Shovelhead A place to talk about Shovelheads.

Voes

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 18, 2017 | 04:54 PM
  #1  
adm's Avatar
adm
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 2,554
From: UK
Default Voes

So, the bike I am building will have a Mikuni TM40-6 carb. It has a (capped) vacuum port at the rear of it.

I am using an Ultima ignition system that works with VOES.

Is it worth adding a VOES switch to the bike - and if so, what version should I go for? They seem sot be available in different "Inches of Mercury" settings - 4,6,8 "Hg etc...

The bike is a 1980 FXWG and will be pretty stripped down in terms of weight. It will be a solo only bike. Standard 80", but blueprinted, trued and balanced motor with 9.5:1 CR, Andrews #2 grind cam and generally set up really well mechanically. Single plug heads.

Standard 4 speed 'box, with (currently) 25/51 sprockets.

Any thoughts from those of you experienced with this?
 
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2017 | 10:11 PM
  #2  
johnjzjz's Avatar
johnjzjz
Seasoned HDF Member
15 Year Member
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 12,878
Likes: 5,449
From: la la land jerzey
Default

with that compression i would use the 8 inches as a start, you want to pull timing out early not later as would be with a lower number < lower number switch is a sporty

and yes i would and have used the switch when i use the ultima ignition

the cam choice you have is also too narrow in duration, the valves are closing early it will have lots of static compression < the valves closing early gives the piston compression travel greater squeeze ie - higher static compression - and you may have to adjust it for more if it pings 10 even 12 inches

9 - 1/2 should have a B andrews for hyd lifters
 
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2017 | 08:38 AM
  #3  
adm's Avatar
adm
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 2,554
From: UK
Default

Thanks John,

8 inch VOES switch it is then.

The #2 grind cam came recommended by Scott at Hillside. But your note makes sense. I'll see how it goes and then switch the cam out if I am not happy with it.
 
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2017 | 02:35 PM
  #4  
johnjzjz's Avatar
johnjzjz
Seasoned HDF Member
15 Year Member
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 12,878
Likes: 5,449
From: la la land jerzey
Default

Originally Posted by adm
Thanks John,

8 inch VOES switch it is then.

The #2 grind cam came recommended by Scott at Hillside. But your note makes sense. I'll see how it goes and then switch the cam out if I am not happy with it.
you will need a professional to install the springs on the heads with a # 2 cam - the travel will be the issue from the bottom of the top retainer to the top of the valve guide seal - the stock retainers top and bottom wont do it, its too short - the top retainer will make contact with the top of the valve seal you need .575 travel for a .490 cam - aftermarket springs and retainer set is a must and you still need to check it

the BH is a much easier cam to install for a home owner then a # 2 is all i am getting at
 
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2017 | 03:54 PM
  #5  
adm's Avatar
adm
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 2,554
From: UK
Default

:-) No worries John. The engine has been set up by a very well regarded shovel engine builder over here. So hopefully no issues on springs - all done properly already. We've done Manley valves, springs, guides, etc... cam chest clearances etc...

But. I am not sure if this is enough for a B or BH grind if I do want to change cams later. Looks like very slightly less lift on those cams, so should be OK if already clearanced for the #2 do you think?

I think what I am trying to say, is if the motor is already properly set up for a #2 grind, then most other aftermarket cams with equal or less lift should work - even though it was originally an '80 motor with known issues that need worked for aftermarket cams?
 
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2017 | 05:26 PM
  #6  
johnjzjz's Avatar
johnjzjz
Seasoned HDF Member
15 Year Member
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 12,878
Likes: 5,449
From: la la land jerzey
Default

first - yes a lower lift fits with no issues

today the camshaft companys have gone from seat of the pants to computer models

while its all math can be a strong argument, the adding machine is not riding a bike

tryed and trued cams have been a trial and error thing since motorcycles started racing each other before the first world war

as a believer in dont fix whats not broken i also attest to what we know works you stay with,


we add duration when you want it to go faster - its an air pump the more you can take in the more pressure / power you get back = dont need a computer to tell me any thing different
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
vanmor
Shovelhead
7
Oct 20, 2024 09:25 AM
TexNorth
EVO
15
Mar 13, 2019 06:44 PM
Khshockey44
EVO
4
Aug 14, 2017 01:16 PM
valvebeater
Shovelhead
9
Jun 7, 2016 05:56 AM
saz
Engine Mechanical Topics
20
Jan 23, 2015 02:15 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:27 PM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE