Best Cam for the 103 CUSE
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 654
Likes: 11
Best Cam for the 103 CUSE
Good day, Guys.
I would like to get some input related as to what is the best cam for the SE 103 engine.
It is my understanding that the SE253 cam is certainly not HD's finest cam; but not being a mechanic I would like to receive reliable, honest, "non sales" pitch advice.
I have done nothing else to the bike. The only reason I'm thinking about a different cam is that I want to upgrade the cam chain and tensioner assembly and this became part of the discussion.
I did search the forum with little luck.
Your opinions and responses are very much appreciated.
Ride In Peace
I would like to get some input related as to what is the best cam for the SE 103 engine.
It is my understanding that the SE253 cam is certainly not HD's finest cam; but not being a mechanic I would like to receive reliable, honest, "non sales" pitch advice.
I have done nothing else to the bike. The only reason I'm thinking about a different cam is that I want to upgrade the cam chain and tensioner assembly and this became part of the discussion.
I did search the forum with little luck.
Your opinions and responses are very much appreciated.
Ride In Peace
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,588
Likes: 9
From: Sunny Southern California
I'm no cam expert but, pleanty of guy's on here are (or at least have me fooled!) but, they all would still need more info from you... like, what bike you ride, what your looking for in the upgrade, your riding style, at what rpm do you usually shift... ect. I'm happy (for now) with the SE 255's in my 96". These are well known for their TQ & happily pulled my fat a$$ & luggage over the mountains of HWY. 395 in CA to Reno NV at 80-85 mph! 
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,721
From: Western South Dakota
The "BEST CAM" is the one that you like, or where you ride in what RPM's you ride at. Cams are very subjective, and as such are like opinions and everyone has one.
If you want some real opinions, check with Bean in Maine, Scott at Hillside, Jamie at Fuel Moto, Bobbie Wood, your local dealer, independent, what ever, you get the idea. Those are the people that have "the opinions", and as such those are the people that the rest of listen to. Go to Big Boyz Cycles and use the "Cam Comperator".
Bottom line is no one can sell you on anything other than yourself.
Do your research, you'll figure it out. what is The "BEST CAM" for you.
If you want some real opinions, check with Bean in Maine, Scott at Hillside, Jamie at Fuel Moto, Bobbie Wood, your local dealer, independent, what ever, you get the idea. Those are the people that have "the opinions", and as such those are the people that the rest of listen to. Go to Big Boyz Cycles and use the "Cam Comperator".
Bottom line is no one can sell you on anything other than yourself.
Do your research, you'll figure it out. what is The "BEST CAM" for you.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
didnt like the se255 in my 103, had s+s gear driven 585 put in, love it now, had new se heads put on and i now make the crotchrockets wonder why a big old bagger can out run them. go with alest gear driven if you change to anything.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,149
Likes: 0
I have Ran 255, 211, 258 and 259e with different 103 Configurations so it all depends on what else besides the basic 103 you are going to do, Exhaust? Heads? Intake?
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I had an '08 CVO 110, it came w/ the SE255 which is an EPA, 0 to 4000 rpm low end torque cam. All newer CVO's have these. If you really like the way it runs but want more, a Woods TE-5-6 will pull better and turn up faster, 1500 rpm & up. Woods TW-7H and S&S 570 have MORE torque, but in the 2000 rpm & Up range. The SE251 ("high lift version of the bolt-in SE211 midrange/top end cam") AND the SE253 "mid-range torque cam" won't fit 2007 and up, and are being discontinued per my HD Dealer. The SE259E is the NEW, high lift version of the 211 made for '06 Dyna & '07 and up, throttle body, EFI applications. Confused yet? I am. Remember, Harley's only "Bolt-In" cams are the 203, 211, and 204, and have lifts of .510 or less. The 253 cam you're considering has .538 lift, OK with stock springs/heads. If you decide on one of the bigger cams (251, 257, 258, etc.) that have .569 or .579 lift, you may want to get some new springs and check clearances, even though CVO's have upgraded heads/springs. Pick up a Screamin' Eagle catalog, and use it as a comparision guide as you surf the web for cams. Go to "Head Quarters", "Woods Performance", "Andrews", "Crane". Buy new lifters from your cam's manufacturer. My '07 FLSTS 103 has Andrews TW55 cams and makes 113hp/109tq. My trike had SE204's, good torque, but I'm going to either S&S 570's or one of the Woods cams I mentioned. There's lot's better cams than what HD sells, IMHO.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,523
Likes: 3
From: Illinois
Sorry, but unless it's a 250cc crotch rocket, I doubt it!
Last edited by jeff.georgalas; Oct 21, 2010 at 07:25 PM.