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Old Feb 14, 2008 | 11:49 AM
  #1  
supr2nr's Avatar
supr2nr
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Default CAMS

Does anyone know the difference between P Cams, Q Cams, and R Cams are? Simply I just want to know what would be the best to run on a normal street bike.

Thanks.
 
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Old Feb 14, 2008 | 01:46 PM
  #2  
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SportsterBob
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From: Norfolk, VA
Default RE: CAMS

ORIGINAL: supr2nr

Does anyone know the difference between P Cams, Q Cams, and R Cams are? Simply I just want to know what would be the best to run on a normal street bike.

Thanks.
The "P" cams were the stock factory set used on the 900 Sporty and possibly the 1000. The "Q" cams I'm not sure of other than they are a factory set. The "R" cams were factory race cams used in the XLR 900. They are ball bearingcams like the cams used in the XR-750 flat-tracker. You may have heard of the "PB" cams, they are factory performance cams for the 900 that are hard to find.

[IMG]local://upfiles/53097/66BD019C405F4D6AB674F41B4E242B21.jpg[/IMG]
 
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Old Feb 14, 2008 | 03:42 PM
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Default RE: CAMS

Hi all,

"P" cam, 1958 till 1979, that's thepretty decent one!!! 1957 and 1958 XL ran the aptly named "XL" cam, a bit weak on top but DEAD torquey...

"Q" cam (as in "haven't got a Q"...) 1980 till 1985, 10 degrees of overlap, only usable use: THE BIN... If you got these in your bike, swap for Ps...

These are the only 3 grinds ever used on street Iron Heads.

No Sportster cam called "R" by the factory. 60's XLR and early Iron XR 750 ran the PB cam. Alloy XR run upteen variants of the E cam.

Patrick
 
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Old Feb 14, 2008 | 04:41 PM
  #4  
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supr2nr
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Default RE: CAMS

Thanks just wanted to know the difference.

Appreciate it.
 
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Old Feb 16, 2008 | 08:00 PM
  #5  
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roofer
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From: Hot Springs Village AR
Default RE: CAMS

So Q cams are junk, I have them in my bike they are actually out right now so should I switch them for p cams
 
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Old Feb 17, 2008 | 06:54 AM
  #6  
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Default RE: CAMS

I would, roofer,

But if you do, put a bit more ignition advance, Ps run best with about 45 degres full advance. Q were content with 40...

best Ps for you would be 72/76 set, not color coded, they have a bit more lash and don't fit so tight as later EPA noise restricted ones.

Patrick

 
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