Cams
Hq525
Do you know where I can get some results of the HQ525's used in a 103" build? HQ/Protwin sure haven't been a lot of help. The cam does sound ideal for my 09 FLHT but info is minimum at best.... Troop
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 1
From: Madison, WI
Ooooo-weeee, a cam thread that is not lit up in flames.....yet. ;-)
I have very limited time here compared to those that have actually tried dozens of cams.
But during my research, I read a ton of crap and a ton of specs, called a bunch of cam makers, all looking for a cam that "fit" my riding style. And in my case, used the stock top end at this time.
I used the SE catalog to hold all my printouts from Woods, Andrews, T-Man, HQ, etc. Then I read and compared them and dyno charts until my OCD was on overload.
Kinda fun actually. ;-)
So my two cents worth is to first determine what makes the rider happy and keep searching and learning until you are convinced you found a good fit. As said earlier, the rider would not want a HP cam that made torque at 5000 rpm if he never shifted above 4K.
Put the "power where you play", as they say.
I have very limited time here compared to those that have actually tried dozens of cams.
But during my research, I read a ton of crap and a ton of specs, called a bunch of cam makers, all looking for a cam that "fit" my riding style. And in my case, used the stock top end at this time.
I used the SE catalog to hold all my printouts from Woods, Andrews, T-Man, HQ, etc. Then I read and compared them and dyno charts until my OCD was on overload.
Kinda fun actually. ;-)
So my two cents worth is to first determine what makes the rider happy and keep searching and learning until you are convinced you found a good fit. As said earlier, the rider would not want a HP cam that made torque at 5000 rpm if he never shifted above 4K.
Put the "power where you play", as they say.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,294
Likes: 33
From: Po-Dunk Looziana
Originally Posted by smokindave
Where are all the SE255 commandos?
Last edited by UltraKla$$ic; Mar 4, 2010 at 08:07 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 1
From: Wagoner, Oklahoma
Riding style is the key, I am not into speed but my bike was sluggish at the bottom end. So I went with the SE255's torque curve starts at about 2500 rpm and starts decreasing at 3500. With the Ultra it was just a bit weak and that is my reason for installing this cam.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Reporting for duty, but I hesitated to comment since there really isn't enough info on riding style to make a recommendation, IMO. Being a bar hopper and into touring doesn't tell me where he wants the power delivered. If you want it down low and in the midrange the SE255's are unsurpassed given stock compression, but are not a great choice for the HP-hungry among us who like more kick above 4500 rpm. The 6-6's are a good compromise choice, and based on dyno charts I've seen the low-end will suffer somewhat yet will produce decent HP numbers. Many other grinds also meet this description. The hard part is retaining low-end characteristics with stock compression, and if you want to do that there are few viable choices, IMO.
I would challenge the OP's recommendation to steer away from SE cams, as I think there's a good selection in that group.
I would challenge the OP's recommendation to steer away from SE cams, as I think there's a good selection in that group.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
Smokindave - they jumped in with the question as to why the OP talked his buddy out of SE cams but couldn't give him a recommendation as to what to buy. Seemed a little odd. Not sure the OP is much of a cam expert. More of a brand snob. 
Well - you wanted flames
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 10
From: Oh
Had to come back to this thread only because it has gotten so darn entertaining reading cam threads and I usually stay out. There are many that have SE cams ( including me ) and most are happy with their choice. The OP's opening statement about steering away from SE cams made me quick to think, " won't take long for the SE255 guys" to ring in on this thread. And yea, my 1st post was intended to break open the discussion on SE cams.
I must confess, I have just had my motor built and I used SE 259e cams. I have used SE cams before on my 95" and was very pleased with the performance. Harley puts a lot of R/D into developing their racing components and has been involved in racing since the beginning. Their matched components takes the guess work out of what works with what. For the average guy ( like myself ) the SE components are a proven combination that has been thoroughly tested by the race team and I can feel confident the motor will turn out pretty much like the performance advertised. " This is not a paid advertisement for SE cams"...only my opinion. Other MAJOR cam manufacturers no doubt do their own R/D as well and their performance numbers I am sure are well documented and backed.
As most everyone knows mixing parts from different manufactures will lead to problems IF the person does not understand motor mechanics. You are on the right site for getting more knowledge on cams and most here have a lot of experience with cams.
The OP's opening post tells me he is asking for an opinion on cams but, then goes on to exclude SE cams on what basis? Since you are asking about what cams to use, open up to your reasons, for not recommending SE cams to your friend. I would like to hear why you don't like SE cams.
I must confess, I have just had my motor built and I used SE 259e cams. I have used SE cams before on my 95" and was very pleased with the performance. Harley puts a lot of R/D into developing their racing components and has been involved in racing since the beginning. Their matched components takes the guess work out of what works with what. For the average guy ( like myself ) the SE components are a proven combination that has been thoroughly tested by the race team and I can feel confident the motor will turn out pretty much like the performance advertised. " This is not a paid advertisement for SE cams"...only my opinion. Other MAJOR cam manufacturers no doubt do their own R/D as well and their performance numbers I am sure are well documented and backed.
As most everyone knows mixing parts from different manufactures will lead to problems IF the person does not understand motor mechanics. You are on the right site for getting more knowledge on cams and most here have a lot of experience with cams.
The OP's opening post tells me he is asking for an opinion on cams but, then goes on to exclude SE cams on what basis? Since you are asking about what cams to use, open up to your reasons, for not recommending SE cams to your friend. I would like to hear why you don't like SE cams.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 8
From: Atlanta, GA
I'm staying out of this one. But...
iClick, the invitation is still open for you to ride up to Cincinnati so we can do the Woods/255 bake off and write up for the forum. The snow is melting and the salt will be gone soon.
iClick, the invitation is still open for you to ride up to Cincinnati so we can do the Woods/255 bake off and write up for the forum. The snow is melting and the salt will be gone soon.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,294
Likes: 33
From: Po-Dunk Looziana
Had to come back to this thread only because it has gotten so darn entertaining reading cam threads and I usually stay out. There are many that have SE cams ( including me ) and most are happy with their choice. The OP's opening statement about steering away from SE cams made me quick to think, " won't take long for the SE255 guys" to ring in on this thread. And yea, my 1st post was intended to break open the discussion on SE cams.
I must confess, I have just had my motor built and I used SE 259e cams. I have used SE cams before on my 95" and was very pleased with the performance. Harley puts a lot of R/D into developing their racing components and has been involved in racing since the beginning. Their matched components takes the guess work out of what works with what. For the average guy ( like myself ) the SE components are a proven combination that has been thoroughly tested by the race team and I can feel confident the motor will turn out pretty much like the performance advertised. " This is not a paid advertisement for SE cams"...only my opinion. Other MAJOR cam manufacturers no doubt do their own R/D as well and their performance numbers I am sure are well documented and backed.
As most everyone knows mixing parts from different manufactures will lead to problems IF the person does not understand motor mechanics. You are on the right site for getting more knowledge on cams and most here have a lot of experience with cams.
The OP's opening post tells me he is asking for an opinion on cams but, then goes on to exclude SE cams on what basis? Since you are asking about what cams to use, open up to your reasons, for not recommending SE cams to your friend. I would like to hear why you don't like SE cams.
I must confess, I have just had my motor built and I used SE 259e cams. I have used SE cams before on my 95" and was very pleased with the performance. Harley puts a lot of R/D into developing their racing components and has been involved in racing since the beginning. Their matched components takes the guess work out of what works with what. For the average guy ( like myself ) the SE components are a proven combination that has been thoroughly tested by the race team and I can feel confident the motor will turn out pretty much like the performance advertised. " This is not a paid advertisement for SE cams"...only my opinion. Other MAJOR cam manufacturers no doubt do their own R/D as well and their performance numbers I am sure are well documented and backed.
As most everyone knows mixing parts from different manufactures will lead to problems IF the person does not understand motor mechanics. You are on the right site for getting more knowledge on cams and most here have a lot of experience with cams.
The OP's opening post tells me he is asking for an opinion on cams but, then goes on to exclude SE cams on what basis? Since you are asking about what cams to use, open up to your reasons, for not recommending SE cams to your friend. I would like to hear why you don't like SE cams.
However, after "knowing" Manish Hawg by just years of both of us posting, I would be willing to bet his friend runs the **** out of his bike and needs a cam in the upper RPM range. Those boys from H-town don't mess around....LOL.. Nothing wrong with running your bike, but it DOES help in cam selection IMO.
Oh well, back to your regularly scheduled pissing match.
