duration cams that run hot and need oil coolers to run better. And riding two up out of town on the weekends. Not to mention my every day riding highway and around town. Ive considered a lot of advice, and just as everyone said on here, i needed to do the research because no one cam is better than the other in the box. Its all how you tune it and use it. So i decided to go a bit more conservative (compared to a lot thats out there) and het the Andrews 26H and adjustable push rods. Now to find a good tuner shop here in central Florida. Or should i just get an auto tuner and skip the visit to the shop?
I want to thank everyone that took the time to give me advise. Ive been doing a lot of research. Even considering extra variables like as hot as it gets here in Florida with oil temp and high lift, high duration cams that run hot and need oil coolers to run better. And riding two up out of town on the weekends. Not to mention my every day riding highway and around town. Ive considered a lot of advice, and just as everyone said on here, i needed to do the research because no one cam is better than the other in the box. Its all how you tune it and use it. So i decided to go a bit more conservative (compared to a lot thats out there) and het the Andrews 26H and adjustable push rods. Now to find a good tuner shop here in central Florida. Or should i just get an auto tuner and skip the visit to the shop?
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Ok i will get the tune after the build. Just need to find someone worth a visit close by. It may be a few weeks after install. And about the pipes, someone told me the same thing today and suggested the Rinehart 2-1
Said the short shots dont have enough back pressure. I pipes are next.
Said the short shots dont have enough back pressure. I pipes are next.
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Quick question. Im ordering my parts and the guy help in me with the install says to get adjustable pushrods. I already looked up on the search bar in this forum and i till dont know if i need adjustable or the quickie type. He says we dont need to open the rocker box with adjustable but some people on here says that i need the quickie type to be able to go in from the side. Is there a real mechanical difference or is it just peoples preference? I dont want to have to take off the tank.