Head work
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 38
From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'
Thanks for the replies, i want to do one or the other this winter and the other next year. I know I will be duplicating some work, but it is easier to part with smaller amounts here and there than 1 large amount of cash. I was really just wanting to know which will yield the most gains of the two, cams(n4) or stage 2 headwork.
The most you could do is a port and polish.....
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 38
From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'
just so you know....yes you can do cams without taking the engine apart. You just have to remove the cam cover on the right and remove the rocker covers to relieve the pressure on the push rods.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 38
From: Landrum, SC , elevation 986'
This is a quote from NRHS
Camshaft Selection
Camshaft Selection
"What cams should I use?" This is a question we get asked a LOT. While we've got packages that are designed and proven to work well together, some people like to understand a little more about the theory behind their parts, so here goes.
First and foremost, I want to debunk a major myth: your camshaft determines your powerband. Simply not true. It's ONE component of a series of components that determines your powerband. Others have a BIG influence, in particular your exhaust system has a big influence (or it can, if the cams let it, more on that in a minute). The most successful motors are the ones that get the cams working together with the ports, the compression, the motor size, and especially the exhaust. Entirely too many people look for cam miracles when trying to get more out of their motor. It ain't gonna happen. Get all the players on the same page, that's how you make power.
First and foremost, I want to debunk a major myth: your camshaft determines your powerband. Simply not true. It's ONE component of a series of components that determines your powerband. Others have a BIG influence, in particular your exhaust system has a big influence (or it can, if the cams let it, more on that in a minute). The most successful motors are the ones that get the cams working together with the ports, the compression, the motor size, and especially the exhaust. Entirely too many people look for cam miracles when trying to get more out of their motor. It ain't gonna happen. Get all the players on the same page, that's how you make power.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From:
Cams are about $300, adjustable puchrods $100, collapsable pushrod tubes $100, assorted gaskets and seals $50ish, 4-6 hrs lab @ $70/hr, I'm not mecahnically inclined enough to go into engine, so total is about $800. New pushrods for added adjustment when I would do heads.
As for above comment that Stage 2 can not be done with out cams, local Harly Mecahnic and Dan form NHRS said it could be, but not as beneficial unless cams are upgraded as well.
General opinion is cams should be done prior to heads, and the Andrews N4 or SE .497 seems to be popular choices. Anyone who have only added these, what did you think???
As for above comment that Stage 2 can not be done with out cams, local Harly Mecahnic and Dan form NHRS said it could be, but not as beneficial unless cams are upgraded as well.
General opinion is cams should be done prior to heads, and the Andrews N4 or SE .497 seems to be popular choices. Anyone who have only added these, what did you think???
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,232
Likes: 9,282
From: Georgia
You will notice a pretty good difference eitherway you go.If you're using the 883 heads a mild p+p with bigger valves and good springs will do quite a bit for the smile on your face.883 heads suck. Granted it won't pull as hard as the whole package but you will know somethings going on down there. rejetting will b a must and your gas milage will drop till you cam up but nothing wrong with doing the heads first.I agree one without the other will not yield the best results but if that's what you can afford go for it.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 763
Likes: 1
From: Middletown, MD USA
Cams are about $300, adjustable puchrods $100, collapsable pushrod tubes $100, assorted gaskets and seals $50ish, 4-6 hrs lab @ $70/hr, I'm not mecahnically inclined enough to go into engine, so total is about $800. New pushrods for added adjustment when I would do heads.
As for above comment that Stage 2 can not be done with out cams, local Harly Mecahnic and Dan form NHRS said it could be, but not as beneficial unless cams are upgraded as well.
General opinion is cams should be done prior to heads, and the Andrews N4 or SE .497 seems to be popular choices. Anyone who have only added these, what did you think???
As for above comment that Stage 2 can not be done with out cams, local Harly Mecahnic and Dan form NHRS said it could be, but not as beneficial unless cams are upgraded as well.
General opinion is cams should be done prior to heads, and the Andrews N4 or SE .497 seems to be popular choices. Anyone who have only added these, what did you think???
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 243
Likes: 3
Cams are about $300, adjustable puchrods $100, collapsable pushrod tubes $100, assorted gaskets and seals $50ish, 4-6 hrs lab @ $70/hr, I'm not mecahnically inclined enough to go into engine, so total is about $800. and the Andrews N4 or SE .497 seems to be popular choices. Anyone who have only added these, what did you think???
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
