Cams...yes or no?
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 12
From: MA
Cams...yes or no?
i have 2005 softail standard, i got it a few months ago, it has 19k miles on it, i plan on opening it up to check out the cam tensioners just to look, but to replace them im going to have a local shop do it, i can wrench on a lot of thing on my bike, but i don't want to go into the motor yet, anyway, he says to do cams while he's in there, i really never wanted or needed aftermarket cams, ive been happy with the bikes performance, im sure it wouldn't hurt though, but its about extra $400, i was given a price WITH cams, adjustable pushrods, install kits, and upgraded tensioners of about $1100, im sure in the end it will creep up a bit more.
opinions?
opinions?
Let your budget be the deciding vote, especially because you don't really feel the need for more power.
But.......If the budget doesn't get offended, you should do the cam upgrade. Here's why.
For many years, HD has detuned these motors so they will pass EPA and CARB emissions tests. A detuned motor is less efficient at burning fuel, which can eventually lead to premature engine failure, or poor valve train function.
There are five main detuned areas.
Intake
Exhaust
Cam geometry
Compression
Valve geometry.
The first three are relatively easy to upgrade and can result in a much more efficient motor. The added torque and horsepower is a bonus.
$1100 seems high, but I'm not sure exactly.
The other two are a bit more expensive because they push the limits of the factory materials. (They create the need to upgrade other parts like clutches , beatings, etc.)
But.......If the budget doesn't get offended, you should do the cam upgrade. Here's why.
For many years, HD has detuned these motors so they will pass EPA and CARB emissions tests. A detuned motor is less efficient at burning fuel, which can eventually lead to premature engine failure, or poor valve train function.
There are five main detuned areas.
Intake
Exhaust
Cam geometry
Compression
Valve geometry.
The first three are relatively easy to upgrade and can result in a much more efficient motor. The added torque and horsepower is a bonus.
$1100 seems high, but I'm not sure exactly.
The other two are a bit more expensive because they push the limits of the factory materials. (They create the need to upgrade other parts like clutches , beatings, etc.)
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 12
From: MA
well, a little more power never hurts!..the budget is tight, but the $1100 is upgrading the cam chain tensioners too.
i plan on keeping this thing for a long time, so im looking for reliability too.
i plan on keeping this thing for a long time, so im looking for reliability too.
Last edited by JeffJA; Dec 19, 2015 at 12:15 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 166
Likes: 2
From: Fresno, CA
I spent about $1900 but did it myself. But I also upgraded to roller chain both sides, higher output oil pump, HYD tensioners, adj pushrods, new lifters, inner bearings, new cam plate, and cams... oh and I bought the specialty tools needed to do the job. I had never worked on a Harley before that project.
If you feel a bit adventurous you can get a lot more bang for your buck. If just replacing tensioners you could shave several hundred off that $1100.
If you feel a bit adventurous you can get a lot more bang for your buck. If just replacing tensioners you could shave several hundred off that $1100.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
Have him put some Cyco tensioners and fresh Torrington inner bearings in it and ride.
EDIT: The other thing to consider is an upgraded oil pump.
Last edited by QC; Dec 19, 2015 at 02:23 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,501
Likes: 26
From: Sheboygan,Wi
Cams can be a nice upgrade in performance. But unless you do some head work your not going to get the full benefit of them. Save your money. Buy more gas and enjoy the ride.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 10,374
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From: Southern Arizona
and make you bike go faster for what, to get to the speed limit quicker and then brag to your buddies about it...like all the other cool kids, awesome...ride your bike.
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Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 12
From: MA
like i said, ive never had the desire to add cams, the shop i was going to have do the tensioners was trying to convince me to do them "while we're in there"...
i just figured upgrade the tensioners and do cam bearings.
i just figured upgrade the tensioners and do cam bearings.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 286
From: Buford, GA
Maybe your mechanic was talking about upgrading to gear drive cams and eliminating the cam chain tensioner set up. Should be more reliable and a performance bump at the same time.
http://www.sscycle.com/files/3013/70...0/51-10471.pdf
http://www.sscycle.com/files/3013/70...0/51-10471.pdf