Upgrade from SE255 cams?
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 43
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From: Southern Oregon
Upgrade from SE255 cams?
Looking to do a cam swap on my '07 FLHX. A few years back I threw in the 255 cams with a stage-1 air cleaner, V&H true duals / 4" slip-ons, and V&H super tuner. It does ok but I'm hoping to get a little more out of it. Other than the stuff mentioned, it's stock. I know these make a bit more low end torque than stock 96ci cams....but I hate the stock sound they make. I'd say my riding style is a little more aggressive than the average rider. I'm rarely ever below 2800 rpm and usually shift between 3800 and 4200. I like to get out on the back roads and stretch it out a bit. So, without doing any major head work at this point, what would be the next step up from the SE255's? I was thinking about the S&S 570 because of the power band being in the upper registry?
Thanks for the help -
Thanks for the help -
Last edited by Str8upChevy; Sep 6, 2018 at 01:34 AM.
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From: 48.067222,12.863611
Honestly, 103 or 107. You can keep the cam I think for the 103. Prob need a diff one for the 107"
In the 103:
Andrews 48
Woods 222
Cycle Rama 570-2
For the 107 without headwork, I'm not sure.
If you're keeping the 96", Andrews 48
My vote if you're not doing any head work is the 48H in the 96. Then, the 103 and keep your cam (if you're trying to save money) or the 103 with the CR 570 or 48H.
In the 103:
Andrews 48
Woods 222
Cycle Rama 570-2
For the 107 without headwork, I'm not sure.
If you're keeping the 96", Andrews 48
My vote if you're not doing any head work is the 48H in the 96. Then, the 103 and keep your cam (if you're trying to save money) or the 103 with the CR 570 or 48H.
Last edited by rhuff; Sep 6, 2018 at 01:16 AM.
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Southern Oregon
I agree a big bore kit would be the best upgrade from what I have, but that's not in the cards right now. Besides, I have the Dyna for those scary adrenalin rides. I'm just wanting something that's more suited for the upper rpm range. I was considering the S&S 570 because of the power band it lists. I did look at the Andrews 48H. I know a lot of people run them and seem to be very happy with the results.
Last edited by Str8upChevy; Sep 6, 2018 at 01:26 AM.
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: 48.067222,12.863611
I agree a big bore kit would be the best upgrade from what I have, but that's not in the cards right now. Besides, I have the Dyna for those scary adrenalin rides. I'm just wanting something that's more suited for the upper rpm range. I was considering the S&S 570 because of the power band it lists. I did look at the Andrews 48H. I know a lot of people run them and seem to be very happy with the results.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
If you want sound, look at the SE204's. I have them in a 103 and they sound great with true duals. But they probably come on sooner than you like. Lot's of low end torque but if you aren't running to the red line, they might work for you. I rarely go over 80 but I get there very fast with the torque.
If you're looking for higher end than the 255's, look at the S&S510. I have them in my Limited. I like them but a little too high end torque for me and my riding style. If you run to the red line and are looking for speed, they might work for you.
My Indy is an all throttle or nothing kind of rider and he said he had been making great power with the 510's so I went with his recommendation. After riding it for a while, I told him I wanted lower torque for my Road King, and he put the 204's in it. Love it.
Both cams I mentioned are drop in with stock heads and you can reuse the stock push rods if you take apart the top end. Some cam manufacturers require different push rods but they are cheap. Cam's are very subjective and everyone has their favorite as you will see if you try the search function. If you are doing them yourself, do a lot of research. Even then, you will second guess yourself. If you are having someone install for you, preferably an Indy, talk to them and explain what you want and your riding style and they can help you narrow it down to get there. You didn't mention how you were tuning and that will make a huge difference as well. Best cam in the world is worthless if it isn't tuned right..
I know what you mean about the 255's. I had them in a previous bike and after having the two different cam's I mentioned, I'd never go with 255's again.
If you're looking for higher end than the 255's, look at the S&S510. I have them in my Limited. I like them but a little too high end torque for me and my riding style. If you run to the red line and are looking for speed, they might work for you.
My Indy is an all throttle or nothing kind of rider and he said he had been making great power with the 510's so I went with his recommendation. After riding it for a while, I told him I wanted lower torque for my Road King, and he put the 204's in it. Love it.
Both cams I mentioned are drop in with stock heads and you can reuse the stock push rods if you take apart the top end. Some cam manufacturers require different push rods but they are cheap. Cam's are very subjective and everyone has their favorite as you will see if you try the search function. If you are doing them yourself, do a lot of research. Even then, you will second guess yourself. If you are having someone install for you, preferably an Indy, talk to them and explain what you want and your riding style and they can help you narrow it down to get there. You didn't mention how you were tuning and that will make a huge difference as well. Best cam in the world is worthless if it isn't tuned right..
I know what you mean about the 255's. I had them in a previous bike and after having the two different cam's I mentioned, I'd never go with 255's again.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 832
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From: Parris Island
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
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From: Santa Cruz
I really do not like 255s but in a stock low compression 96 they work pretty good. Ya will get some more top end with 48s but hardly worth the time and money. If ya are thinking more cam than that ya really need to raise the compression. Take some serious head milling to get your 96 there. Think 103-107...
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From: Milton Mills NH
I agree a big bore kit would be the best upgrade from what I have, but that's not in the cards right now. Besides, I have the Dyna for those scary adrenalin rides. I'm just wanting something that's more suited for the upper rpm range. I was considering the S&S 570 because of the power band it lists. I did look at the Andrews 48H. I know a lot of people run them and seem to be very happy with the results.
