Cam Upgrade ?
Cam Upgrade ?
Ok, I have an 09 FLHT with SE intake, V&H slip-ons and V&H Fuelpak installed. I was pondering a 103" stage II kit but declined at this time. I've been hearing that a decent cam in the 96" can make a world of difference. What cam model/grind has been popular in the 96" ? Pros and cons ? Any input apreciated. Thx, Troop
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,112
Likes: 40
From: Boise Idaho
This question ahs been asked alot lately, I did a HQ500 cam last winter with a FatCat pipe, good air cleaner, SERT with a good dyno tune and it makes 90HP and 93LBS of torque and there a lot of 103" that don't come near that.
I'm very happy with this set up, I'm just going to change the gear ratio a little and this is going to keep me happy for several years.
There are so many problems with hard starting using the 103" kits and the HP/Torque improvments are minimal unless you spend a lot of cashola!
I'm very happy with this set up, I'm just going to change the gear ratio a little and this is going to keep me happy for several years.
There are so many problems with hard starting using the 103" kits and the HP/Torque improvments are minimal unless you spend a lot of cashola!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,602
Likes: 721
From: Bellevue, NE
The most common ones for 96"ers seem to be the SE 255, Andrews 26, Headquarters something..can't remember. Kind of depends on what you want the cam to do for you, different grinds will have different results. I went with the 26's and really appreciate the added torque down low. Here's a bump for you though, so someone more knowledgeable than me can chime in.
There is a lot of good information here, not to be a dick, but try searching. There has been a lot of posts about cam swap lately. Hell I have a few of them. Do the research. I only say this because by asking the question you did, you aren't going to get an answer to which cam you should go with. Instead you will have a list of cams you could use and the pros and cons of each from some very knowledgable dudes, but many of them share different opinions.....I'm just sayin'
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 856
Likes: 3
This question ahs been asked alot lately, I did a HQ500 cam last winter with a FatCat pipe, good air cleaner, SERT with a good dyno tune and it makes 90HP and 93LBS of torque and there a lot of 103" that don't come near that.
I'm very happy with this set up, I'm just going to change the gear ratio a little and this is going to keep me happy for several years.
There are so many problems with hard starting using the 103" kits and the HP/Torque improvments are minimal unless you spend a lot of cashola!
I'm very happy with this set up, I'm just going to change the gear ratio a little and this is going to keep me happy for several years.
There are so many problems with hard starting using the 103" kits and the HP/Torque improvments are minimal unless you spend a lot of cashola!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,112
Likes: 40
From: Boise Idaho
Damn right and that's why I preach it and that's a dyno tune at the local Harley dealer which is the only dyno within 500 miles, so I'm glad they do a good job!!!
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,939
Likes: 3
From: TX
The HQ-500 is a great bolt-in....
For the 09 & 10 Baggers, the HQ-525 might even be a little better. It was designed for the 09's, with the primary gear ratio change in mind.
For the 09 & 10 Baggers, the HQ-525 might even be a little better. It was designed for the 09's, with the primary gear ratio change in mind.
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 856
Likes: 3
Hi PhilM, with an intake close of 40 with the HQ 525 cam that would definitely result in better mid and upper rpm performance (so HQ says on their site) but possibly at the cost of bottom end TQ.... I could be wrong but from what I have read about bagger cams is that around 30 possibly up to 35 intake close is what makes good TQ down low, and isn't that what the heavy touring bikes need?!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,549
Likes: 8
From: North Texas
Ok, I have an 09 FLHT with SE intake, V&H slip-ons and V&H Fuelpak installed. I was pondering a 103" stage II kit but declined at this time. I've been hearing that a decent cam in the 96" can make a world of difference. What cam model/grind has been popular in the 96" ? Pros and cons ? Any input apreciated. Thx, Troop
Here's a thread discussing cams and which ones are "better". At the end of the day, you're still going to have to decide for yourself which cams are best for you and your riding style.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...which-cam.html