Are you looking for the best cam upgrade for a Harley 103? If yes, you are at the right place.
The Harley 103 is a superb bike with unique specifications of horsepower and a wide range of torque. If you are here, you are scouting for a cam to modify torque, horsepower, better looks, reduction of bike weight, or generic increased engine power. May even be a mix of some of these reasons compel you to scout for a cam.
There are many aftermarket cams available in the market, and the decision to select one requires some review. For your ease, we’ve reviewed some of the best cam upgrades for a Harley 103.
Go on, read through, and pick the one that you see matching your needs.
Best Camshafts for Harley 103 – Comparison Table
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Feuling Reaper 574 Camshaft (Top Pick) | Check Price |
 | S&S Cycle 583 Camshaft (Runner-Up) | Check Price |
 | S&S Cycle 33-5177 Camshaft | Check Price |
 | Andrews 54H Chain Drive Camshafts | Check Price |
1. Feuling Reaper 574 Camshaft (Editor’s Choice)
The Feuling Reaper is the best cam upgrade for a Harley 103.
These cams are designed to give you a heavy, low-end performance. Be geared to expect excellent power levels at mid and top performance too.
Features
The lobe designs have been engineered to give a high smooth finish. That helps the lobes create a quiet, consistent, and smooth valve train. These cams require minimal modifications when fitted on a Harley 103.
The cams are a great choice and reply pleasantly to cylinder heads modified, giving you increased compression ratio, performance exhaust, and intake systems.
You may wish to order the Complete Camchest kit for an easier change of the cams. It contains all the essentials you may need, including a high-capacity oil pump and a high-flow Cam plate. It also has hydraulic lifters (roller type), adjustable pushrods, bearings from Timken (best in class), extra gaskets and rings, exhaust gaskets, fasteners, washers, a moly paste, loctite, and hardware. It’s got it all. You don’t have to hunt in for them in shops.
It is recommended that you change gaskets and fasteners washers so that your bike remains as great as it was when you first got it. For the 99-04 engines, you will require performance valve springs. Some folks add baffles to manage the noise it makes as you ride your way in and out of your neighborhood. Adding pushrods and lifters only enhances the performance. The cam has a fantastic power range of 2100 to 6500 RPM.
Pros
- Smooth to drive
- An action-packed performance
- Best while cruising, no drone
- Easily available
- Low engine heating at idle
Cons
- Advisable to get a higher compression piston
- Check for emission use in California
If you are looking for performance and action-packed power that stays in your control, the Feuling 574 chain cams are the one to go for.
2. S&S Cycle 583 Camshaft (Runner-Up)
It is an excellent choice for an iconic bike like the Harley 103.
The S&S Cycle 583 cams are best for your Harley 103 when you have a heavy load to pull. Compared to other cams, chain drive cams like this give you outstanding performance with the hydraulic chain tensioners.
This cam achieves an outstanding performance while at cruising speed. Its performance races other cams when you want to throw open the throttle to full race. It’s a one-piece action of the motor, pipes, and breather, giving you the much-awaited power boom.
Features
At higher gears, it offers you equal power and torque, reducing your need to shift gears. Once installed, these cams give you great value for money with a basic operating range of 1500 to 5000 RPMs. This cam offers excellent low-end torque, making turning easier even on the hills.
The cam kit includes all that you need, including cams, outer drive gears, inner gears, outer and inner bearings, gaskets, and an instruction manual for your convenience. It is advisable to change cam bearings and gaskets while replacement to add new life and make them adaptable to the new cam. The gear drives maintain consistency of the valve opening timings, giving the engine a higher accuracy and a high performance.
The gear drive kit provided in the packaging makes for an extra lift by reversing the rear cam’s rotation direction. It is advisable to change pushrods that are available as an extra part (not included here). At 3.95 pounds weight, it is one of the lightest yet sturdy cams upgrade for the Harley 103.
Pros
- Quick installation
- Value for money
- Intake opening of eight degrees
- An all-inclusive kit
- No drone on cruising
- Lowered torque at even mid and top-end performance
- One year limited defective parts warranty by the manufacturer.
Cons
- It may require high lift springs.
- Advised fuel injection tuning
- Check for emission use in California.
If you are seeking performance consistency and want to save a few dollars, this is your cam. These cams work well with other chain-driven components, and you do not need to replace the other parts.
3. S&S Cycle 33-5177 Camshaft
This S&S Cycle cam kit is a great power booster for your Harley 103. It includes all the parts that are needed at one go. No need to hunt for anything more. The cams are an excellent replacement for the stock cams that are constrained for a general fit. And there you are, ready to zoom off. What else can you expect?
Features
This cam increases the valve timing accuracy. It eliminates the timing of the chain lash in the loosely fitted stock cams. You can fit the S&S gears (included) with a light tap replacing the cam drive sprockets. These cams are aimed primarily at stock heads that have not been ported.
With a weight of about 6 pounds, these are an excellent replacement for the factory-fitted cam in your Harley 103. These are easy to install if you have the slightest competency in mechanical elements and assembly. If not, seek professional shop help.
You do not want to get the cams wrong. It is advisable to have the S&S pushrod kit to speed-up the installation, to be bought as extra. This cam is designed as a bolt-in cam for 88in. to 103in. engines with compression ratios below 9.7:1.
Pros
- Easy to install with instructions provided
- Great power range of 3000 to 5500 RPM
- Lower torque and higher rpm
- A stable & reliable performance
- No more worries about chain tensioners, chain, and chain guides
Cons
- Fine-tuning of the carb is recommended.
- Check for emission use in California.
Steady on performance, these cams offer you outstanding reliability for your smooth drive. The noise change from the exhaust is not much to worry about. Changing the OEM cams doesn’t have to cause you a sleepless night.
4. Andrews 54H Chain Drive Camshaft
This Andrews 54H chain drive camshaft is a splined chain drive cam. It allows you to reuse the other stock parts, and that’s where you save money. Additionally, Andrew’s chain drive cam is reliable in performance as they use the best steel billets of alloys. They are ground by computers that can make cams.
Features
These cams are a great fit on both types of models: carbureted and fuel injected. The packaging includes cams and two bearings – 1 roller, one ball type (bearings only included in 1999-2006 models). This set of cams pulls significant loads without any effort. It revs up to 6000 rpm, but you may not need that. It provides a gentle idle, and you cannot distinguish it from the stock.
These cams are specially engineered for 96 and 103 engines with compression ratios of up to 10:1. These cams are a great fit with stock Harley-Davidson hydraulic lifters.
Pros
- Sold as a set
- Maximum torque and horsepower
- High rpm ranges
- Run strong yet quiet
- It takes a short time to install
Cons
- May need to a high lifespring.
- Tuning is advised
Though all camshafts claim to offer tremendous torque and nigh horsepower, Andrews 54H lives up to its promise. The cam installation is easy, and you do not have to worry about performance. A quiet performer that you will not hear of much, this is worth consideration.
How to Pick the Best Cam Upgrade for a Harley 103?
While you review many aftermarket cams, they only provide more power from your engine. Answer these critical questions for yourself before you select a good cam.
- Purpose: Are you a regular biker seeking everyday street performance? Or are you considering long drives at cruising speeds that may not have rugged terrains where you may need maximum torque and horsepower for racing?
- Engine/Bike combination: This question relates to a lot of technical specs. Firstly, has the bike already been modified in any way, including the exhausts? Has it been tuned and the compression ratio checked? What kind of cylinder head modifications were done earlier? Do you now have a better flow of air due to changes in intake and exhaust ports?
For your ease, we have an in-depth guide that details prime considerations for replacing the cam on your Harley 103. Let’s check out the factors to choose the best cam upgrade for a Harley 103:
Harley 103 Cam Upgrade Cost
The trade-off between costs and performance is always something to think about for most. If you are the proud owner of a Harley 103, you sure want the best for your bike and yourself. How much you are willing to spend is a factor you must think of while selecting the best cam for your bike.
However, we would not recommend spending less than $300 for a good Harley 103 cam upgrade. There are more expensive cams for 103 on the market but you can’t expect any decent cam for a 103 to cost $200, for example.
Purpose
Are you seeking high power or rumble from your bike? Higher power comprises higher torque and high RPMs to pull heavy loads or climbing up inclines.
Wrap-Up: the Best Cam Upgrade for a Harley 103
So, this was the list of the Best Exhaust for a Harley 103. Our recommendation is the Feuling Reaper 574 Camshaft which has the best features, gives a fantastic performance, and is readily available.
Remember that replacing cam indeed gives you better engine power, rumble, torque, and mileage, something you bought your Harley for?
With an upgrade of the cam, you can enjoy your bike riding experience, which moves you to cloud nine. So, what are you waiting for? Go on, make a roar or purr in the neighborhood, be yourself!