My dealership said they can install a cam for $878.74 out the door. Is this a good deal? They will be installing adjustable pushrods, cam kit, cam and labor. I have a choice between the SE 255 or 204 cam. I might do a BB 103 down the road oneday. I know this has been dicussed many times but I just want some fresh thoughts on how you like or dislike either cam. Thanks for any comments...hopefully it will make my decision easier.

 

Even if that price includes the cams and pushrods it sounds a little high to me. I bought my own cams and pushrods, I think the install labor and a few gaskets cost me around $400.00. 255's and SE adjustables don't add up to an additional $478. The "cam kit", in my opinion, is a rip-off, especially if you're putting in adjustables. Lots of happy bagger riders using 255's.

 

There are big differences between the 204 and 255.

Questions should be asked-
what do you/old lady/bike weigh?
what kind of riding (touring or tavern to tavern)?
what rpm are you mostly in?
what are you doing as far as heads or at least springs?

The 204 is basically a bolt-in like the 203 with a little less duration on the exhaust valve. Works with stock heads and quits pulling at about 5800 rpm.

The 255 is usually used in big bore applications and with high compression pistons. Good low-end and forgiving of "short-shifting", they have more lift than the 204, so springs/heads may come into play.

 

I had one local dealer tell me $600 out the door to install SE-255, using my stock pushrods, with a Stage 2 download included (I already had the cams and the kit). Went to a different dealer and they quoted $250 to install the cams and $250 to dyno the bike...FWIW...

 

How do you like the 255 after you had it installed? I weight 230 and the misses 135. I do some 2up riding and most local and once in a while will take a long trip. I'm looking for a little more low to mid torque.

 

I have 203's in my 05 TC88, so not a great comparison, but with no head work, I do like it. Feel like I have a little more get up and go on the highway, as I am in the higher RPM range with my 5 speed tranny than you 6 speed guys are. As was stated, I believe the 255 is more for bigger built engines, but maybe your 96 is big enough, I know it wasn't suggested by my wrench for an 88.

 

That about sums it up... The 255 comes on early and signs off early. The 204 hits its peak around 3 grand and it has a pretty flat curve until just shy of 6 grand.

 

Take it. That's a good deal IMO. Cams and push-rods alone would be $500 or so. If you're going to do the 103 like you said in the future, go with the SE255's. Try to get them to include the dyno - which you'll need to do regardless of who installs the cams.

 

The 204 is not a race cam by any stretch of the imagination. It has a slight lope at idle, pulls cleanly from 2k rpms and starts to hit it's stride around 2800. It also pulls well without falling off until around 5800. I shared a common concern, having a 6 speed, would the 204s be too much because with the stock cams high gear was useless below 70. With the 204s, it's actually smoother than before in 6th at 65, it takes throttle well with good acceleration that really becomes rapid if I drop it to 5th. I was frustrated with the stock cams running out of steam when I really needed the boost, now it passes with authority. I noticed a lot more bark from the Rineharts after the swap. All in all, it's a lot of fun, I just need to stay out of the throttle because the bike wants to run. Of course, since it's my cam, I like it best!!!

 

There have been numerous threads and posts on this in the past month. Here you go straight out of the SE parts catalog. These are both botl-in cams. The 255 offers upgradability to the 103.
The 255 is a low range cam. The 204 is a mid range cam. As aready stated the 255 comes on strong at take off and slowly fades as rpms rise. The 204 comes on strong a little later as rpms get closer to 2500 and pretty well stay till passing 5500. Most people that have stated they are happy with the cam no matter which they have. If you can tool a little you could more than likely do it yourself. This shortcut shows and describes the task very well. Good luck deciding. Also 255 are for sale in the classifieds, and chicago hd sells at 20% off.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...-write-up.html

SE-204 CAM KIT

This midrange torque bolt-in cam produces peak horsepower
around 5800 rpm and installation does not require
any headwork or performance valve springs. Should be used
in conjunction with open intake and exhaust.

Fits ’99-’05 Dyna, ’00-’06 Softail and
’99-’06 Touring models.

25464-06 $299.95

Fits ’06-later Dyna, and ’07-later Softail and

Touring models.

SE-255 CAM KIT

The ultimate in torque cams, this cam offers substantial
increased in low end torque for engines up to 110 cubic
inches with compression ratios up to 10 to 1. The low end
torque increases are great for heavy bikes or for the person
who routinely shifts below 4500 rpm and wants the power
available to pass without downshifting. The cam still makes
peak power above 5000 rpm so people with lighter bikes will
enjoy the torque increases without feeling like the bike runs
out of air at higher engines speeds. These cams are used in
the ’07 and later street legal 1690 Stage II kits and the 110
Stage Kits. Compression releases may be required depending
on displacement and compression ratio.

Fits ’06-later Dyna, and ’07-later Softail and

Touring models.