I've got a '00 883 with the SE air cleaner and Supertrapp 2 into 2 flat track exhaust. Will be buying adjustable forks from the old Sportster S model with dual discs, (still available and reasonably priced!), and shocks. I want to keep the motor as an 883 and was wondering if there would be any noticeable increase in power if I go with the SE bolt-in cams. I'm not looking to make the most powerful motorcycle I can, just a more powerful 883 with stock reliability. Anyone have any experience with that upgrade? Also, I read that stock cam sets must be ordered for certain tolerance variations with the engine cases, (otherwise they can make some gear whine). Are the SE bolt-in cams available for the different engine case tolerance variations?

 

You won't get much with bolt in cams on a stock 883. Your best bet is to make it a 1200. Or maybe some head work and the bolt in cams for the 883.

 

+1
the 1200 conversion kits are very reliable these days. It is really the only way you are going to get more power from an 883. The cams are only going to make a noticable difference if you do the motor work to support them.

 

If you have your heads worked over the cams would help but otherwise they are just gonna make your bike sound better at idle.

 

That 883 can be souped up to be quite a hotrod. But as a rule cams are almost useless with out head work, IE: Stage 1, 2 or 3 heads.

 

Sounds like it won't be worth investing in cams. Oddly, I examined another thread about a "cams only" upgrade for the big engines and all replies were positive. Thanks for all the input.

 

The Big Twins (BT's) are a completely different animal.