So, I plan on getting a cam for my big bore 400ex soon. I ride a trails and do a lot of dirt hill climbing similar to dunes. I've narrowed it down to Hotcam stage 1 or 2. I have read a lot of mixed ideas on these cams. I've read ppl say stage 1 is bottom mid power, stage 2 is mid top but everywhere i look to buy the description says stage 1 boost all around stage 2 recommended for big bore with more boost on top.

I'm looking for max mid range. I feel i have plenty of bottom. Now I know that i need higher compression for the stage 2 to keep from losing 2 much bottom. But I didn't build this 440.

1.)Is there anyway to find my compression ratio?
2.)Anyone out there with the experience of stage1 vs stage 2 HotCam?

 

Site went down again last night. Guys probably still working bugs out.

Dennis Kirk had yet another description for the stage 2 HotCam it said Engineered for MX and Desert racing needs. Well, I'm not going to be doing that. But its reccommended for bores over 426 but, i still need to know if my compression is ok to keep from losing power down low right? Do i need 11.5 : 1 or would 10:1 be sufficent. I'm sure I'm running at least 10:1 being big bore.

 

Whatever compression ratio you have with your big bore kit will be sufficient with either cam. If you get the stage 2 cam you will need to also buy yourself a rev box/higher revving ignition to take full advantage of that cam. If you don't like revving the motor beyond what honda intended, then stick with a stage 1. It still gives you much more in the midrange and power up top than the stock cam, and works nicely with the stock ignition.

 

Why does HotCam say that the stage 1 is not recommended for bore's larger than the 426.

 

That's probably a question to ask them.

 

Your right. I think I'm going to call and chat with the guys at HotCam. Thanks for your help TwinCam95.