REPRINT FROM OLD HTT: CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAM FOR A '89 FXR

[ClassicRider2002]

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS A REPRINT TOPIC FROM "OLD" HTT

I have saved many great topical discussions as "links" over the years and would hate to see these lost, so I am reprinting this TOPIC here, which may "perhaps" help some.

TOPIC:  Choosing The Right Cam For A '89 FXR  06-05-05
   

From: HyperDetroit  (Original Message) Sent: 6/5/2005 2:14 PM   Message 1 of 28 in Discussion
I need a little more insight in choosing the right cam for my bike.   It is a stock 89 FXR with S&S Super E carburetor and Cycle Shack M-pipes.  I just want a slight increase in performance, nothing too outrageous.  Thus far the two cams that I think will work are Andrews EV3 or S&S 502.  Any other suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks

Hyper

[ClassicRider2002]

From: The Ironman Sent: 6/5/2005 2:35 PM    Message 2 of 28 in Discussion
Detroit,
  The first thing you have to do to make the "right choice" is to ask yourself some hard qustions and give yourself some honest answers. 
   First, are you looking for HP or torque.  Also, what RPM range are you most likely to operate in?  Do you mostly ride solo? or do you have a passenger with you most of the time?  What other mods are you making or planning to make? 
   A cam alone most often won't give you what your probably looking for.  Chances are you will be looking to modify your engines breathing capacity as well.  Ie, air cleaner and exhaust. 
   Also, don't mess up your power gains by installing open exhausts, thinking that your loud bike is also running better.  (unless of course your running WFO)
  No bud, there are no easy answers.  To make the "Proper" decision, you'll have to do some reaserch.  Good luck,
  Sam


From: The Ironman Sent: 6/5/2005 2:43 PM   Message 3 of 28 in Discussion 
Detroit,
  Also, while it's not etched is stone, both the Andrews EV-3, and the S&S 502 are bolt ins, working best in lighter bikes.
 Sam


From: HyperDetroit Sent: 6/5/2005 2:49 PM   Message 4 of 28 in Discussion   
Ironman:

Well, I have already addressed the breathing capacity with Super E carburetor and Cycle Shack pipes. And it is a light bike (89 FXR).  Primarily I am looking for the increase in bottom end power (torque) without having to give up anything significant at the top end.  It is mostly ridden solo for long distances (touring).  Having given you this background, I think you can see my leaning towards either EV3 or S&S 502.  If you have any other suggestions on cam choice that you think are better suited for this, or if you have any more background questions, please let me know.
Thanks
Hyper


From: Burnout Sent: 6/5/2005 2:52 PM   Message 5 of 28 in Discussion   
I have an EV3 installed in my 94 FXSTC and I like the power range and the top end but I did not achieve it until I replaced my drag pipes with a thunderheader.  I also have a little bit of headwork and reworked carb.


From: The Ironman Sent: 6/5/2005 9:05 PM   Message 6 of 28 in Discussion   
Hyper,
  Sounds like you know where you want to go and have already made the decisions.  I would also look into a quality (after market) air filter.  Once done, to perfectly dial in your system, you should look into putting her on a dyno and see if the tech can tweak out a little more power for you.
  Cams, exhaust and air intake work as a system, so don't be surprised if the tech tells you that he can get a bit more power if you use a different set of pipes/ cam etc.  This of course can get very pricey very quickly.   
  Since your looking for a modest increase, stick with what you've got, and tune it, (via the dyno) the very best you can.
  Best of luck,
  Sam, (The Ironman)
   

From: Dunbarton3 Sent: 6/6/2005 6:54 AM   Message 7 of 28 in Discussion
take a peak at this link.
http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/selectcam.htm

Although it's not too current wrt what's in the market moment by moment, it does give you good reliable info, some comparitive data and recommendations for style of bike and riding habits.  There is a pretty big difference in how the cams perform (characteristics) between cams designed for the heavier bikes and light bikes, so what is good for 1 may not fit the bill for another.  Hope this helps.

 
From: ClassicRider2002 Sent: 6/7/2005 4:32 PM   Message 8 of 28 in Discussion   
Well I just purchased a 1999 FXR2 and I will be doing a cam this winter....I am thinking about an Andrews 27 cam.  Have you thought about this one.....I have a Andrews 26g in my road king classic and it's great......

Regards,

"Classic"


From: JAMESP1232 Sent: 6/7/2005 6:22 PM   Message 9 of 28 in Discussion 
V-Thunder 3010 or 3020 will work real good. Also, Comp Cams has a new line of Extreme Energty cams...same company that makes V- Thunder ...dont know anybody running the new ones...The 3010 cam is very quite and pulls from <1800 rpm to upper range and is easy bolt in install....lots of good cams out there....just dont over cam for what you have .....
    

From: Evorider4 Sent: 6/7/2005 6:46 PM   Message 10 of 28 in Discussion
So you are usin the 3010???
chico


From: 94fxstc2 Sent: 6/7/2005 8:41 PM   Message 11 of 28 in Discussion
if your looking for good torque and horsepower around 74-78 look at the crane 310 or andrews ev27 these are boyh great bolt in cams that respond in a increase in compression to 9:5 to 1 you already have a great set of pipes just my .02


From: L-Bar Sent: 6/7/2005 8:55 PM   Message 12 of 28 in Discussion
The Andrews EV-27 is an excellent choice also.  I like to mill the heads to get about 9.5:1 CR.                 


From: SUPERDAVE8404 Sent: 6/8/2005 5:48 AM   Message 13 of 28 in Discussion
I was running the ev3 cam in my 90 fl and it was a really good cam for all around use.I had a different exhaust and intake with the heads shaved .050.  Gas mileage was good and performance was decent.There was no lifter noise at all.


From: JAMESP1232 Sent: 6/8/2005 10:37 AM   Message 14 of 28 in Discussion
Chico, yes I am using the 3010. From stock I used an EV-27 first but mine was especially noisey and I was afraid something was wrong...I put in a 3020 and it was very quite and very fast.... my brother gave me a 3010 back in February and just for the hell of it I put it in recently and I love it...It turns on sooner and since I rarely see 5000RPM it pulls like a locomotive and will break the back tire loose in 2nd gear at will..It is smooth and quite...my pipes are not very quite however.....you really wont go wrong with any of the popular bolt in cams recomended here...have fun...JAMESP


From: 113EVO1 Sent: 6/8/2005 1:04 PM   Message 15 of 28 in Discussion
Detroit,

I have a 94 FXR, I ran the EV3 for a year then tried the S&S 502... with my combo the 502 made more power. 80" 10 over 9.0 cr, Manley Hi flo Valves, S&S 502 cam, Super E carb, Cycle Shack 1 3/4- 2 into 2, /2, Crane HI 4, Avon SuperVenom 150 rear tire (converted to chain for traction) Dynod 80 HP 81 TQ. Has ran the 1/4 mile in 12.53 ET at 106 MPH.
The 502 is not a radical cam but pull's hard from 3000 to 6000 rpm.
Hope this helps!  Twincamr

 
From: Evorider4 Sent: 6/8/2005 4:14 PM    Message 16 of 28 in Discussion
Hi James
im runnin the w6, nice cammy fxr evo became an animal after 3000 ,BUT im very bad on the gas mileage
doing 32 mpg, the catalog says the the 3010 has an excelent mileage, i tinkin about ,i take out the Mikuni and back to old CV and will wait , the main concern is ,i only have 4 gal on the gas tank, too little for trips
how about your evo mileage??
thanks
chico

[ClassicRider2002]

From: cruffleon Sent: 6/8/2005 6:58 PM    Message 17 of 28 in Discussion   
I'm running a 3010 in my 97 Heritage with a Mikuni. It runs strong and pulls like a train while delivering a solid 40MPG.


From: Evorider4 Sent: 6/8/2005 7:26 PM   Message 18 of 28 in Discussion
Hi cruff
will order a 3010 to try, everybody usin this cam talk very well about it.
i was very worried with a 4 galoon gas tank and this low number with mileage.
the 40mpg in street or higway??
chico
 
From: cruffleon Sent: 6/8/2005 7:49 PM   Message 19 of 28 in Discussion
The 40 MPG is mixed riding, mostly around town and back and forth to work. I put the cam in over the winter and havn't done a road trip yet to check highway milage. I suggest you reuse your original cam gear if possible to insure proper gear lash and don't forget about changing that inner bearing while you have it apart.


From: Evorider4 Sent: 6/8/2005 8:21 PM   Message 20 of 28 in Discussion   
thanks for the input.
help me a lot
chico


From: blazingsaddleseh Sent: 6/9/2005 12:04 AM   Message 21 of 28 in Discussion
I ran the 3010 in my old 80" set up with Cycle Shack pipes, Crane single fire ignition,
S&S Super E, adj. pushrods, head work and 10:1 KB pistons. The bike was very fast and reliable. Gas mileage was great too!


From: Evorider4 Sent: 6/9/2005 4:04 PM   Message 22 of 28 in Discussion    
thats was my great concern!!!
i use a 9:7:1 CR, with 234 degrees i was thinkin would have a big problem with ping,
chico


From: JAMESP1232 Sent: 6/9/2005 7:08 PM   Message 23 of 28 in Discussion 
chico, My springer (FXSTS) is getting over 45 mpg with the 3010.  44 was the  worst I ever got with the 3020. I only checked a few times because I can run 200 miles before putting the bike on reserve...JAMESP


From: Evorider4 Sent: 6/9/2005 9:44 PM   Message 24 of 28 in Discussion    
James
Nice, as i understand they have almost the same fuel mileage. your carb should be fine tunned
what is the carb you runnin??
thanks
chico 


From: rdkng Sent: 6/10/2005 11:43 AM   Message 25 of 28 in Discussion    Jamesp1232,   aside from noise issues,  (my ev27 is quiet)  do you think the 3010 provide more or different power from the ev27 ?   (I have  a 1995 rdkng, with se heads at 9.5 cr)   Thanks! 


From: 113EVO1 Sent: 6/10/2005 10:42 PM   Message 26 of 28 in Discussion
rdkng,
I have a 98 RK, SE4 cam with stock heads, SE Ign & Air cleaner with 2 into 1 Thunderheader. I've been considering installing the SE heads... have you dynoed your RK? I'm curious how much power they make with your cam.
Thanks
113evo1           


From: rdkng Sent: 6/13/2005 7:51 AM    Message 27 of 28 in Discussion
113EVO1,   I havent done a dyno since I added the SE heads.  but it does run much better and even sounds better with the 9.5 comp rato.   (FYI, I got the heads off ebay  solid black to save $$,  then in only 45 mins, dremmeled tooled the black off the fins for the highlighted look.  worked fine)   I like them.   Happy motoring..  Rdkng   


From: sevenlivesleft Sent: 6/14/2005 8:58 AM   Message 28 of 28 in Discussion    
I was hoping some one would be kind enough to tell me if a320 would be a good cam for the 10.5 KB pistons I am runing in my 98 RK .I currently have EV-27es in. 

[ClassicRider2002]

Anything added beyond this point is new information.

Regards,

"Classic"

[bobrk1]

a friend has the ev3 in his fxr runs stong and hes beat it since I can remember, also look at head-quarters site I run one and its real strong another friend ran one in his shovel that he loved to beat on and he said the bike ran so good because of that cam.