Cam upgrade help

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Feb 4, 2012 | 10:53 PM

rbg00600

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 188

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From: Columbus, Georgia

Cam upgrade help

I have a 2006 Classic with the SE Stage 1 download and Samson True Duals. I am thinking of going to gear driven cam set. Would like a little bump in low to mid range. Recommendations without having to do head work?

Add fuel tuner or not? What size cams?

Thanks all!

Feb 4, 2012 | 11:02 PM

Shredding rubber

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2011

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From: Right about the middle

Se255s will get you where you want. And they don't NEED to be tuned although it would be a good idea so you can squeeze out every last hp

Feb 5, 2012 | 01:17 AM

tunaman

Road Warrior

Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Out of Commiefornia!

FIRST upgrade should be headwork... missing out on big bang for the dollar it you don't.

Most are going to recommend 204's or 259's I suspect, and many are very satisfied with them.

Best suggestion is to do your homework, figure out where you actually ride, and contact the person you plan to use to have your work done to see what their recommendation is. One way or the other, you're going to need a tune once you go to cams and there are a few directions you can go, but each have their own benefits and compromises.

I don't think gear drive is the best solution for your needs based on the limited information you've provided... any particular reason you feel gear drive is the way to go?

Roger

Feb 5, 2012 | 01:20 AM

tunaman

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From: Out of Commiefornia!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shredding rubber

Se255s will get you where you want. And they don't NEED to be tuned although it would be a good idea so you can squeeze out every last hp

So you're suggesting that you can take a stock motor, upgrade the cams, and not do any tuning? Interesting point of view.

Roger

Feb 5, 2012 | 06:02 AM

Blk and Chrome

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2008

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From: Connecticut

you should do a search many threads on this. There are as many answers are there are questions on cams.

Feb 5, 2012 | 07:14 AM

Stiggy

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 17,548

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From: Oxford, Nc

Gear drives are bulletproof and never need looked at again. I have them in my 2000 Road Glide working on it's second 100,000 miles.

But my crank is stronger than 03 and later models. It's hot forged and has a Timken Lefty bearing for support. Yours does not.

So you should check your crank runout before spec'ing gear drive. Itr should be less than .003."

And Harley offers the hydraulic tensioner set up for pretty much even money with the gear drive cams and if your crank ever "slips" your motor isn't at as much risk of imploding.

That having been said, I run Andrews 26G's in my 95" Stage II and the original download from the factory works just fine with the new cams. Lower intake duration offers excellent pulling power from 2,200 straight through 5,000 rpm and beyond.

On an 88" with just a cam upgrade, the recommended Andrews cam is the 21, ( lower compression motor.) with similar torque characteristics.

Regardless, torque is generated by stroke, compression and exhaust velocity, the last coming from the small stock exhaust valves. You do not need head work if you're just looking for torque.

As for the tuner, I'd recommend doing what I did: Install the new cams and ride it. Then buy a tuner or download if you need it.