spend some time studying your service manual before you start the job. the service manual is something that will help you with many things you might want to do to your bike.

 

You got good advice here and I can't add to it. Only to say I just changed mine using the manual, Atrain's write up, and iclick's write up. Plus I had a "go to guy" when I had questions. If you do it, feel free to PM me and I will answer any questions I can.

 

I also went to orileys and for a deposit you get to use a pilot bearing puller for free.(get it back on time) You will need the correct size torque wrench. Also do your self a favor and spring for the adjustable push rods. That is unless you want to add to the task by pulling the rocker covers.

My advice is to take your time , use extra care at every step of the way.
There are some pictures documenting the procedure here on this forum.(Do a search) I did and it made a big difference .

Other good advice I have read is to tag or bag every thing as you disassemble it.
Mark to identify it.
Pre read the manual at least twice.
Keep your work area clean and organized.

Best of luck

 

Thanks for all the advice guys, guess ill give her a whirl!

 

righty tighty lefty loosey really search this forum there's a couple of writeups with pictures and double check your timing marks and get the right cam specs. for your stock heads

 

Study up and have the right parts and tools ready. The least fun part is removing and installing the exhaust. The job seems intimidating to many, but as long as you have the right tools and keep things real organized, the project will be enjoyable.

 

I also found it an enlightening experience and wouldn't have passed-up the opportunity. It gives you a good bonding experience with the bike and you'll understand the workings of that part of the engine when finished. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble endeavor.

Read the manual until you've almost memorized the process, then ask yourself if there's anything you don't understand. If so, get back with us, as someone can explain it. The important thing is to follow the steps in the manual, make a checklist, label everything, and double-check each step of the operation. If you go slow like I did it'll take you a full day to do the job, a bit less if you use adjustable pushrods.

You won't need the alignment or locking tools, and those types of tips are covered in Atrain68's tutorial and my more limited one. There are others, so do a search and read them all.

 

i agree

 

First, I'm no mechanic but do think that I'm a quick learner with attention to detail. I Finished up my cam install this week and was able to test ride it yesterday. I think I'm still grinning about the whole process. Overall, if you take your time and stay organized, it really isn't that bad. I think I had a total of 10 hours into it, but a lot of that time was reading the service manual and checking some of the forum write-ups before proceeding with each step. My biggest struggle was getting a few of the fasteners removed. Others have said the exhaust removal is the toughest. Mine was really easy since I have dual head pipes without a crossover. The performance difference is well worth the time/money spent. It's not gonna get the front wheel off the ground, but the 0-70 time frame is pretty quick and if you do a lot of twisties or hills, you'll really think it's worth it.

 

I enjoyed it and mine was a nightmare go back and check my tread! But Atrain's and iclick's write up are great I also had the forum in suspense and providing all kinds support and help. If you have any thoughts of doing it and a little mechanically inclined do it. Just read and get the tools and parts all lined up first.

My luck happened to get a set of cams with the timing marks wrong happened on the first run of the SE 255's and the TB they issued really does not tell you how to fix it correctly but I got there. I took my apart and put it back together 3 times! The first 2 time using the stock push rods the last time bought the adjustable push rods. I can do it in my eyes closed now. It was great experience and I learned a ton, could not believe the outpouring of help from this forum amazing.