If you've already been looking for a method to wake up your own bike, putting an andrews 48h cam in 96 cubic inch motors is honestly one of the best moves you may make. It's one of those upgrades where you appear the difference the second you let out the clutch, rather than just seeing a slight bump on the dyno sheet that you can't even identify while riding. The majority of us who ride Twin Cams know that the stock set up is okay for cruising, but this can feel the bit sluggish when you're trying in order to pass a truck or climbing the hill using a traveler.
The 96-inch motor is an excellent platform, but it's notoriously "corked up" through the factory to fulfill emissions and audio standards. Swapping your stock cams for something like the particular Andrews 48H adjustments the entire personality associated with the bike. This doesn't turn it straight into a high-strung competition machine that's hard to handle; instead, it just gives you the grunt exactly where you need it—in the low in order to mid-range.
Why the 48H is a Sweet Spot with regard to the 96ci
When you begin looking in cam specs, it's easy to fail to find a way out in the quantities. You've got raise, duration, and intake closing angles to worry about. But for many guys riding the Street Glide, Road King, or Traditions Softail with the 96-inch engine, the particular andrews 48h cam in 96 setups works so well because it's a "bolt-in" cam. This means a person don't have in order to go crazy transforming valve springs or even machining the brain.
The 48H is made specifically in order to work with the particular stock compression of the 96ci motor. Some cams require a person to bump up the compression to really function right, but the 48H loves that 9. 2: 1 or even 9. 6: 1 range. It shuts the intake control device at a point that builds great cylinder pressure, which translates directly to that "stump-pulling" torque that Harley bikers love.
True World Power versus. Peak Numbers
It's tempting to go for the cam that claims huge horsepower quantities at 6, 000 RPM. But let's be real: just how often are a person actually riding at 6, 000 RPM? If you're such as me, you spend 90% of your time between 2, 000 and four, 000 RPM. That's where the andrews 48h cam in 96 motors really shines.
It begins making power nearly immediately. You'll notice that off-the-line hesitation is gone. Whenever you're in sixth gear doing 65 or even 70 mph and also you need to get around someone, you don't necessarily have to downshift in order to fifth anymore. You simply twist the grip, and the bike responds.
The Installation Process and What You Need
If you're arranging on doing this yourself, or actually if you're taking it to a store, there are the few items to keep in mind. Considering that the 96ci motors (2007-2011) already have got the hydraulic tensioners, you don't possess to worry about the spring-style tensioner issues that the 88ci motors had. Nevertheless, while you're in there, you ought to definitely replace the particular inner cam bearings.
Torrington-style (Koyo) bearings really are a need to. The stock types are a little bit flimsy, and for the twenty dollars they cost, it's cheap insurance. Many people also opt for adjustable overhead valves. Why? Because this saves you from having to take the entire top end from the engine apart (the rocker boxes) for the old pushrods out. You can just bolt the new cams in, adjust the rods, and you're all set.
Supporting Upgrades
To obtain the most out there of an andrews 48h cam in 96 engine, you can't simply swap the cams and call this each day. You need to let the particular engine breathe. The high-flow air solution and a good exhaust system are usually virtually mandatory. If you're still operating the stock "sewing machine" mufflers and the plastic air flow box, you're going to be making a lot of performance on the table.
More importantly, you're going to need a tuner. Whether it's an electrical Commander, a Vance & Hines FP3, or even a full dyno tune with a TTS Mastertune or even Dynojet PV, the bike needs even more fuel. Cams switch the airflow features of the engine, and if you don't adjust the particular fuel map, the bike will run lean, get very hot, and probably pop a lot on deceleration.
Riding Opinions: The "Seat associated with the Pants" Test
I've spoken to a lot of riders who made the change, and the consensus is usually the particular same: "This is how the bicycle should have arrive from the manufacturing plant. " It's not really a violent switch, but it's a substantial one. The nonproductive gets a little bit more of the "rumble" to it, though it's not a super choppy race idle.
When you're traveling through town, the bike feels lighter because it requires less effort to obtain it moving. On the highway, the 48H stays right in its power band. In the event that you're two-up and loaded down with luggage for the weekend trip, the andrews 48h cam in 96 configuration is a lifesaver. It requires the strain off the motor when you're pulling a grade or fighting the headwind.
An additional thing people notice is that the engine seems to run a little smoother in individuals mid-range cruising speeds. Because the motor isn't struggling in order to find power, a person aren't wringing the neck as very much, which could actually help with fuel economic climate if you can keep your hand out of the throttle—though that's easier mentioned than done when you feel the fresh torque.
Comparing the 48H in order to the 21H or 26H
A person might see a few guys talking about the Andrews 21H or 26H cameras. The 21H is usually an absolute rpm monster at quite low RPMs, however it tends to run out of breath a little earlier. The 26H is an excellent all-arounder but works a bit much better if you've done a little more work in order to the bike.
The 48H was basically made to be the particular "perfect" cam regarding the 96 plus 103 inch engines. It takes the very best of both worlds—getting that low-end grunt of the 21 but holding onto the power just a little longer like the particular 26. For a heavy touring bike, it's very hard in order to beat.
Is definitely It Worth the Money?
Let's talk turkey. A cam swap isn't the least expensive upgrade, especially whenever you factor in the cams, the particular bearings, the overhead valves, the gaskets, plus the tuner. When you're paying the shop to perform it, you're searching at several hours of labor.
But here's the thing: compared to doing a big bore kit or even headwork, an andrews 48h cam in 96 engine swap is the most "bang with regard to your buck" you will get. It's the solitary most noticeable inner engine change you may make without pulling the particular cylinders off. In case you're happy with the reliability of your 96ci nevertheless just want more "get up plus go, " this is the route to take.
Most riders discover that after they will do the cams, these people stop looking with regard to more power. It satisfies that desire to have a faster bike with no sacrificing the ability to go on a 3, 000-mile road trip. You aren't compromising the durability of the engine; you're just allowing it work more efficiently.
Conclusions on the Upgrade
At the particular end of the day, your bike is an expansion of how you including to ride. If you're a redline-chaser who wants in order to drag race every sportbike at the stoplight, you might would like a more aggressive cam and a few headwork. Yet for the majority of Harley owners who desire the reliable, snappy, plus powerful cruiser, the andrews 48h cam in 96 is a tried-and-true combination.
It's an adjustment that pays for itself in smiles every time you hit an on-ramp. Just make certain you are doing your research for the install, obtain a solid track, and don't forget to change all those inner cam bearings. Once it's almost all dialed in, you'll probably wonder las vegas dui attorney waited so long to do it. Happy using, and luxuriate in that brand-new found torque!