2004 Sporters Custom 883 Cam Upgrade
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Stage II
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2004 Sporters Custom 883 Cam Upgrade
I picked up a '04 Sportster 883 Custom for a winter project. I wanted to upgrade the cam to add a little more. Chose the Andrews N2 and to go along with the install, since I don't know a history of the bike or condition of the engine was going to swap out the other internals while I was in the case. Was looking at Fueling HP+ lifters and Fueling Econo Beehive Springs. Is there an issue in running these as a set with the stock rods? Was planning on pulling the rocker boxes and not cutting pushrods so I can make the swap and change the gaskets so I can inspect the pistons while Im open. Any issues with the stock rods with this setup?
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From: Santa Ana, CA
The N2 cams are a good choice if you're currently running the D cams. I'm not sure it will add a lot to a vanilla 883. I actually have a set of N2 cams I ran for a 1000 miles or so sitting on my bench. I liked them but went to a different engine entirely with a totally different setup. There is really no need to upgrade the springs or lifters. I would leave them stock. If you change them, don't use fueling as their lifters are not great.
Last edited by OCSpringer; Sep 3, 2025 at 02:29 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: Newport,TN area
Just an opinion, but you'd get "more bang for the buck" by switching out
the jugs to some 1250 (or 1275) versions from Hammer Performance...
https://hammerperf.com/xlbigborekits.shtml
You don't have to swap cams, but you must tell them
that you want to keep your stock 'D' cams....
hth,
T.
the jugs to some 1250 (or 1275) versions from Hammer Performance...
https://hammerperf.com/xlbigborekits.shtml
You don't have to swap cams, but you must tell them
that you want to keep your stock 'D' cams....
hth,
T.
Road Captain
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Information about cam swaps when running stock 883 heads, and a dyno sheet, can be found here: https://www.hammerperf.com/883conversions.shtml#faq1
You'll notice that N2's are one of the cam grinds they recommend.
You'll notice that N2's are one of the cam grinds they recommend.
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From: San Diego, CA
John
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Stage II
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Thanks for the input. I should elaborate, I looked at the 1200 upgrade but am building it for my wife who's 5' 1" and 125 lbs and upgrading from her starter bike of a Honda Rebel. Wanted to initially give her a little more mid to upper range HP so she can hang a little better with my Road Glide when we ride but am also concerned about giving her too much HP in this next step.
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From: river
Thanks for the input. I should elaborate, I looked at the 1200 upgrade but am building it for my wife who's 5' 1" and 125 lbs and upgrading from her starter bike of a Honda Rebel. Wanted to initially give her a little more mid to upper range HP so she can hang a little better with my Road Glide when we ride but am also concerned about giving her too much HP in this next step.
Too much hp haha Ive never heard of that before. I would not waste your time and money i stalling a cam set in an 883.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2024
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From: Australia
I did the 883 -> 1200 upgrade earlier this year. I can confirm it would not be too much power, yes the difference is considerably noticeable but it's no rocket. It's a good level of power for the bike (much more and I'd be thinking about better brakes, suspension, etc).
I'm not convinced a few HP on a cam upgrade would be worth it on an 883. Definitely look into the 1200 or 1275 kits, then later on throw in a hot cam if she still needs more.
I'm not convinced a few HP on a cam upgrade would be worth it on an 883. Definitely look into the 1200 or 1275 kits, then later on throw in a hot cam if she still needs more.
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