and a car guy
First time doing cam swap 09 FLHX!!!
Unofficial HDF Chaplain
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 21,160
Likes: 18,083
From: san diego
what samman said, but its more than just that. The spring is a much tighter coiled one that has a smoother opening and closing so it works more accurately. It is also a better material so is less likely to change tension with heat. the valve itself is a much nicer piece, and has a better point for a better seal in the plate. Its one of those little details that makes a big difference in an engine build
Not everyone loves the 255s. They are a good fit for a stock 96, but that's about the only application I'd choose for them. For a 103, I'd definitely go with the 254s over the 255s, if that were the only two cams to choose from.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 128
How many miles are on the 09 now? Do you plan on using any of the old moving parts? I've done it before and didn't want to leave anything to chance so I replaced all wear parts with new; cams, inner/outer bearings, inner/outer chains, sprockets, lifters, push-rods and tubes.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,250
Likes: 604
From: Michigan
That is precisely what I was thinking too. If you are going to do it, I would recommend doing it all. Although, to be honest, from the looks of the bike, it kind of looks like it might have been a garage queen, with low mileage.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,917
Likes: 184
From:
Personally I would have chose the 255's for a 103 or a 96 over the 254e's, not my choice at all. Not too many out there for a reason imo. 204's would have been a great choice for a 96" or a set of TW222's.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 100
From: Pasadena TX
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,090
Likes: 243
From: Maine
the bike has 6700 miles on it now..im replacing the cam bearings and using fuel moto adjustable pushrods. I planned on reusing the cam chains and push rod tubes. Are those things necessary to change for just drop in cams? from what ive read on here seems that people just do the bearings and push rods for drop in cams