Compare cams for me
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 5
From: London, UK
Compare cams for me
I've tried to read as much as I can about cams, but all I get is each poster's favourite (or rather, current) cam. I'd like some kind of way of choosing between the various favourites that come up time and time again.
I've got a 2013 103" with just a stage-I, and I'm interested only in bolt-in cams that use the stock springs, rods etc. so no crazy lift or compression requirements. I want something that's going to behave itself in day to day riding with no issues with starting etc. and I like my torque to come in not far north of 2k.
What's the best bolt-in that makes me smile more in the 2k-3.5k/4k RPM range and why is it better than that one the other guy recommended?
I've got a 2013 103" with just a stage-I, and I'm interested only in bolt-in cams that use the stock springs, rods etc. so no crazy lift or compression requirements. I want something that's going to behave itself in day to day riding with no issues with starting etc. and I like my torque to come in not far north of 2k.
What's the best bolt-in that makes me smile more in the 2k-3.5k/4k RPM range and why is it better than that one the other guy recommended?
I've tried to read as much as I can about cams, but all I get is each poster's favourite (or rather, current) cam. I'd like some kind of way of choosing between the various favourites that come up time and time again.
I've got a 2013 103" with just a stage-I, and I'm interested only in bolt-in cams that use the stock springs, rods etc. so no crazy lift or compression requirements. I want something that's going to behave itself in day to day riding with no issues with starting etc. and I like my torque to come in not far north of 2k.
What's the best bolt-in that makes me smile more in the 2k-3.5k/4k RPM range and why is it better than that one the other guy recommended?
I've got a 2013 103" with just a stage-I, and I'm interested only in bolt-in cams that use the stock springs, rods etc. so no crazy lift or compression requirements. I want something that's going to behave itself in day to day riding with no issues with starting etc. and I like my torque to come in not far north of 2k.
What's the best bolt-in that makes me smile more in the 2k-3.5k/4k RPM range and why is it better than that one the other guy recommended?
You're going to get a lot of the same replies you've seen in other posts. People love their cams and everyone has a different opinion.
It's legitimate for each to have his own opinion because everyone has different wants and needs. Based on your desire to have torque early, and have the meat of it in the lower to mid-RPM range, I'm going to give you my opinion. SE255. Two reasons why this cam meets your stated desires:
- It starts earlier than other cams.
- It peaks at 3500RPM and the meat of the torque is between 2500 and 4000.
Notice in the left circle how the 255 has substantially more torque at the start, and stays almost flat through 4k while the other cams ramp up to peak at 4k.
The tradeoff is that the 255 doesn't build peak horsepower at higher RPM like some of the other cams. All cams have a tradeoff, some compromise HP for torque like the 255. Others compromise torque for HP like the 259. Some even try to flatten the transition between HP and torque like the 254, but as you can see, it compromises a little of both.
Look at dyno charts for aftermarket cams and look for the same compromises, especially at the very beginning.
I used 255 cams in my Dyna and liked them, they came stock in my Slim S (SE110" motor) and the torque is very strong up to 4000-4500rpm. This is where I ride though. People who like to rev out their motors will hate the 255 and prefer something closer to the 259. Others will hate SE cams altogether and prefer an aftermarket cam.
Why is it better than what the next guy says? It's not, it's only different.
Last edited by SLV; Sep 25, 2015 at 10:38 AM.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 5
From: London, UK
Thanks SLV, that's certainly where I'm leaning. I've heard noises about rough starting, but can't remember whether that was with the 96" or the 103". I'm using the awful SEPST tuner too (and can't justify throwing that away right now), so going with an SE cam has the advantage that I can get a half-decent tune without having to save up for a dyno session on top of everything else. Basically trying to find something I can sneak onto the bike over a weekend without the wife noticing the extra expense...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13,456
Likes: 10,452
From: Sunshine State
I went through this a few months back. Since mine was still under warranty I decided it would be in my best interest to stay HD. After talking with several various HD service depts. the end result was the 254E, SE tuner, and a dyno. I've no regrets on my choice and quite content. I open it up and everyone around is impressed as I am with the results.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 5
From: London, UK
Thanks TF. I've heard that the 254e is a good alternative to the 255. But the dyno chart above scares me off. At the bottom end, around the 2.5k mark, there's nothing go on with the 254e that I don't get from the stock cam. And that sounds like a disappointment to me.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13,456
Likes: 10,452
From: Sunshine State
I'm not tryin to sway your judgement, peg, just sharing my experience.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 599
From: Columbus, OH
I agree with everything SLV said above.
I have the 255's in my LO but it's only a 96" engine, I like the low end torque but it's definitely done by 4000 rpm and kinda leaves me wanting more when I do wind it out. If I was to do it over I would like to try either the SE254 (Harley claims it has the same torque characteristics as the 255 but with more top end pull but after looking at SLV's chart it makes me wonder) or the Wood 555.
http://www.fuelmotousa.com/p-28612-p...ance-cams.html
If you scroll down the page there is a comparison between the 555 and the SE255. The Wood cam seems to have slightly better numbers across the board and a much smoother curve.
Something that gets overlooked when comparing cams is the exhaust, it has a huge effect in how well the cam works.
I have the 255's in my LO but it's only a 96" engine, I like the low end torque but it's definitely done by 4000 rpm and kinda leaves me wanting more when I do wind it out. If I was to do it over I would like to try either the SE254 (Harley claims it has the same torque characteristics as the 255 but with more top end pull but after looking at SLV's chart it makes me wonder) or the Wood 555.
http://www.fuelmotousa.com/p-28612-p...ance-cams.html
If you scroll down the page there is a comparison between the 555 and the SE255. The Wood cam seems to have slightly better numbers across the board and a much smoother curve.
Something that gets overlooked when comparing cams is the exhaust, it has a huge effect in how well the cam works.
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Looking at the chart my thoughts were the same, I was shy of the recommendation myself. My choice was based on the one HD service managers input, the one guy everyone in the area swears by and we have 3 dealers. His input was they have had a lot of good results with the 254E & the 103B.
I'm not tryin to sway your judgement, peg, just sharing my experience.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
I'm not tryin to sway your judgement, peg, just sharing my experience.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
The 254 cam is a good cam in that the curve is flatter than most cams. A flat curve is very appealing because of versatility.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,400
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From: Fort Worth, TX
Andrews 48's. These have very similar characteristics of the much talked about HD 255's, they come on just as early but do not fall on their face at 4k RPM...These are a direct bolt in for your motor and you will not need any special valve springs. I would install them with S&S Quickee pushrods so you do not have to take the rocker boxes apart. If you ask this question in the engine and mechanical section you will get the motor builders recommending the same cams. It would be a good idea to upgrade your lifters while in there as the current lifters HD uses leave a lot to be desired...
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 28
From: Kokomo, IN
Andrews 48's. These have very similar characteristics of the much talked about HD 255's, they come on just as early but do not fall on their face at 4k RPM...These are a direct bolt in for your motor and you will not need any special valve springs. I would install them with S&S Quickee pushrods so you do not have to take the rocker boxes apart. If you ask this question in the engine and mechanical section you will get the motor builders recommending the same cams. It would be a good idea to upgrade your lifters while in there as the current lifters HD uses leave a lot to be desired...