SE cams
Road Captain
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 543
Likes: 92
From: clinton CT
what year is your bike? Do you have any other mods done so far? I just installed the 255's in my 08 and they really woke my bike up. I have rinehart slip ons arlen ness air cleaner and run a power commander. I have also just had bike dynoed by Rob's dyno service in Massachusetts. 86.3 hp and 99.4 foot pounds of torque.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 565
Likes: 2
From: Palmyra Missouri
what year is your bike? Do you have any other mods done so far? I just installed the 255's in my 08 and they really woke my bike up. I have rinehart slip ons arlen ness air cleaner and run a power commander. I have also just had bike dynoed by Rob's dyno service in Massachusetts. 86.3 hp and 99.4 foot pounds of torque.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
What engine do you have? Is it stock?
Also there are lots of other cams out there that are not HD smog cams, much better made than the HD cams, and that can apply the torque where you want it applied. Staying with a Screamin' Eagle product thinking that it will preserve your warranty is, well, not always the case. Anyway, do a little research to find out what is best for your setup. Lots, and lots, and lots of cam threads.
Also there are lots of other cams out there that are not HD smog cams, much better made than the HD cams, and that can apply the torque where you want it applied. Staying with a Screamin' Eagle product thinking that it will preserve your warranty is, well, not always the case. Anyway, do a little research to find out what is best for your setup. Lots, and lots, and lots of cam threads.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
As for the alleged worthlessness of "EPA-compliant cams," remember that the cam in a 638-hp ZR-1 Corvette passes all EPA regulations, so this status doesn't necessarily translate as worthless or compromising. The important thing is how they run in a given environment, and if they provide the needed performance improvement while also being environmentally friendly compared to something else that shouldn't bother anyone.
I don't think the model number of SE cams (high or low) has anything to do with their characteristics.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 98
From: Colorado Springs
Instead of "which cams give the higher torque?," for me the better question would be "At what RPM is the torque realized?" If you have a high torque number that is realized at an RPM where you don't normally ride and is low where you do ride, you may find the effects less than pleasing. I would read as many of the cam threads that you can for help on this topic, as there are many with lots of good feedback.
As for the alleged worthlessness of "EPA-compliant cams," remember that the cam in a 638-hp ZR-1 Corvette passes all EPA regulations, so this status doesn't necessarily translate as worthless or compromising. The important thing is how they run in a given environment, and if they provide the needed performance improvement while also being environmentally friendly compared to something else that shouldn't bother anyone.
I don't think the model number of SE cams (high or low) has anything to do with their characteristics.
As for the alleged worthlessness of "EPA-compliant cams," remember that the cam in a 638-hp ZR-1 Corvette passes all EPA regulations, so this status doesn't necessarily translate as worthless or compromising. The important thing is how they run in a given environment, and if they provide the needed performance improvement while also being environmentally friendly compared to something else that shouldn't bother anyone.
I don't think the model number of SE cams (high or low) has anything to do with their characteristics.
I'd agree with above advice and also suggest to the OP that he read a lot of cam threads before buying. Lots of people recommend cams and have no clue why the cams perform as they do. Once you can look at a cams specs and understand what kind of performance it will give, you are ready to do your cam job.
Trending Topics
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 16,125
Likes: 24
From: Linden New Jersey
Another thing to remember/think about when comparing Harley cams vs the aftermarket cams. Nobody has the pockets (Think research) to develop camshafts for durability than Harley.
Sure, aftermarket cams can and will give you more power/tq, but if your looking for all out power maybe a Harley is the wrong bike to ride.
YMMV
Sure, aftermarket cams can and will give you more power/tq, but if your looking for all out power maybe a Harley is the wrong bike to ride.
YMMV
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
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
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Another thing to remember/think about when comparing Harley cams vs the aftermarket cams. Nobody has the pockets (Think research) to develop camshafts for durability than Harley. Sure, aftermarket cams can and will give you more power/tq, but if your looking for all out power maybe a Harley is the wrong bike to ride.
Last edited by iclick; Apr 8, 2012 at 01:37 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 16,125
Likes: 24
From: Linden New Jersey
I know some very knowledgeable techs who think very highly of SE cams. I've heard them remark that they perform well in the proper environment without objectionable side-effects, like valve noise, and other woes after installing them. I wouldn't hesitate buying another one in the future, but I don't race my bike and just want it to perform at its best where I ride.