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Not sure if there is already a thread addressing this, but I'm looking for information on cam selection of my 2002 Heritage (potential winter project). I would like something which will provide some improved torque at the mid-range, and the sound without a large investment. Also, without replacing the rest of the components (however, not totally against it). Bike currently has 29K miles and to my knowledge is stock. All suggestion and advise greatly appreciated.
Check out S&S easy start 510 cams. Designed as a bolt-in cam for 88, and 96 CID engines with compression ratios below 9.7:1, it is primarily intended for use with stock, un-ported heads. 3000-5500 rpm. Bolt-in overall.
I just did this for a friends bike...Used an Andrews 21 cam ( Bolt in) HD Cam plate conversion kit with Hi volume oil pump, , Compcams V-Thunder lifters, Torington Inner cam bearings, Screamining Eagle Quickie pushrods...If your bike is fuel injected you will need a tuner
If your bike is stock, you will want to change out the spring cam tensioners while you are in there.... Those are a known weak spot in early year twin cams and will cause a lot of damage if they fail.... There are 4 ways to replace them from good to excellent, from about $200 bucks to $2K (depending on if you do the labor or have a shop do it).
Another "good to change out" while you're in the cam chest are the inner cam bearings... while not as problematic as the spring cam tensioners, they too can cause a lot of damage if they fail...
Any bolt-in cam will require some tuning changes (EFI or Carb), but there are several good ones, depending on what fix you choose for the spring cam tensioners....
I have Andrews 26 cams in my '03 Heritage and really like them. My Heritage has higher compression and a 95" big bore kit.
I have a friend with Andrews 21 cams in an other wise stock (except for hydraulic cam tensioner upgrade) 88" engine, and they run really well.....
I vote 10.5:1 95" kit with some 211 cams and .030 head gaskets haha. It has a mean idle especially cold and with true dual exhaust and will def boost the mid and high ranges. If the stock 88 with true dual bottom end was sufficient you arent looking for any real torque. The bigger bore will increase the bottom a bit, the higher compression will help the top end more. Yes the 211s will feel a bit "soft" in the low RPMs with that exhaust, but will still be more than what you have now, but above 2700 RPM the powerband kicks in almost like a two stroke dirt bike and Ill be damned if it doesnt put a smile on your face every time. You wouldn't need any headwork and like mentioned already, with those pipes and modest build you aren't going to really gain much for the money. What I would recommend is looking online for a set used 06 heads for cheap as they flow slightly better, not enough to justify a lot of money but you can find them for fairly cheap. I would also install some compression releases in the set of heads you plan to run just to help hot starts on hot days, plus, to be honest the sound cool.
I just put Andrews TW21's into my 99 FLHRCI 88" and used the Power Commander II that I already have to tune things - stock pipes and MM injection. Also replaced the inner bearings and tensioners but left it all stock due to budget limitations. Pick up in the low to mid-range is noticeably improved, I have to say. Pretty happy with them. (Side note: If anyone is thinking to do this upgrade in the earlier T88's, you will likely need to purchase the splined cam drive gear as well, to replace the keyway oem cam.)
Last edited by duckdog7925; Jul 30, 2025 at 09:49 AM.
The OP says bike is stock but the description indicates 95" big bore with S&S 509G cams so I am confused and not sure how to reply; I must be missing something.
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