If you're looking to wake upward your Harley-Davidson Twin Cam, installing the woods 555 cam kit is most likely one of the greatest moves you may make. It's not just about chasing dyno numbers that look good on paper; it's about how the bike actually feels whenever you're on the road, clicking by means of gears and wanting to pass a semi-truck on a two-lane highway. Most motorcyclists find that their stock setup feels the bit "choked out" once they take it for granted, and that's exactly where Bob Wood's Knight Prowler series is needed.
The TW-555, often just the "triple nickels, " has earned a huge reputation in the V-twin world regarding being one of the most flexible cams ever made for the 96, 103, and also 110-inch engines. It's that perfect middle floor to don't have to sacrifice your own low-end grunt just to get several top-end speed.
Why the 555 Hits the Special Spot
Many of us don't spend our period redlining our bikes at the drag strip. We spend our time among 2, 000 plus 5, 000 RPM. That's the "real world" powerband. The particular beauty of the woods 555 cam kit is that it's specifically built to thrive within that exact variety. When you exchange out those slight factory cams for the, the first issue you'll notice is definitely how much more "alive" the throttle feels.
The lift on these types of is. 555", that is where the title originates from, and the particular timing is set up in order to pull hard from the get-go. It's a "bolt-in" cam, meaning you don't necessarily have to go digging directly into your cylinder mind or changing out there your valve springs on most contemporary Twin Cams, though you should always double-check your clearances. It's designed to work together with the stock compression ratios, which is usually a huge in addition for guys who else want more strength without tearing the particular entire top end associated with the motor aside.
What's In fact Inside the Kit?
When you buy a complete woods 555 cam kit, you aren't just getting 2 pieces of machined metal. To perform the job right, you need the supporting hardware. Generally, a high-quality kit will probably include the cams themselves, a set of top-end lifters, and usually some adjustable pushrods.
The particular adjustable pushrods are just about a necessity in case you don't desire to pull the particular rocker boxes away, which saves the ton of period throughout the install. Plus, Bob Wood is usually pretty particular about his lifters. The particular Knight Prowler directional lifters are often suggested because these cameras have a relatively aggressive ramp profile. You need a lifter that can keep up and stay quiet. There's nothing worse compared to a high-performance construct that sounds like a sewing machine due to cut-rate lifters.
The Audio and the "Chop"
Let's become honest—part of exactly why we change cams is for the particular sound. The stock Harley idle will be okay, but it's a bit made sanitary. Once you drop the woods 555 cam kit directly into your bike, typically the idle assumes the completely different character. It's got that classic, muscular lope that tells everybody at the stoplight that there's some thing greater than stock below the tank.
It's not too aggressive that the bicycle becomes a discomfort to ride in traffic, though. Several "race" cams make the bike trip or surge with low speeds, but the 555 stays pretty civil. It's a "gentleman's hot rod" cam. You receive the aggressive properly the "chop" in idle, but as soon as you let out the particular clutch, it smooths out and just pulls.
Set up Realities and Fine-tuning
I'm heading to be straight with you: when you've never worked on a Double Cam cam upper body before, this can be a job that requires a few patience and the right tools. You'll require a cam showing puller and installer—don't attempt to cheap out there and use the hardware store bolt and some washers, or you'll end up crying over a ruined engine situation.
Replacing the inner cam bearings is the "while you're in there" kind of job that you totally should do. The stock bearings are usually okay for share loads, but with the increased lift and duration of the woods 555 cam kit, you desire some heavy-duty Torrington-style bearings in presently there for peace of mind.
Once the parts are within, you must tune the bicycle. You can't simply slap these within and go intended for a ride within the stock ECM chart. The bike will certainly run lean, it'll run hot, and you'll be leaving a massive amount of performance on the table. Whether you use an Energy Vision, a Vance & Hines FP4, or carry it to a pro for any dyno tune, obtaining the air-fuel ratio right is what can make the difference in between a bike that's "okay" and the bike that loopholes.
Who Will be This Kit Regarding?
The woods 555 cam kit is perfect with regard to the rider who tours but furthermore likes to enjoy. If you have a Street Glide or a Road Glide and you're usually loaded lower with gear or a passenger, you need that torque in order to get the bike moving. This cam provides that. It's also great intended for the guy along with a Dyna or even a Softail who would like to pull the front wheel up every now and then without needing to build the 124-inch monster motor.
It's not for the guy who wants in order to break land speed records. If you're looking for maximum horsepower at seven, 000 RPM, you'd probably look in the Wood's 777 or 999 cameras, but those require higher compression and more head function. The 555 will be the "everyman" performance cam. It's reliable, it's proven, and this doesn't turn your own reliable daily drivers right into a finicky movie trailer queen.
Comparing the 555 in order to Other Options
You'll often hear people debating between the Woods 222 and the 555. Simply put, the 222 is a torque beast that peaks really early. It's great in case you never rev your bike previous 4, 000 RPM. But the 555 keeps its power more time. If you want to stay in the gear just a little longer and feel that rush of acceleration through the mid-range, the 555 will be the better selection.
When compared with several of the " Screamin' Eagle" choices from the factory, the particular Woods cams usually have a more aggressive profile. They open the valves faster and hold all of them open in a way that boosts the "gulp" of air the engine takes. This is definitely why a bike with a woods 555 cam kit will often outrun the similarly equipped bike using a "tamer" Phase II factory kit.
Final Ideas on the Double Nickels
All in all, upgrading your cameras is the one most cost-effective way to obtain an enormous smile on the encounter every time you ride. The woods 555 cam kit has stayed popular for years intended for a simple cause: it works. It transforms the character of the Harley Twin Cam engine from the lazy easy riding bike right into a snappy, responsive machine.
Sure, it will take some function to get it set up and dialed in, however the first period you hit an on-ramp and sense that surge torque capacity through 3rd and 4th gear, you'll know exactly where your hard earned money went. It's a great investment with regard to any rider which feels like their particular bike has more potential waiting to be unlocked. Simply make sure you get a good tune, change your oil regularly, and enjoy the newest living you've breathed into your ride.