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I'm getting ready to put new lifters in (sticking lifter slow to pump up), oil pump spring, and adjustable push rods. Now i'm debating if I want to go ahead and do cams while i'm in there. If I do, I'm wanting to use 551 cams which would be about another $300, then there is inner cam bearings, bearing tool, cost of tuning, plus the tuning license, (or whatever you call it) by the time i'm done it adds up to a pretty decent amount of extra money to go from just lifters to adding cams. With the luck i've been having lately working on my bikes I may just pay to have this done, which adds a few hundred more.
I have 3 bikes but this one (12egc) is my main ride and I also do trips on it. I ride it about 10k a year. almost always ridden solo.
I'm running a de-catted head pipe with stock mufflers (I do also have a set of slip-ons if I need them) , outlaw AC, and xeids (think I spelled that right)
I don't really feel that it is lacking for power much, but that extra paw-pow, sure would be fun at take off.
price would vary between $300 for lifters, pr's, and oil pump spring doing it myself, upto $1600 to have that stuff plus cams, licensed, and tuned.installed by someone else.
i know only I can decide if it is worth it to me, just looking for feedback from those of you that have done it.
FYI I have done a cam change and big bore kit on a 1999 rk, although it was many years ago.
I know I would love it once it was done, just not sure if it is worth that much more money to do it. (my pokets arent very deep at the moment) but if i'm going to do it, now would be the time.
You could replace the lifters without opening the cam chest. If you are going to open the cam chest I would change the inner cam bearings and cams. I changed the cams in my bike and couldn't be happier.
I'm about to save you at a minimum 300 bux. I installed S&S 551 Easy Start Cams last spring in my bike. I have a Power Vision Tuner which I obtained from Fuel Moto. Once I had all the parts I installed them. Easy peasy following both S&S and Fuel Moto online videos. I wanted the Easy Start Cams as my bike is not equipped with compression releases and I plan on boring out my cylinders relatively soon. The extra cost of the S&S cams compared to the cost of having compression releases installed is basically a wash. Before I had done all of the above I had checked S&S website and they had PV maps available for download with my engine/cam combination.
Imagine my surprise when after I had the cams installed and I went to the website and the maps were no longer available. Jamie from fuel moto as well as several forum members helped me out with maps that were close but it was a lot of finicky table adjustments to get it right. I contacted S&S and was advised to take it to a dyno. If I had someone like fuel moto nearby I would have done just that but I don't.
I am happy with the performance of the cams but I would have been just as happy with a set of Woods or Andrew's cams with less headaches. The cash you save can go towards a fuel management device such as the Power Vision.
Bottom line for you since you have factory compression releases you don't need these cams. I realize you didn't mention the easy starts as you are probably already aware that you don't need them. I would suggest talking to Fuel Moto about the woods 555 cams which are a similar grind and are cheaper. Hillside also sells a similar cam. Both companies are forum sponsors and will be happy to help you out. And they have maps for their cams!
I did cams, lifters, pushrods... the whole shebang. Yes, it's worth it. The bike is a totally different animal. I didn't realize how much I would like that big flat tabletop torque curve until I had it.
Not familiar with that particular cam, but when I had mine done (stock to 254e cams) a few years ago, the difference was noticable immediately from startup. Bike sounded more aggressive, & off the line launches were effortless. I would say it is worth it, yes!
Im about to do the cam upgrade to a EV27, lifters, push rods, new ignition. Just waiting for the holidays to be done. With the tools and parts I'm in for about $600. That's doing it myself. Going to be allot more if I screw up.
I'm about to save you at a minimum 300 bux. I installed S&S 551 Easy Start Cams last spring in my bike. I have a Power Vision Tuner which I obtained from Fuel Moto. Once I had all the parts I installed them. Easy peasy following both S&S and Fuel Moto online videos. I wanted the Easy Start Cams as my bike is not equipped with compression releases and I plan on boring out my cylinders relatively soon. The extra cost of the S&S cams compared to the cost of having compression releases installed is basically a wash. Before I had done all of the above I had checked S&S website and they had PV maps available for download with my engine/cam combination.
Imagine my surprise when after I had the cams installed and I went to the website and the maps were no longer available. Jamie from fuel moto as well as several forum members helped me out with maps that were close but it was a lot of finicky table adjustments to get it right. I contacted S&S and was advised to take it to a dyno. If I had someone like fuel moto nearby I would have done just that but I don't.
I am happy with the performance of the cams but I would have been just as happy with a set of Woods or Andrew's cams with less headaches. The cash you save can go towards a fuel management device such as the Power Vision.
Bottom line for you since you have factory compression releases you don't need these cams. I realize you didn't mention the easy starts as you are probably already aware that you don't need them. I would suggest talking to Fuel Moto about the woods 555 cams which are a similar grind and are cheaper. Hillside also sells a similar cam. Both companies are forum sponsors and will be happy to help you out. And they have maps for their cams!
I'd say if you're going to keep the bike for awhile then go for it...because we all know you won't get any of your money spent on upgrades when you trade or sell. So do it for your enjoyment. I'm not sure where you'd get woods cams cheaper than s and s cams...gear drive yes but chain? Andrews are probably the lowest priced cams. S and s standard lifters are plenty good enough and you can't beat the price. If you have a good dyno person near you go that route and buy the tuner they prefer working with. My vote is go for it and if you decide to do it yourself , I'll loan you the cam bearing tool...just pay the for the ride back and forth.
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changing cams worth it?
