I have been told that when changing from cam chain to cam gear set up that the rear cam shaft turns in the opposite direction. makes sence to me .less slack means better vave performance no?

 

Correct.
It's a real improvement.
More torque, and no more worries about worn tensioners.
Cam timing is also a lot more accurate.

Peter

 

Does this need to be done in all engines, or just particular years?

 

ngoti8tor...in the newer ones 07 and newer in the touring line, they used an improved oil pump, a different cam plate and different type of chain and tensioners. which would not only require all the aforementioned if installing it on an 06 or earlier, but cams as well because the sprockets are different to match the new design chain. better off to just bite the bullet and go gear drive and forget about all the other crap to begin with. that's the information i've been able to decipher on the issue since the initial problem was discovered. i hope this helps you. but if it's for your 08 fatboy you're good to go with the drive system you've already got. it will last a long time with the improved system that the 07's and newer have.

 

Thanks emwolb, that's what I wanted to know.