Another cam question
I’m looking to upgrade my 21 RGS 114 to a 128 kit 11.1 comp for stage 3 only. I have all components in place 62 HPI TB & manifold, DD billet cat, will update springs to accommodate larger cam . 5.5 injectors etc. Currently have a woods 22XE cam in the bike. Not looking to port heads. (Good cam but want more power mid to upper range. I’ve seen dyno charts and these bolt ins power starts dropping off to the right in these big bores) Narrowing down cams wanted to see if anyone had real world experience with:
TTS 250
Woods 408X
Red shift 552
Any advice welcomed!
TTS 250
Woods 408X
Red shift 552
Any advice welcomed!
I have the 552 in my 11:1 128" with stock heads and 2 into 2 pipe. I dig it and will give you my honest take below. My tuner regularly uses the TTS 250 in 128" setups because it consistently puts out great results with a good pipe. I had planned to use that cam but the 552 just checked more of my boxes and the valve events were in line with what I wanted.
The 552 offers very broad power. You feel it as soon as the clutch is let out, yet it still pulls hard up top. It's very balanced and is especially strong in the mid-range. There's no waiting for it to hit, there's no drop off higher in the rpm range, it's just got ***** from start to finish. It's without question the most complete cam I've ever ran in a Harley (and I've run a ton). The thing I noticed most is that it's ridiculously responsive at every single throttle opening and RPM point, which is exactly what I wanted. It honestly took some getting used to. I thought it was a bit much until I adjusted the throttle sensitivity tables. I took the bike to the track and ran a 10.94 first time out, best trap was just under 125 mph. It does it all. It has a bit more overlap than the average M8 cam which will result in a rougher idle. People think the S&S 475 sounds mean, this ***** all over it. If you like a quieter bike or smoother idle, I do not recommend it. From a cons perspective, the cam requires a good valve spring with a decent amount of pressure. A non-issue for a guy like me but not ideal for a guy riding 20,000 miles a year. Overall, I'm ecstatic with it (for my needs) and have no desire to change it.
The TTS250 is another really really good choice from all the data I've seen. It's another 140rwhp all day setup with the right pipe kind of deal. The idle is a bit on the softer side, probably comparable to your XE. Less overlap (comparative to 552) means smoother running down low, exhaust will have slightly less bark. The IVC is a couple/few degrees later than the 552, from what I've seen it's also extremely well balanced. The cam doesn't require a spring with a ton of pressure which is important for someone who packs on the miles or wants the most longevity possible.
I don't know anything about the 408X cam so no comments there. Hopefully the above is helpful. Either cam I mentioned will give you what you are looking for. Just depends what you're looking for beyond just the enhanced mid-range and top-end pull over the 22XE. If your lady rides with you and you want the bike to be as smooth as possible, are putting lots of miles on it annually, I'd probably lean towards the 250. If you want something that has got some attitude/personality, and are ok with the drawbacks (heavier spring pressures, less smooth in parking lot), I'd probably go 552.
The 552 offers very broad power. You feel it as soon as the clutch is let out, yet it still pulls hard up top. It's very balanced and is especially strong in the mid-range. There's no waiting for it to hit, there's no drop off higher in the rpm range, it's just got ***** from start to finish. It's without question the most complete cam I've ever ran in a Harley (and I've run a ton). The thing I noticed most is that it's ridiculously responsive at every single throttle opening and RPM point, which is exactly what I wanted. It honestly took some getting used to. I thought it was a bit much until I adjusted the throttle sensitivity tables. I took the bike to the track and ran a 10.94 first time out, best trap was just under 125 mph. It does it all. It has a bit more overlap than the average M8 cam which will result in a rougher idle. People think the S&S 475 sounds mean, this ***** all over it. If you like a quieter bike or smoother idle, I do not recommend it. From a cons perspective, the cam requires a good valve spring with a decent amount of pressure. A non-issue for a guy like me but not ideal for a guy riding 20,000 miles a year. Overall, I'm ecstatic with it (for my needs) and have no desire to change it.
The TTS250 is another really really good choice from all the data I've seen. It's another 140rwhp all day setup with the right pipe kind of deal. The idle is a bit on the softer side, probably comparable to your XE. Less overlap (comparative to 552) means smoother running down low, exhaust will have slightly less bark. The IVC is a couple/few degrees later than the 552, from what I've seen it's also extremely well balanced. The cam doesn't require a spring with a ton of pressure which is important for someone who packs on the miles or wants the most longevity possible.
I don't know anything about the 408X cam so no comments there. Hopefully the above is helpful. Either cam I mentioned will give you what you are looking for. Just depends what you're looking for beyond just the enhanced mid-range and top-end pull over the 22XE. If your lady rides with you and you want the bike to be as smooth as possible, are putting lots of miles on it annually, I'd probably lean towards the 250. If you want something that has got some attitude/personality, and are ok with the drawbacks (heavier spring pressures, less smooth in parking lot), I'd probably go 552.
Last edited by MattLS6; Oct 18, 2023 at 03:18 PM. Reason: spelling
I have the 552 in my 11:1 128" with stock heads and 2 into 2 pipe. I dig it and will give you my honest take below. My tuner regularly uses the TTS 250 in 128" setups because it consistently puts out great results with a good pipe. I had planned to use that cam but the 552 just checked more of my boxes and the valve events were in line with what I wanted.
The 552 offers very broad power. You feel it as soon as the clutch is let out, yet it still pulls hard up top. It's very balanced and is especially strong in the mid-range. There's no waiting for it to hit, there's no drop off higher in the rpm range, it's just got ***** from start to finish. It's without question the most complete cam I've ever ran in a Harley (and I've run a ton). The thing I noticed most is that it's ridiculously responsive at every single throttle opening and RPM point, which is exactly what I wanted. It honestly took some getting used to. I thought it was a bit much until I adjusted the throttle sensitivity tables. I took the bike to the track and ran a 10.94 first time out, best trap was just under 125 mph. It does it all. It has a bit more overlap than the average M8 cam which will result in a rougher idle. People think the S&S 475 sounds mean, this ***** all over it. If you like a quieter bike or smoother idle, I do not recommend it. From a cons perspective, the cam requires a good valve spring with a decent amount of pressure. A non-issue for a guy like me but not ideal for a guy riding 20,000 miles a year. Overall, I'm ecstatic with it (for my needs) and have no desire to change it.
The TTS250 is another really really good choice from all the data I've seen. It's another 140rwhp all day setup with the right pipe kind of deal. The idle is a bit on the softer side, probably comparable to your XE. Less overlap (comparative to 552) means smoother running down low, exhaust will have slightly less bark. The IVC is a couple/few degrees later than the 552, from what I've seen it's also extremely well balanced. The cam doesn't require a spring with a ton of pressure which is important for someone who packs on the miles or wants the most longevity possible.
I don't know anything about the 408X cam so no comments there. Hopefully the above is helpful. Either cam I mentioned will give you what you are looking for. Just depends what you're looking for beyond just the enhanced mid-range and top-end pull over the 22XE. If your lady rides with you and you want the bike to be as smooth as possible, are putting lots of miles on it annually, I'd probably lean towards the 250. If you want something that has got some attitude/personality, and are ok with the drawbacks (heavier spring pressures, less smooth in parking lot), I'd probably go 552.
The 552 offers very broad power. You feel it as soon as the clutch is let out, yet it still pulls hard up top. It's very balanced and is especially strong in the mid-range. There's no waiting for it to hit, there's no drop off higher in the rpm range, it's just got ***** from start to finish. It's without question the most complete cam I've ever ran in a Harley (and I've run a ton). The thing I noticed most is that it's ridiculously responsive at every single throttle opening and RPM point, which is exactly what I wanted. It honestly took some getting used to. I thought it was a bit much until I adjusted the throttle sensitivity tables. I took the bike to the track and ran a 10.94 first time out, best trap was just under 125 mph. It does it all. It has a bit more overlap than the average M8 cam which will result in a rougher idle. People think the S&S 475 sounds mean, this ***** all over it. If you like a quieter bike or smoother idle, I do not recommend it. From a cons perspective, the cam requires a good valve spring with a decent amount of pressure. A non-issue for a guy like me but not ideal for a guy riding 20,000 miles a year. Overall, I'm ecstatic with it (for my needs) and have no desire to change it.
The TTS250 is another really really good choice from all the data I've seen. It's another 140rwhp all day setup with the right pipe kind of deal. The idle is a bit on the softer side, probably comparable to your XE. Less overlap (comparative to 552) means smoother running down low, exhaust will have slightly less bark. The IVC is a couple/few degrees later than the 552, from what I've seen it's also extremely well balanced. The cam doesn't require a spring with a ton of pressure which is important for someone who packs on the miles or wants the most longevity possible.
I don't know anything about the 408X cam so no comments there. Hopefully the above is helpful. Either cam I mentioned will give you what you are looking for. Just depends what you're looking for beyond just the enhanced mid-range and top-end pull over the 22XE. If your lady rides with you and you want the bike to be as smooth as possible, are putting lots of miles on it annually, I'd probably lean towards the 250. If you want something that has got some attitude/personality, and are ok with the drawbacks (heavier spring pressures, less smooth in parking lot), I'd probably go 552.
What tuner will you be using? Lifters, oil pump, cam plate, and clutch upgrade requirements should be understood. Might need 6.4 injectors with a 128. Some folks would say stock cam plate and oil pump are fine but most people would go with an upgrade like S&S, or even screaming eagle, for peace of mind.
Trending Topics
I highly recommend calling fuel moto. I have a SE stage IV and talked to fuel moto on the phone for a while about upgrading my cam chest. They will walk you through what they recommend and why. They recommended the wood 77x for my build.
I spoke with them and told me the 408X would be good for me.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post











