Sould I expect a noticible increase in power by putting cams in a 103?

 

Yes. But, because you will probably be doing upgrades to the A/C and exhaust. Those three things come together to make a noticeable improvement. I would say 20%, but the overall rideability will feel like more. And you'll cool the bike down some as well ditching the cat.

 

Yes! Best power upgrade for the money. I would rate it as the best overall mod to my bike, value-wise. Shotgun Shock being #2...

 

The gains are big for the money, but I missed the mileage more than I enjoyed the power...
It went from low to mid 40's to low to mid 30's.
There WILL be many opinions and some will be 100% contrary to mine, but that was my experience.

Mark

 

When you install a cam, air cleaner and an exhaust the biggest gain in that combination of the 3 is from a GOOD air cleaner. We did a lots of dyno runs and found out that we got 9 hp from just the air cleaner! So make sure you do all three so you will get the maximum effect.

 

Hey guys. I have seen the dyno numbers and heard of the power increase. I believe it is true. My question is where in normal driving do you see the difference. 0-60, burn rubber, accelerating, neck jerking torgue.
my reason for not doing cams yet is I get off the line just fine aggressive, hit speed limits + in short distance, passing 3 cages no problem. What do you use the new power for?

 

Need and want are two different things. In the want department, Harley leaves a lot of power on the table that a few simple changes solves. Most people want their bikes to sound more aggressive than the stock muffs so might as well get the extras to add performance to that noise. Plus the new bikes are hot. Changing the big 3 helps that (especially eliminating the cat).

As far as need - My Ultra, loaded down, was too slow passing on two lane. I needed the extra power to save on laundry - i.e. wash my shorts.

 

"need & want". Thanks that does make sense.
Harley does leave power on the table due to lean settings mandated by EPA. Few people do one change at a time and gauge results. add to that a 'want' to have a different exhaust as opposed to need. There have been many threads showing improvements by simply changing the AC, adding a tuner. have not seen many say power increased when I changed pipes, usually if it sounds louder you have lost power.
Perhaps my 2 into 1 stock in 2010 has power wanting in the stock 2-1-2. before any mods it lacked passing power at highway speed. added AC & Sepst tuner, stock muffler, decated, passing problem solved.

Back to my original question. What do you use the new power for? my bad for thinking all bikes pre cam change ran the same as mine, this is the problem comparing on the net.

 

Getting the heads ported and letting that puppy breathe will help alot, 30% is a bit optimistic IMHO.

 

I just know that I got about 80% more smile power out of my cams. Best upgrade I have made for my bike.