Cams=better mileage

[Ben_D]

When I first converted my XCT, I was disappointed at how my mileage went down. I decided that if I was going to ride a gas guzzler, it may as well be fast, too! I installed a set of Lloydz HOH-1 cams, and reinstalled my Power Commander and loaded a generic map from The Vic Shop. Well, I am pleased to note that the trike runs like a raped ape, and I actually gained 5 mpg! Win, win! Now for a dyno tune!

[Iowavicrider]

I had a similar experience. Had cams, tuner and dyno done and my mileage on routine driving dropped below 20mpg. Took it back to the wrench and he told me to give it a 1,000 miles and see what happens. Sure enough, mileage went back up to 28-30 mpg, with no loss of power or torque!

[Blueline]

When I first converted my XCT, I was disappointed at how my mileage went down. I decided that if I was going to ride a gas guzzler, it may as well be fast, too! I installed a set of Lloydz HOH-1 cams, and reinstalled my Power Commander and loaded a generic map from The Vic Shop. Well, I am pleased to note that the trike runs like a raped ape, and I actually gained 5 mpg! Win, win! Now for a dyno tune!

[hogcowboy]

I actually gained 5 mpg!

Is that 5mpg gain from the original mileage or the poor mileage? Makes a difference in just how impressive the gain is.

[Gorilla]

MPG is all about matching the torque of your motor to the riding style and the machine. If you lug the motor the fuel system tries to keep the machine going by adding fuel that doesn't get used. If you ride it at to high of an RPM then it is again adding fuel that is not being used efficiently. Your best fuel economy is achieved when the motor is running at and near the peak of the torque curve. Most manufactures take this into account when they gear their machines, but they also have to meet EPA requirements.

When you want more performance changing things in your motor when you do not have concerns for EPA requirements can have a positive effect. The better you match fuel flow by both the exhaust and intake flows to get in that torque curve area of best efficiency where you normally ride the better EPA.

Its all about matching intake, cams, and exhaust governed by the ECM program with the gearing to get the best results.

[Ben_D]

Is that 5mpg gain from the original mileage or the poor mileage? Makes a difference in just how impressive the gain is.

The gain is from the poor mileage, which was 28-30. I calculated mileage using miles traveled divided by gallons added to tank, not the computer.

[Ben_D]

MPG is all about matching the torque of your motor to the riding style and the machine. If you lug the motor the fuel system tries to keep the machine going by adding fuel that doesn't get used. If you ride it at to high of an RPM then it is again adding fuel that is not being used efficiently. Your best fuel economy is achieved when the motor is running at and near the peak of the torque curve. Most manufactures take this into account when they gear their machines, but they also have to meet EPA requirements.

When you want more performance changing things in your motor when you do not have concerns for EPA requirements can have a positive effect. The better you match fuel flow by both the exhaust and intake flows to get in that torque curve area of best efficiency where you normally ride the better EPA.

Its all about matching intake, cams, and exhaust governed by the ECM program with the gearing to get the best results.

I appreciate the info, Gorilla. I’m really looking forward to the dyno tune!