Cam Choice for a 103"
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,698
Likes: 11
From: Longview, Washington
I too have a 103 and I'm happy so far with the stage 1 I just completed. I'll be looking for cams in a year or so.
LMAO at the way this thread went. Seems like there is never an easy answer when it comes to motor upgrades. So many opinions on which cam to use or whether to just bolt in a cam or pull the heads and do head work.
For me, I'll want a "Bolt-in cam" that I can install with adjustable pushrods. Maybe we should start calling that upgrade a Stage 1.5.
Stage 2 would be cams with head work.
What do you guys think? Am I FOS? Don't be shy . . . let me know.
BTW, there is no need for the S&S easy start cams in the new 103s because these motors come with ACRs.
Steve
LMAO at the way this thread went. Seems like there is never an easy answer when it comes to motor upgrades. So many opinions on which cam to use or whether to just bolt in a cam or pull the heads and do head work.
For me, I'll want a "Bolt-in cam" that I can install with adjustable pushrods. Maybe we should start calling that upgrade a Stage 1.5.
Stage 2 would be cams with head work.
What do you guys think? Am I FOS? Don't be shy . . . let me know.
BTW, there is no need for the S&S easy start cams in the new 103s because these motors come with ACRs.
Steve
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 868
Likes: 1
From: Trenton,N.J.
I agree.Or just go with a cam thats pretty much a bolt in and requires no head work.You could run the Wood TW 5-6 straight up with no head work.just get a good dyno tune with a good tunning device.I would use the TTS!! Once you get into cams with later intake closes 40 & up your compression & heads need to be spot on, to make the bike come on cam ,& hit hard!!
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 868
Likes: 1
From: Trenton,N.J.
My thoughts on cams are.For stock bikes keep the intake close under 40 if you want hp & tq without doing any head work.Once the cam intake reaches 40 the heads need to be cleaned up & cc'd to get the comp to match the cam.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 868
Likes: 1
From: Trenton,N.J.
Great choice for a stock motor,but you know what they say about SE stuff.It doesn't perform!!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,523
Likes: 3
From: Illinois
I personally went with the Woods 6-6's and am very happy with TQ, HP, and performance. That being said, the SE 204's ARE PERFORMERS. I've seen quite a few dyno charts and they've all looked very strong to me.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 280
From: North Cental Iowa
If you're able to do the labor yourself I think it's a no brainer to have the heads done, you can get a decent street P&P done in the $3-400 range, you'll spend almost 1/2 that on adjustable pushrods which you don't need if you take the heads off. Cam selection is so dependent on your riding style that asking others for opinions is nearly useless, the guy who usually never revs above 3200 is going to tell you to go with SE 255s, that's why you have to talk to a reputable engine builder & tell him how you ride & where you want to have your power curve. There is no best cam for any engine, there may be a best cam though for a particular person & his riding style.
Last edited by DTTJGlide; Nov 20, 2010 at 08:16 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 868
Likes: 1
From: Trenton,N.J.
If you're able to do the labor yourself I think it's a no brainer to have the heads done, you can get a decent street P&P done in the $3-400 range, you'll spend almost 1/2 that on adjustable pushrods which you don't need if you take the heads off. Cam selection is so dependent on your riding style that asking others for opinions is nearly useless, the guy who usually never revs above 3200 is going to tell you to go with SE 255s, that's why you have to talk to a reputable engine builder & tell him how you ride & where you want to have your power curve. There is no best cam for any engine, there may be a best cam though for a particular person & his riding style.
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