Looks and tradition.
Why Twin Cam?
Hi Everybody, I have been wondering... Why did the MoCo decide on a twin cam design? The first time I ever heard of a Twin Cam 88 I had visions of a dual overhead cam. When I saw that they were still a pushrod design I was excited that "the look" was traditional HD but I was also let down hoping for DOHC. Anyway, does anyone know what the logic was? :hmmm:
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
My understanding is the twin cam design allows better valve train geometry while maintaining a "traditional Harley" pushrod engine.
If you want to sift through the BS, you can find the info in this thread http://www.v-twinforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60183
Overhead cams would need much longer cam chains and we all know that's a bad thing, don't we guys,,,,don't we guys,,,,guys ????
oh but imagine a gear drive sytem for it............:yikes:csoday said:Overhead cams would need much longer cam chains and we all know that's a bad thing, don't we guys,,,,don't we guys,,,,guys ????
Sifted through all 11 pages
WoW. Thanks Springer, your knowledge, passion & tenacity is admirable.
WoW. Thanks Springer, your knowledge, passion & tenacity is admirable.
hehe, maybe like the early jags.csoday said:Overhead cams would need much longer cam chains and we all know that's a bad thing, don't we guys,,,,don't we guys,,,,guys ????
I think it had a lot to do with correcting the poor geometry of the single cam design as mentioned above. The idle on the TC is noticeably smoother than the earlier single-cammers. That's likely one reason. Besides, two of most anything is better than one, isn't it?
When Porsche designed the engine they took Harley to school on machining the engine parts. They are now done in a fraction of the steps it took for the Evo's, dramaticly reducing the opporunitys for errors.
For the answer to your question who better to ask than Donny Peterson of Heavy-Duty Cycles. Donnie was provided an exclusive look at the new TC before the it was made available to public. In the following article (as located on his company's website), Donnie gives an overview of the new design including why two cams.
http://www.heavydutycycles.com/heaven.htm
http://www.heavydutycycles.com/heaven.htm
I really liked my EVO,bought it new in 1985,it made all right sounds. I will withhold judgment on the TC until mine comes in and I get a chance to ride it some. This will be my first rubber mount HD,although I have rode an FXRD before.
+1johnny_red said:My understanding is the twin cam design allows better valve train geometry while maintaining a "traditional Harley" pushrod engine.
Look at the angle of the pushrods on an EVO. Valve train geometry is much better with the twin cam design.
Tim
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
V-Twin Forum
V-Twin Harley Davidson forum. Discussion on V-Twin Harley Davidson motorcycles including Dyna, Electra Glide, Softail, Sportster, and more.
Full Forum Listing
Top Contributors this Month
View All
rootintootin
69 Replies
tall terry
58 Replies
Thermodyne
46 Replies
