I recently scored some 2000 X1 cams for my 96 883 sporty. Now before everyone tells me that to get max performance out of em I'll need to do this and that lemme say that I bought em cause they are basically SE Bolt-ins with 5000 miles for $80, with the new pinion gear. I MAY chuck em' in there just to see what happens, but what kind of things can I expect? When I do it it's gonna have a high flow air filter kit, jetted carb, and an exhaust of some kind. No head work will be done, and no 1200 kit, just wondering what'll happen with only a cam installation and taxes paid. Is it worth it?

Also, what exhaust should I get to maximize the cams? It's got a stock exhaust now, but since I'm going to buy one, midas well get one that's gonna help the bumpsticks out, no?

would go well with a 1200 conversion...and a Supertrap

but I'd want the head off to check clearances as I havn't tried to put a set in with 883 valves (883 valves are longer than 1200 valves) and stock pistons..... you're usually fine with N4's (SE 0.497, X1 .. all the same cam) and wisecos with 883/1200 conversion valves, which are the same length as stock 883 valves....


Would tend to make the motor a bit peaky with only feeding 883...

I don't know the specifics of that particular cam , but SE cams are rather lumpy. If you have over .500 lift on them you will need to change rods, lifters and springs. I don't kow why they call them "bolt in" there's a lot more work than that involved. The stock cams from the factory are really pretty well matched to the engine for all around riding. You're not going to get that much out of it without more cubes. Most riders cam their bikes for specific performance parameters. Mostly for the drag strip, or for the top end for freeway passing or road racing. I would suggest, that unless you are going to do the conversion, not to waste time or money with cams.

So what you're saying is from a HP perspective, there's not that much to gain with just the stock 883 regardless of the exhaust/intake combo (on a stock engine)

BTW, the X1 cams, as well as (I think) the S1 and S3, are SE .497" Bolt-in cams. I couldn't pass this deal up. For $80, I got like new cams, with the matching pinion gear. Even if I dont use them it's not a waste of money. It's not like this is the only sportster I'm gonna own, and when I get out of college, I'll be better suited to chuck money into it, so I can build it up right.

They probably won't bring much to the table with your stock heads as the valves are just too small to take advantage of those cams. But you did get a great price which now leaves you more money for our stage 2 headwork!! ;)

I'd actually go with the 1200 kit first, what's the turn around time on those? I'd be sending it to you in the middle of April if that makes a difference.