255 cam decision help\opinion
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 342
Likes: 1
From: Greenville, South Carolina
I wouldnt go so far as to call it obsolete. The 255 is a torque cam plain and simple. To this day, there is not a bolt in cam on the market that makes more torque at a lower rpm than the 255. If there is one, and its an apples to apples comparison (same motor, mods, etc.) I havent seen it. You ask any reputable engine builder, cam manufacturer, supplier, etc. and they will confirm this without a shadow of a doubt. From idle to 4000 rpm, the 255 cant be touched as a bolt in cam on a stock or stage I motor. There may be more choices, but none of them offer the low down torque that the 255 offers.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 735
Likes: 5
From: Bluffton,SC
I just wonder about reliability of all these "over .550" lift cams on the valve springs and guides, in say 60k miles? I would stick with some thing around .500.
Last edited by rickb; Jul 28, 2014 at 07:37 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,648
Likes: 37
From: Monroe, Louisiana
I wouldnt go so far as to call it obsolete. The 255 is a torque cam plain and simple. To this day, there is not a bolt in cam on the market that makes more torque at a lower rpm than the 255. If there is one, and its an apples to apples comparison (same motor, mods, etc.) I havent seen it. You ask any reputable engine builder, cam manufacturer, supplier, etc. and they will confirm this without a shadow of a doubt. From idle to 4000 rpm, the 255 cant be touched as a bolt in cam on a stock or stage I motor. There may be more choices, but none of them offer the low down torque that the 255 offers.
Last edited by ke5rbd; Jul 29, 2014 at 12:11 AM.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 501
Likes: 252
From: Kentucky
Where in the catalog do you see this? The SE catalog clearly shows the exact opposite of what you said. Check the post by Bingee where the SE chart is.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 315
Likes: 76
From: Westland Mi
I am afraid I disagree with you on no bolt in cam will beat a 255 from idle to 4000. For one the 222 will beat it from 2200 on up for sure. Only time you are below 2000 is taking off anyway. Have seen several 255's in CVO's replaced with TW222 and no comparison anywhere. Seen a couple of 222's put in 103's with 255's that were installed by dealer when new as upgrade. No comparison. All these had tuners with the 255's except one of the CVO's. There are some others that will do it also and are bolt in cams. Andrews 48H comes to mind. I doubt very seriously Woods, Andrews, S&S and FM will confirm your statement. It may have been true few years ago, but not now. I am not saying they are obsolete, as they do still have their place as an epa compliant cam that runs well.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,648
Likes: 37
From: Monroe, Louisiana
It really does say that in the SE catalog. Left out about it would pull away in a 0 to 60 sprint or 1/4 mile drag
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 7
From: Atlanta, Georgia
Also, what has changed in cams in the past 3-4 years? I can only think of the 222 as a new offering. Everything else...andrews 48 and 57, 555, and a few others have been around for years. So no, things have not changed. And yes...if you give Jamie at fuel moto a call, he will confirm what I said about the 255 being a better off idle cam than the 222. But...like you mentioned...from 2200 on up, its not even close....the 222 would crush it hands down. Im not knocking any cam or anyone's decision but I still gotta give credit where credit is due. The 255 is an awesome bolt in torque cam. Would I do one? Probably not seeing as tho I had a pair in my hands and sold them for the 777s. I am definitely pulling the trigger on the 222 real soon.
Last edited by Eshaw301; Jul 29, 2014 at 12:16 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,648
Likes: 37
From: Monroe, Louisiana
If not doing any other mods I would go with the SE204 as it only has .508 lift and is much easier on the stock valve train. If planning other work like lifters and head work the TW 222 with .555 lift would out do it then. With stock heads the 204 and 222 would be side by side. A properly tuned 14 limited with 204 should do about 95+ hp and 112+ torque. Long as the cruise and lowend is right it is hard to tell the difference between 3 or 4 hp and 5 or 6 torque at WOT. Which ever you decide send me a PM and I will send you a map that will get you off to a good start.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 7
From: Atlanta, Georgia
You already answered your own question.