Meziere-Reverser-web-ad-90x750-r3 copy

150 Most Recent Posts

Thread AuthorPostersPost AuthorForumThread/Post Link
Trampas3PanheadSteveHarley Tri GlideWas at my dealer today
Trampas3SeaweedHarley Tri GlideWas at my dealer today
Grandpot3cycle7447Honda TrikesFront tire?
Grandpot3tourmanHonda TrikesFront tire?
ultrafxr5TrampasHarley Tri GlideFinished at last . . . well at leas...
Trampas3TrampasHarley Tri GlideWas at my dealer today
Grandpot3GrandpotHonda TrikesFront tire?
Geep20201Geep2020New Member Introduct...New Member
Oldman-TriGlide3NotgrownupHarley Tri GlideOpen or Closed Trailer for 2028 Tri...
Oldman-TriGlide3ultrafxrHarley Tri GlideOpen or Closed Trailer for 2028 Tri...
Noodles1073BrokenBackJackHarley Freewheeler /...Very Nice Gloves
Oldman-TriGlide3Oldman-TriGlideHarley Tri GlideOpen or Closed Trailer for 2028 Tri...
RedOregon13Papa ZookHarley Tri GlideUpgrades on '24 Triglide?
Bama boy4DragonStallion TrikesStallion fuel pump
Bama boy4DragonStallion TrikesStallion fuel pump
Bama boy4DragonStallion TrikesStallion fuel pump
Papa Zook239SullyNew Member Introduct...What Made You Join TrikeTalk Forum?
RedOregon13RedOregonHarley Tri GlideUpgrades on '24 Triglide?
RedOregon13NotgrownupHarley Tri GlideUpgrades on '24 Triglide?
phillipschuckann7NotgrownupHonda TrikesWho made my trike?
Papa Zook239ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...What Made You Join TrikeTalk Forum?
PKLGW2pawsHonda Trikes2007 gl1800 motor trike
ultrafxr5Papa ZookHarley Tri GlideFinished at last . . . well at leas...
Noodles1073NotgrownupHarley Freewheeler /...Very Nice Gloves
ultrafxr5NotgrownupHarley Tri GlideFinished at last . . . well at leas...
Papa Zook239rhino 2New Member Introduct...What Made You Join TrikeTalk Forum?
PKLGW2PKLGWHonda Trikes2007 gl1800 motor trike
Papa Zook239skisnow806New Member Introduct...What Made You Join TrikeTalk Forum?
Speedy Pete12JTJerseyNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
Just BOB2Just BOBStallion Trikesinfo
ultrafxr5Longbeard71Harley Tri GlideFinished at last . . . well at leas...
ultrafxr5ultrafxrHarley Tri GlideFinished at last . . . well at leas...
ultrafxr5TrampasHarley Tri GlideFinished at last . . . well at leas...
ultrafxr5ultrafxrHarley Tri GlideFinished at last . . . well at leas...
Noodles1073Noodles107Harley Freewheeler /...Very Nice Gloves
Speedy Pete12cycle7447New Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
RISal24!12cycle7447New Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
phillipschuckann7Papa ZookHonda TrikesWho made my trike?
RISal24!12ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
Bama boy4Grey_Ghost_27Stallion TrikesStallion fuel pump
phillipschuckann7trike ladyHonda TrikesWho made my trike?
RISal24!12trike ladyNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
Speedy Pete12RustyBNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
RISal24!12Marc HNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
Bowie11RustyBNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
RISal24!12RustyBNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
RISal24!12rhino 2New Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
RISal24!12hardwickbvNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
Bowie11hardwickbvNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
RISal24!12Uncle FesterNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
Bowie11ZammyNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
RISal24!12SullyNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
RISal24!12ZammyNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
Chief80138520fdHarley Tri GlideHow many miles on your Triglide?
RISal24!12GorillaNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
RISal24!12RISal24!New Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
woody19woodyHonda Trikes2019 Goldwing CSC
DK Custom Products362NotgrownupHarley Tri GlideWhat did you do to Your Tri-Glide T...
Bouncer10NotgrownupHarley Tri GlideDrive Belt Replacement Time
Bouncer10BouncerHarley Tri GlideDrive Belt Replacement Time
Bouncer10BouncerHarley Tri GlideDrive Belt Replacement Time
phillipschuckann7GorillaHonda TrikesWho made my trike?
rjd637brianlHonda Trikes1989 Honda Goldwing trike opinions
DeathBySnuSnu19GorillaVW Powered TrikesVolkswagen Kit Cars
DK Custom Products362520fdHarley Tri GlideWhat did you do to Your Tri-Glide T...
SHARKDIVER4DK Custom ProductsGeneral Harley Chatsuper shox
phillipschuckann7trike ladyHonda TrikesWho made my trike?
phillipschuckann7ol' schoolHonda TrikesWho made my trike?
phillipschuckann7rhino 2Honda TrikesWho made my trike?
phillipschuckann7phillipschuckannHonda TrikesWho made my trike?
Bowie11Uncle FesterNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
RedOregon13RedOregonHarley Tri GlideUpgrades on '24 Triglide?
DeathBySnuSnu19DeathBySnuSnuVW Powered TrikesVolkswagen Kit Cars
Bowie11woodyNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
Just BOB2GorillaStallion Trikesinfo
SHARKDIVER4WindyOneGeneral Harley Chatsuper shox
Bouncer10GorillaHarley Tri GlideDrive Belt Replacement Time
Just BOB2Just BOBStallion Trikesinfo
Chief80138CagmoHarley Tri GlideHow many miles on your Triglide?
PopPop13consitterNew Member Introduct...New Member
TxHarleyRider2Papa ZookHarley Trike Convers...Need help bad with conversion.
PopPop13Pegasus1300New Member Introduct...New Member
Bouncer10NotgrownupHarley Tri GlideDrive Belt Replacement Time
PopPop13ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...New Member
Bowie11ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
Chief80138DOKKHarley Tri GlideHow many miles on your Triglide?
Bouncer10BouncerHarley Tri GlideDrive Belt Replacement Time
Bowie11trike ladyNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
Bowie11GorillaNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
Bowie11rhino 2New Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
Bowie11Marc HNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
SaltBushBill11Marc HNew Member Introduct...New member
Bowie11BowieNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
Rick Sinacore9RawhidekenHarley Tri GlideTour pack reinforcement
SaltBushBill11Uncle FesterNew Member Introduct...New member
Burnerboy3tommyv333Harley Trike Convers...Hey Bozo (Andrew)
Old Aviator5Old AviatorHonda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
Old Aviator5Old AviatorHonda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
Noodles1073JTJerseyHarley Freewheeler /...Tobacco Fade
Noodles1073trike ladyHarley Freewheeler /...Tobacco Fade
Old Aviator5Phu CatHonda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
SaltBushBill11SullyNew Member Introduct...New member
ronc44242Papa ZookHarley Tri Glidequestion
TxHarleyRider2TxHarleyRiderHarley Trike Convers...Need help bad with conversion.
Chappy KC5StrelnikovFrankensteinFrankenstein Kit
jerry1@iw.net4StrelnikovFrankensteinFrankenstein owners
TxHarleyRider2Papa ZookHarley Trike Convers...Need help bad with conversion.
Skavoola14SkavoolaNew Member Introduct...New to Trike Talk
Old Aviator5GoldWingrGregHonda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
El Lobo10El LoboHarley Tri GlideBeen away for a while
SaltBushBill11GorillaNew Member Introduct...New member
cissywalton2GorillaCalifornia Sidecar T...how do I change out the reverse bel...
Noodles1073Noodles107Harley Freewheeler /...Tobacco Fade
Old Aviator5Old AviatorHonda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
SaltBushBill11trike ladyNew Member Introduct...New member
ronc44242ronc4424Harley Tri Glidequestion
Old Aviator5SkavoolaHonda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
Old Aviator5rhino 2Honda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
Old Aviator5Old AviatorHonda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
cissywalton2cissywaltonCalifornia Sidecar T...how do I change out the reverse bel...
Skavoola14PosseRiderNew Member Introduct...New to Trike Talk
Skavoola14woodyNew Member Introduct...New to Trike Talk
PopPop13woodyNew Member Introduct...New Member
Speedy Pete12woodyNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
Vulcanology10woodyNew Member Introduct...New member
SaltBushBill11woodyNew Member Introduct...New member
SaltBushBill11hardwickbvNew Member Introduct...New member
Vulcanology10hardwickbvNew Member Introduct...New member
Speedy Pete12hardwickbvNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
SaltBushBill11rhino 2New Member Introduct...New member
RedOregon13NotgrownupHarley Tri GlideUpgrades on '24 Triglide?
SaltBushBill11ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...New member
Vulcanology10ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...New member
Speedy Pete12ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
D'07ShadowAero6ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...My Older and Dear Friends Gideon! M...
SaltBushBill11scuzziNew Member Introduct...New member
SaltBushBill11SaltBushBillNew Member Introduct...New member
PopPop2Pegasus1300Can Am Spyder Trike...New Member
Vulcanology10GorillaNew Member Introduct...New member
Vulcanology10rhino 2New Member Introduct...New member
Speedy Pete12Marc HNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
Vulcanology10Marc HNew Member Introduct...New member
TxHarleyRider2TxHarleyRiderHarley Trike Convers...Need help bad with conversion.
Speedy Pete12trike ladyNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
rjd637trike ladyHonda Trikes1989 Honda Goldwing trike opinions
DrCrazyTrain13Uncle FesterNew Member Introduct...Introduction
Vulcanology10Uncle FesterNew Member Introduct...New member
Speedy Pete12Uncle FesterNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
Speedy Pete12rhino 2New Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
Vulcanology10ZammyNew Member Introduct...New member
Likes Likes:  0
Thanks Thanks:  0
Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: To cam or not to cam

  1. #1
    80+ Posts
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Middletown, NJ
    Posts
    83
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default To cam or not to cam

    I have an 05 Ultra with Lehman Renegade, 103 CI engine with SE 203 cams, 5-speed tranny, fuel injected, V&H 4" slash cuts with inserts, and 21K on the clock. The cam was in the engine when I bought the trike.

    On a recent trip to VT, the trike ran well on flat roads with reasonable acceleration, but lacked the stones to climb some of the steeper roads with the throttle just about wide open. Other trikes with the same engine, but different cams, passed me going up. On flat roads, the engine seems to run better at 2,000 RPM minimum whenever I am in 5th gear. The previous owner noted the same issue.

    I heard more noise from the top end than I think is normal when I pushed the engine on hills. I think it is time to take a a look inside the cam chest. While it is open, I want to change the cams.

    Any suggestions concerning the cam of choice?

    While I am at it, I will change the lifters, too. From the noise I heard, I think they aren't pumping up at higher revs. Any recommendations? S&S?

    AMS?

    I will install new adjustable push rods, and upgrade with an RCC-2 cam plate that will bring all the interior goodies in the chest up to 2013 specs. Good idea or not?

    From my research so far, I am considering a set of Woods TCW-6R cams per Bob Wood's recommendation.

    Any yay's or nay's, or "are you nuts?" and if so, why?

  2. #2
    800+ Posts FLTR2008TRIKE's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Near Myrtle Beach SC
    Posts
    807
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: To cam or not to cam

    Quote Originally Posted by engprosinc View Post
    I have an 05 Ultra with Lehman Renegade, 103 CI engine with SE 203 cams, 5-speed tranny, fuel injected, V&H 4" slash cuts with inserts, and 21K on the clock. The cam was in the engine when I bought the trike.

    On a recent trip to VT, the trike ran well on flat roads with reasonable acceleration, but lacked the stones to climb some of the steeper roads with the throttle just about wide open. Other trikes with the same engine, but different cams, passed me going up. On flat roads, the engine seems to run better at 2,000 RPM minimum whenever I am in 5th gear. The previous owner noted the same issue.

    I heard more noise from the top end than I think is normal when I pushed the engine on hills. I think it is time to take a a look inside the cam chest. While it is open, I want to change the cams.

    Any suggestions concerning the cam of choice?

    While I am at it, I will change the lifters, too. From the noise I heard, I think they aren't pumping up at higher revs. Any recommendations? S&S?

    AMS?

    I will install new adjustable push rods, and upgrade with an RCC-2 cam plate that will bring all the interior goodies in the chest up to 2013 specs. Good idea or not?

    From my research so far, I am considering a set of Woods TCW-6R cams per Bob Wood's recommendation.

    Any yay's or nay's, or "are you nuts?" and if so, why?
    Well to start with the question on cams, what do you know about the 103 engine build? Does it have head work? What was the static compression of the build? What size Throttle body?

    Just picking a cam for the engine based on what you think isnt smart. It might work and it might not. Cams are based on the the engine build meeting criteria.

    Exceed the criteria of the cam profile and you have a hot running pinging engine. Pick a cam that the engine doesnt meet the criteria of the cam and it will be a lack luster sluggish engine.

    Depending on your exhaust the 203 cams might need some additional back pressure to pick up the low end torque numbers some along with a good tune. Having a free flowing exhaust can hurt your low end torque. All stock and mild performance engines still require back pressure.

    When your working in the cam chest and changing the cams, change the cam bearings. Its cheap insurance while your in there. Bob Wood cams do perform, alot of his cams have valve train noise that you will hear. Many of the cam profiles have steep ramps and short durations causing the valve train noise.

    The noise you heard from the engine going up hills was it pinging ( detonation ), that could be from poor gas, a bad tune or both.

    Since your engine is a 05 was the engine updated with the hybrid cam plate? Harley had many engine failure due to the spring loaded cam chain tensioners.

    The SE kit also included the newer high volume oil pump for more oil pressure, oil fed cam tensioners ( same as the current twin cams) and a billet cam plate.

    Lifters, AMS & S&S are good lifters. Along with Gaterman, Head Quarters Black Ops lifters to name a few.

    Now here is what I know from my own experience with running a 103. The engine is not a good platform for a trike. Its too small for what it has to do. A trike kit adds 200lbs of extra laden weight to start. If your over 150lbs wet, its going to struggle to run up the mountain. The trike is not aerodynamic, add wind resistance and or a steep enough hill it runs out power.

    The 103 you have in your trike is not going to be as quick as it would be in a 2 wheel bike. There are improvements that can be made to have it perform better, but understand you will hit the ceiling at some point with the engine size in a trike
    Overcoming Adversity is the path to better ideas!!

    2008 Roadglide w/ MOTOR TRIKE Kit
    S&S 124" Headwork & Custom designed cams by John
    Custom made right side shifter (Lost my left leg above the knee due to a hit n run driver) SOOS's custom made floorboard spacer

  3. #3
    4750+ Posts msocko3's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    NE Ohio
    Posts
    4,592
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 12 Times in 10 Posts

    Default Re: To cam or not to cam

    Quote Originally Posted by FLTR2008TRIKE View Post
    Well to start with the question on cams, what do you know about the 103 engine build? Does it have head work? What was the static compression of the build? What size Throttle body?

    Just picking a cam for the engine based on what you think isnt smart. It might work and it might not. Cams are based on the the engine build meeting criteria. Exceed the criteria of the cam profile and you have a hot running pinging engine. Pick a cam that the engine doesnt meet the criteria of the cam and it will be a lack luster sluggish engine.

    Depending on your exhaust the 203 cams might need some additional back pressure to pick up the low end torque numbers some along with a good tune.

    Having a free flowing exhaust can hurt your low end torque. All stock and mild performance engines still require back pressure.

    When your working in the cam chest and changing the cams, change the cam bearings. Its cheap insurance while your in there. Bob Wood cams do perform, alot of his cams have valve train noise that you will hear. Many of the cam profiles have steep ramps and short durations causing the valve train noise.

    The noise you heard from the engine going up hills was it pinging ( detonation ), that could be from poor gas, a bad tune or both.

    Since your engine is a 05 was the engine updated with the hybrid cam plate? Harley had many engine failure due to the spring loaded cam chain tensioners. The SE kit also included the newer high volume oil pump for more oil pressure, oil fed cam tensioners ( same as the current twin cams) and a billet cam plate.

    Lifters, AMS & S&S are good lifters. Along with Gaterman, Head Quarters Black Ops lifters to name a few.

    Now here is what I know from my own experience with running a 103. The engine is not a good platform for a trike.

    Its too small for what it has to do. A trike kit adds 200lbs of extra laden weight to start. If your over 150lbs wet, its going to struggle to run up the mountain. The trike is not aerodynamic, add wind resistance and or a steep enough hill it runs out power.

    The 103 you have in your trike is not going to be as quick as it would be in a 2 wheel bike. There are improvements that can be made to have it perform better, but understand you will hit the ceiling at some point with the engine size in a trike
    http://i1347.photobucket.com/albums/...pswnuweejq.jpg
    Red Ultra Powered By Head-Quarters 120, Easy Clutch Pull By ClutchWIZ. 2012 GL1800 Hannigan. I've yet to ride a stock Harley which wasn't in need of a mechanical intervention.

  4. #4
    80+ Posts
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Middletown, NJ
    Posts
    83
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: To cam or not to cam

    [QUOTE=FLTR2008TRIKE;186311]Well to start with the question on cams, what do you know about the 103 engine build? Does it have head work? What was the static compression of the build? What size Throttle body?

    Just picking a cam for the engine based on what you think isnt smart. It might work and it might not. Cams are based on the the engine build meeting criteria. Exceed the criteria of the cam profile and you have a hot running pinging engine. Pick a cam that the engine doesnt meet the criteria of the cam and it will be a lack luster sluggish engine.

    Thanks for your feedback.

    The original owner had the trike "built" by a HD dealer in PA in 2005.

    An SE 103 engine with #203 cams was installed. I don't believe the heads were worked. I believe the cam plate is "stock" and that is why I want to go in and check things out while changing the cams.

    I plan on changing the cam bearings, lifters and rods if, and when I change the cams. I am considering a gear drive cam set up from Andrews.

    I have heard about noise from Wood's cams, too.

    The noise I hear definitely isn't a ping (preignition). It sounds like valves, but with a shorty helmet and 60+ MPG, it is really difficult to pinpoint the source of the noise. I heard this before I changed the stock pipes to V&H slash cuts. It came along with the trike when I bought it.

    I have the HP I need on a flat road. I lack the torque at lower RPM's. Several people on this website, and others said the 203 isn't the right cam. I am going by what they say, plus the feedback from Andrews, AMS, Woods, etc..

    The way I figure it, I should check the chain tensioners even if I don't change the cams.

    My intuition tells me that I could get a better cam, but I realize that the three wheeler isn't a two wheeler...and I miss that.

    Thanks again. Will post any results.

  5. #5
    800+ Posts FLTR2008TRIKE's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Near Myrtle Beach SC
    Posts
    807
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: To cam or not to cam

    [quote=engprosinc;187103]
    Quote Originally Posted by FLTR2008TRIKE View Post
    Well to start with the question on cams, what do you know about the 103 engine build? Does it have head work? What was the static compression of the build? What size Throttle body?

    Just picking a cam for the engine based on what you think isnt smart. It might work and it might not. Cams are based on the the engine build meeting criteria. Exceed the criteria of the cam profile and you have a hot running pinging engine. Pick a cam that the engine doesnt meet the criteria of the cam and it will be a lack luster sluggish engine.

    Thanks for your feedback.

    The original owner had the trike "built" by a HD dealer in PA in 2005.

    An SE 103 engine with #203 cams was installed. I don't believe the heads were worked. I believe the cam plate is "stock" and that is why I want to go in and check things out while changing the cams.

    I plan on changing the cam bearings, lifters and rods if, and when I change the cams. I am considering a gear drive cam set up from Andrews.

    I have heard about noise from Wood's cams, too.

    The noise I hear definitely isn't a ping (preignition). It sounds like valves, but with a shorty helmet and 60+ MPG, it is really difficult to pinpoint the source of the noise. I heard this before I changed the stock pipes to V&H slash cuts. It came along with the trike when I bought it.

    I have the HP I need on a flat road. I lack the torque at lower RPM's. Several people on this website, and others said the 203 isn't the right cam. I am going by what they say, plus the feedback from Andrews, AMS, Woods, etc..

    The way I figure it, I should check the chain tensioners even if I don't change the cams.

    My intuition tells me that I could get a better cam, but I realize that the three wheeler isn't a two wheeler...and I miss that.

    Thanks again. Will post any results.
    Gear drive cams are not needed unless your trying to squeeze every last ounce of power from your engine. Additionally they require your pinion end of the flywheel assembly to have less than .003 runout. Anymore and the gear drive wont last long because the pinion end will "wobble" and break teeth.

    Valve clatter is detonation. The 203 cams were designed for a 96" engine with mild head work. Your engine is a 103 which in a simple way of stating is the equivalent of the 96" engine with the head work. Obviously the engine tuner isnt calibrated correctly if your hearing valve clatter.

    I still think with a possible muffler change and a good tune you can get the torque back that your not getting currently.

    I think you right in wanting to check the cam chest since the work was done in 2005.

    Here is the listing for the SE upgrade kit >>

    Screamin' Eagle Hydraulic Cam Chain Tensioner Plate Upgrade Kit-25284-11 | Engines, Transmissions & Components | Official Harley-Davidson Online Store
    Overcoming Adversity is the path to better ideas!!

    2008 Roadglide w/ MOTOR TRIKE Kit
    S&S 124" Headwork & Custom designed cams by John
    Custom made right side shifter (Lost my left leg above the knee due to a hit n run driver) SOOS's custom made floorboard spacer

  6. DKCustoms postbit
  7. #6
    4750+ Posts msocko3's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    NE Ohio
    Posts
    4,592
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 12 Times in 10 Posts

    Default Re: To cam or not to cam

    [quote=FLTR2008TRIKE;187113]
    Quote Originally Posted by engprosinc View Post

    Gear drive cams are not needed unless your trying to squeeze every last ounce of power from your engine. Additionally they require your pinion end of the flywheel assembly to have less than .003 runout. Anymore and the gear drive wont last long because the pinion end will "wobble" and break teeth.

    Valve clatter is detonation. The 203 cams were designed for a 96" engine with mild head work. Your engine is a 103 which in a simple way of stating is the equivalent of the 96" engine with the head work. Obviously the engine tuner isnt calibrated correctly if your hearing valve clatter.

    I still think with a possible muffler change and a good tune you can get the torque back that your not getting currently.

    I think you right in wanting to check the cam chest since the work was done in 2005.

    Here is the listing for the SE upgrade kit >>

    Screamin' Eagle Hydraulic Cam Chain Tensioner Plate Upgrade Kit-25284-11 | Engines, Transmissions & Components | Official Harley-Davidson Online Store
    I used to have an 05 Electraglide Classic with the stage 2 which was 95" and SE 203 cams, they pulled pretty good on the bottom, would think they would pull even better in a 103. I think your right on the money about the tune, a lot of torque can be left on the table with a crummy tune.

    IMO a down side to installing gear drive on a crank that has not been plugged, welded or both is it can bet with in specs at install and shift later down the line and be out. The factory engine in my 06 Ultra was just a touch below .003 on the pinion side when it was taken to 95" and gear drive cams installed.

    Every couple years I would pull the right side apart and check to make sure the RO was still in spec. Finally on one of my checks I found it had shifted and the RO was now .005 which is asking for trouble with gear drive. I built the new 120 with a crank from Darkhorse crank works that is plugged and welded, I figured if I was going to have crank work done I may as well go all the waypepper.

    The stock engine now resides in the den.

    http://i1347.photobucket.com/albums/...pswnuweejq.jpg
    Red Ultra Powered By Head-Quarters 120, Easy Clutch Pull By ClutchWIZ. 2012 GL1800 Hannigan. I've yet to ride a stock Harley which wasn't in need of a mechanical intervention.

  8. #7
    80+ Posts
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Middletown, NJ
    Posts
    83
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: To cam or not to cam

    Quote Originally Posted by FLTR2008TRIKE View Post
    Well to start with the question on cams, what do you know about the 103 engine build? Does it have head work? What was the static compression of the build? What size Throttle body?

    Just picking a cam for the engine based on what you think isnt smart. It might work and it might not. Cams are based on the the engine build meeting criteria. Exceed the criteria of the cam profile and you have a hot running pinging engine. Pick a cam that the engine doesnt meet the criteria of the cam and it will be a lack luster sluggish engine.

    Depending on your exhaust the 203 cams might need some additional back pressure to pick up the low end torque numbers some along with a good tune.

    Having a free flowing exhaust can hurt your low end torque. All stock and mild performance engines still require back pressure.

    When your working in the cam chest and changing the cams, change the cam bearings. Its cheap insurance while your in there. Bob Wood cams do perform, alot of his cams have valve train noise that you will hear. Many of the cam profiles have steep ramps and short durations causing the valve train noise.

    The noise you heard from the engine going up hills was it pinging ( detonation ), that could be from poor gas, a bad tune or both.

    Since your engine is a 05 was the engine updated with the hybrid cam plate? Harley had many engine failure due to the spring loaded cam chain tensioners. The SE kit also included the newer high volume oil pump for more oil pressure, oil fed cam tensioners ( same as the current twin cams) and a billet cam plate.

    Lifters, AMS & S&S are good lifters. Along with Gaterman, Head Quarters Black Ops lifters to name a few.

    Now here is what I know from my own experience with running a 103. The engine is not a good platform for a trike.

    Its too small for what it has to do. A trike kit adds 200lbs of extra laden weight to start. If your over 150lbs wet, its going to struggle to run up the mountain. The trike is not aerodynamic, add wind resistance and or a steep enough hill it runs out power.

    The 103 you have in your trike is not going to be as quick as it would be in a 2 wheel bike. There are improvements that can be made to have it perform better, but understand you will hit the ceiling at some point with the engine size in a trike
    Thanks for your reply. Your idea about the cam support plate upgrade is good. I will contact the stealership that did the conversion to the big bore 103. As you can see, I still haven't done anything yet, except take the V&H off and install a set or Wild Pigs with the quieter insert. Haven't tried it on the road yet.

    Want to see if the cam chain tensioners are OK or not.

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •