Cams... Where to start?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 19
From: Naples FL / Pine TWP PA
Cams can be confusing , so you would start with the rpm range you will "realistically" use most of the time.
For most riders with heavy bikes , this would be 1800-4600 rpms more or less.
Cams in this range are built for low end torque and nice passing power , just what we need for touring bikes.
Also , most cams in this range won't require special valve springs and retainers or machinig of the pistons for clearance.
Most cams in this range are going to spec out like the SE255 Harley cams.
These are a favorite here in the forum , and with good reason , good power increase , good fuel mileage , perfect rpm range , no special other equipment needed.
S&S , Crane , Andrews , etc all make similar grinds which will work well.
The rookie mistake is to pick a hotter than needed cam in the higher rpm range , which most won't utilize fully as with a milder grind like the lower rpm cams.
Mick
For most riders with heavy bikes , this would be 1800-4600 rpms more or less.
Cams in this range are built for low end torque and nice passing power , just what we need for touring bikes.
Also , most cams in this range won't require special valve springs and retainers or machinig of the pistons for clearance.
Most cams in this range are going to spec out like the SE255 Harley cams.
These are a favorite here in the forum , and with good reason , good power increase , good fuel mileage , perfect rpm range , no special other equipment needed.
S&S , Crane , Andrews , etc all make similar grinds which will work well.
The rookie mistake is to pick a hotter than needed cam in the higher rpm range , which most won't utilize fully as with a milder grind like the lower rpm cams.
Mick
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 19
From: Naples FL / Pine TWP PA
Originally Posted by Sparky73 View Post
I have to agree iclick, I think a person that does not really understand camming a motor makes statements like this. The SE255 is a good cam. The only negative I can say about it is it's not as good in my 103 as it was in the 96. It could be my compression bump and headwork need a little more cam than the SE255, but for a touring bike it's an outstanding pick. I really enjoyed how it ran in the 96. It's good in the 103 but not as good and like I said it probably has more to do with my head work and compression bump than the bore.
Wouldn't recommend the SE255 based on the threads I've seen here. It's an entry level cam and tons of guys end up going more aggressive.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 19
From: Naples FL / Pine TWP PA
The SE255 has an incredibly early intake close. It works well in 96" engines (9.2:1 compression). It was designed for 110" engines with even lower compression (9.15:1). I wouldn't put them in any engine with higher compression than 9.2:1 although some do and report they like the results. If your bike has a 103" (9.6:1 compression) I'd stay away from a SE255 for these reasons. If you might do engine work at a later time that would result in higher compression, ditto.
.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 11
From: Southern Nevada (Pahrump)
There's absolutely nothing wrong with the SE-255's for a bagger especially installed in a 96. Andrews reviews are outstanding as well. I believe it's the Andrews 37 for the 96 that I've read many very positive reviews on. Lots of choices & opinions on this subject. Do your research as there's lots of good advice on this thread. Good luck!
Clay
Clay
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 19
From: Naples FL / Pine TWP PA
Does the 204 have the same base circle as stock and the 255? It's what my builder wanted me to put in the motor. I stayed with my 255.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Denver
dschock, you are going to get 100+ opinions here, and many of these will be just opinions based on "what I have in my bike is best". My suggestion is call a few of the builders and discuss what you want to do, how you ride, etc. and let them help you. Fuel Moto, Woods, Drago's, Roeder Racing are a few that come to mind, they will point you in the right direction and all are very willing to help only for the cost of your time. Then call me in and I'll tell you what I run, because that IS THE BEST! Hahaha! Just kidding, but it is the best FOR ME.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Denver
I am doing a 103 right now. Got the SE stage 2 kit cheap sold the 255 cams and AC. Got a Andrews 54h. I don't know why anyone would install 255s??? Intake is so lazy there is nothing up top. I didn't go to the woods 555/777 or S&S 570 because they alittle hot and without headwork wasted, plus they need springs. The 54h was cheaper and I've always had good luck with Andrews. I am bumping compression so I think/hope it will be a good compromise. I do ride solo and am told aggressive? Told Andrews is coming out with a new cam for the 103s?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,960
Likes: 1
From: Miami, FL
In a 96/103 the SE 204's are a great bolt in cam, and they have IMO one of the best sounding lope's out there for a bolt in cam, especially with true duals.
Like has been said there are many options and different opinions but you need to educate yourself.
The first and most important question though is for you to "Honestly" answer, where do YOU ride the most. A cam that gives better power in a part of the rpm range you do not ride in is useless. Try to ride around for the next week or so and see where you ride most of the time, this will help you narrow down the cams selection some.
My CVO came with the 255's in it, and I never had cams before, I like them plenty on the low end and mid range but my biggest concern with them is heat and CCP for the longterm life of the motor. I can tell you my 103 with stage 1 did not run anything like this bike does stock but that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement.
When I get my stage one I will try and get a handle on what my engine temps are, this is more important for me because of the hot climate down here where I live, and I have a long trip planned right smack in the middle of summer this year.
Good luck whatever you decide, but just make sure YOU are the one making the decision, not some guy on the internet, or your mechanic.
FM
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 739
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis
Yes, the base circle is the same. A lot of guys stick with the SE line of cams in order to reuse the stock pushrods and save a few bucks. The only downside is that you have to pull the top end apart to remove the stock pushrods. With an aftermarket cam you can cut the stock pushrods with bolt cutters, fish them out and replace them with adjustable.