Which is better chain driven cam or gear driven cam?
Generally speaking, gear driven cams for Harley are a bit more reliable long-term. Gear driven cams do whine a bit over the stock chain driven cams. Gear driven cam kits are a bit more expensive than chain and a little more is involved on the install as you’ll have to measure crank run out with a dial gauge and make sure the cam is still true etc.
How are the gears connected to the camshaft?
These gears are connected by the timing chain so that the position of the piston (connected to the crankshaft) correlates directly to the opening of the fuel and exhaust valves (operated by the camshaft) to keep your engine running smoothly. These gears should each be marked to help you reference their relative position.
What causes a cam chain to fail on a Harley Davidson?
The plastic spring loaded cam chain follower fails & it shreds plastic material that fouls the rotary gear oil pump cutting off oil flow to the engine. The problem is that many are experiencing failures at many different mileages, so it is hard to predict.
Which is the best Cam for a S & S cycle?
Choose from cams for stock chain drive or the bulletproof S&S gear drive cams. 509 Torque Cam A bolt-in low-end cam for 1999-’06 big twins with stock heads and moderate compression ratio. Perfect for baggers. Delivers great low and midrange torque from Idle-4500 rpm.
Can a twin cam gear drive be converted to gear drive?
Mike Roen walks us through the next level upgrade to gear drive instead of chain or the Twin Cam gear drive conversion. He reviews the poorly designed cam chain tensioners of the past and how Harley has “fixed” the issue but only after millions of motorcycles were produced with the shoes that can self destruct.
Which is better chain driven or geared cam?
In short, the only difference I can really find is that the gear driven is more meant for high end all out racing, and loses low end torque, and is more expensive. while chain driven is cheaper, easier to fix, and for street riding (conservative or aggressive) low-end. from what I could find, is this pretty much it or am I missing something?
Can a cam chain tensioner be converted to a twin cam?
Ask the owner if the cam chain tensioners have been upgraded to the Twin Cam gear drive conversion, when and to see the paperwork. Better yet have the motorcycle inspected to make sure they have been done. Check out the upgrade to hydraulic cam chain tensioner videos and watch our Cam Gear Drive Conversion Project.
Can a 13 Street Bob be a gear drive Cam?
If the crank runout is too high, you can’t even use a gear drive cam without taking the whole motor apart. Your 13 street bob has the good factory hydraulic tensioners, vs the crappy spring loaded tensioners in my 05 Super.
What should I look for in a Harley Davidson camshaft?
While there are no hard and fast rules for picking a cam for a specific application, some basic guidelines are worth considering. Keep in mind that performance camshafts are usually chosen for the basic purpose of producing more power from your engine. The three questions to answer before choosing a new cam for your Harley Davidson® motorcycle are:
What kind of CAMs do I need for S & S cycle?
Choose from stock chain drive style, or upgrade to S&S gear drive cams for the ultimate in valve train control. We highly recommend S&S Easy Start cams, which feature centrifugally operated compression releases that are not only convenient, automatic, and foolproof, but reduce wear and tear on your battery and starter.
Are there any problems with Harley Davidson Twin Cams?
Some guys rode those year bikes and never had a problem. Other’s had problems at unexpected times. Harley will tell you that if you are going to replace the shoes or do the upgrade you might as well do new cams, its no more in labor because the cam chest is already open, just the price of parts and a lifetime of reliability if you go gear drive.