First, the high cylinder pressure (CCP) that's been denigrated by a few here is the beauty of the SE255's if you're looking for a TQ increase in the RPM range most-commonly used by many touring-bike riders. If you want prodigious peak-HP gains you won't get it with this cam, but you will get a modest increase (probably around 4hp) that will peak at about 5k RPM. Are you above 4500 rpm often? Do you value TQ between 2000-4500 rpm over HP above 5k? Do you want a cam-only upgrade without changing pistons, jugs, or modifying heads? If "yes" to these questions the 255's may be your best bet, especially for the money. You can find these as pulls from CVO's (used) and Stage 2 kits (new) on Ebay frequently, although prices have been going up lately because of their popularity. It is a very popular cam for touring bikes for the reasons I've given.

Second, I have not heard of hot-start problems on engines with stock compression--i.e. a cam-only upgrade. Those issues are sometimes reported with the Stage 2 kit (255's, 10:1 flat-tops, and 103) because of the early intake close coupled with the increase in compression. Some install two compression releases with this combo, but having only one on the rear cylinder may be good enough to relieve the starter issues.

Third, there are dozens of cams available for the TC96 engine, and almost all of them will result in a decrease in TQ in the low-end without a compression increase. The 255 is one of the few that won't do that, and will provide a nice TQ increase in the low-end and midrange with no loss in the extreme low-end. If that's what you want and don't plan on doing any drag-racing, where peak-HP is the key, you likely won't be disappointed.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you buy a good used set of 255's and install them yourself you can do the job for $200-300, how much depending on how creative you get with cost-cutting. Given a proper tune you can expect an increase of about 4 HP and 6-8 TQ compared to stock with Stage 1 upgrades. That's a meaningful bang-for-the-buck upgrade for my money.

As for tuners, the Power Package from Fuel Moto is the best exhaust-tuner combo available for the money, IMO. Auto-Tune is a nice option, but most people will be well-served with the basic PCV and competent map provided by Fuel Moto.

 

ok, lot's of discussion on cam choice and some members are steering you toward a big bore build. You need to ask and answer some questions, then you should be able to make a decision. Any good builder will ask you:

1. How do you ride? Do you ride mostly 1 up or 2 up? Do you want to race your buddys or just have good acceleration? Do you do a lot of highway riding.

2. How much power are you looking for?

3. How much do you want to spend?

From your earlier comments, you have stated that you want a modest power increase that you can feel. If you are doing most of your riding at 4000 rpm or lower, you can get by with a cam that generates low end grunt. If you like to hit the higer rpms, then that drives a different cam.

Heres what I did. I did a Stage I when I got the bike 3 years ago. This fall, I read iclick's and others experience with the Se 255 cams. As stated, this cam is a low end torque monster. With my mods, I was able to achieve 97 ft/lbs @ 3200 rpm, 95 @ 3500 rpm and 90 @ 4000 rpm. That is right where I wanted the torque. My hp peaks at 82 around 5500 rpm.

You need to get a good tune as well. Total cost for slip ons, SE a/c, tuner, tune and dealer installed cams should be less than $2500. A 103 would add another grand to that number. The SE 255's do generate some high compression due to the high lift and some people have used a 2003 cam spring to prevent slipping, but other have no problem.

If you want something with better performance or you want performance higher than 4000 rpm, your best bet is to do some head work and select a different cam. Too many choices, but again, depends on what you want.

I and others here are very happy with the 96 and SE 255 cam combo.

Good luck.

 

Are you looking at peak-HP on the dyno charts, or only the TQ and HP values by themselves without regard to where the TQ peaks and how well it transitions? If so, the 255's will indeed not be impressive compared to most cams on the market, especially if HP is the main criterion. What many of us look at first is the TQ curve. Is its shape more like a smoothly sloping hill or Pikes Peak? What is the TQ in the RPM range you frequent the most? To say the 255's are "junk" is not only baloney but is like a Ferrari owner saying a Chevy pickup is junk because it won't go 200mph. The pickup owner doesn't need to go 200mph but needs the TQ at the RPM's needed for doing certain types of work.

I find this "interesting" too, and contrary to what I've heard from builders in this area. My impression is that the TC96 is much cleaner than the older TC's and flow better without modification. IMO an engine not tasked with making big peak-HP numbers doesn't need head work. A rider who's interest is passing a truck without unnecessary downshifting while loaded down with luggage and a passenger does not need to touch his heads, IMO. In fact, modifying the heads improperly can result in a reduction of low-end TQ.

It all depends on what you want out of a cam upgrade.

 

Run, RUN FAST. Find someone that knows what they are talking about.

A: the Wood 7H IS NOT a bolt in cam, it requires hi lift springs.
B: the -05 and later heads are much better than the -99 castings better flow better all around.
C: 10 hours labor for CAMS + dyno time + head work, we charge 6.5 hours for a big bore AND cams, my old shop charged 5.5, 10 is rediculous.

Ive installed and dynod dozens of 255's with all kinds of pipes, 96 and 103, they are pretty consistent with 84-85 HP and 95-99 TQ on a stock compression motor. I bumped mine up to 10:1 and dynod at 84/101 with a base map and NO tuning.

 

I want to thank everyone for their help and concern and comments.
It looks like the 255 alone will do what I want.

I don't want or need to out run everybody on the road or have the biggest hp dyno pissing contest.
I just want to get the most out of what I have, becuase of the chocked down EPA regulation restrictions.

There is never an end to buying horse power. That is the one thing you can buy in this world. The more you want to spend, the more you're gonna get. I understand that. I'm just trying to have a nice bike.

 

Texas Fat Boy,
I was thinking the same as you are a while back. But I wanted the option to do a big bore at a later date and have a "torque" where you drive it cam right now on my 96".
Ended up with the Woods TW6-6 that does bolt in with stock valve springs. It does a great job on the low end and does not die out as fast at higher RPM.

Just another thought to cloud your brain.
PS, nice looking bike.
Bob

 

I was the one having the heat/compression issues. Now, I know you already said you were only doing the cams (not the BB kit) and I'm not gonna try and talk you out of it. I merely want to say that the issues were due to the components not complimenting each other (see signature). If done right, a 103" will run just fine.

One last thing...dump the SE 255 cams, there are better bolt in cams out there. Like the TMan 525. Just saying.

 

For your Stage I, you might want to call Jamie at FuelMoto. His package can't be beat and he may have a download for the SE 255. That way you may not have to get it dyno-tuned. I think iclick did that and is quite happy with his set up. I have a SERT, didn't want to settle for a crappy canned HD map.

Are you going to have the dealer install the cams or do them yourself? If you are ok with wrenching yourself you can save some money. Otherwise, you should be able to get the dealer to install for 5 hours of labor + parts/cams. You should also check with the dealer to see if they have some low milage used SE 255's that they have taken off an SE/CVO. I$150 would be a good price for them.

 

Just saw brypnk's post... he doesn't like the SE 255's, maybe he could sell you his... just saying!

 

That is a possibility...should have them in a week or two once my 107" is done.

Heck, I'll sell you my 103" jugs too!