Last Sunday afternoon I went up to Silver Lake to finish breaking in the new 10.6:1 86mm JE piston and HRC camshaft. I intended to take it easy for another tank of gas but my resolve weakened and I gave into temptation. Flirting with the lusty bottom end power inflamed my curiousity- what's she got on top? I had to know, and I couldn't wait any longer!

She's got it all. I had anticipated the HRC cam to be a revy top-end cam that sacrificed the bottom end for the sake of top end. I was wrong, the bottom end is significantly stronger than the stocker and the top end is awesome. Too bad I don't have a GPS to track the speed- but it feels like I have +15 mph on the top end. I have the XR250 CDI, White Bros silencer and K&N.

Late in the day I chased down a Banshee with FMF pipes. I passed him wide-opon in 5th gear and he couldn't catch me.

 

Did you need to hardface your rockers with that cam.

 

Where did you get this cam and how much $$? Thanks!

Nick

 

I got the HRC cam from Service Honda for about $280. Service Honda is the cheapest place that I have found to get genuine Honda parts. Other places want $350 to $420 for this cam. Al Baker's XR's Only sells a copy of the HRC cam for about $170. Al Baker's says that you do NOT need hard-faced rockers with their copy. I like to be on the safe side, so I did use hard-faced rockers.

Last night I installed my new 39mm FCR. The acceleration was almost frightening. I've created a monster. I can't wait to get back up to Silver Lake and unleash the beast. She's a sleeper, though. Looks like a harmless ole 400EX, he he he...

 

Thanks for the info. I have been flirting with this idea for a while now. Do you have any porting done to your head and do you the stock headpipe? And one more thing who hardened your rockers?
Norm

 

I too have also been flirting with the idea of getting a 10.5 piston and a cam for my 300ex. Sounds like it was worth it for you.

 

You should not need to get "hardened" rockers with this cam. The HRC cam is not "hard welded" and is sold by Honda themselves as an upgrade for a stock valvetrain.

Norm, forget the cam - you just need to practice some more - lol

 

Not trying to start trouble. I am just curious why you got the original Honda over the HRC copy. Did you find something to cause you to make the decision in your research. Is there any difference anyone knows of.

I am asking because we are planning to modify my brother's 400EX on our own. I already had mine done. So now he decided he wants more power too.

Out of curiosity if someone knows how this cam compares to other race cams I would like to know. I am guessing it isnt quite as aggressive as the engine builders cams since you dont need stiffer springs.

Adam Smith

99 400EX

 

Norm, I am using the stock header pipe and I don't have any porting. I got the rocker arms from WebCam- but probably didn't need them.

Adam, I got the HRC cam because I knew that HRC has an excellent reputation for making the highest quality performance parts. I never really even considered the copy cam- my mind was made up to get the HRC.

 

why not a web-cam?