I am thinking of possibly getting either a stage 1 or stage 2 hot cam for my 2004 raptor. If I do is that the only mod I will have to do or will i have to get new valves, port and polish etc? Also does that make the bike less reliable? How hard is the install??? Should I do it or stay with just a pipe and K&N?

 

I'm putting a Stage 1 in my raptor tomorrow......I let ya know how it works and if it was easy to install.......[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Much obliged Big Daddy[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Easy to install and a significant power boost. Just make sure you get the timing set right and not 180 off, also get the decompression mechanism installed correctly. I added one by itself and I was happy with the extra power I got. If you arent going to go with a new piston right away or you are a trail and track rider its a great upgrade.

 

maddog56, did ya go with Stage 1 or 2 ??????????

 

if your have basic automotive knowledge you can install the cam, i would get teh book to make it that much easier. i have stage 1, its allright, i wish i would have installed a stage 2 though.

buy a stage two, and a new set of springs $75

youll love, you should have a pipe to reach the full potential of the new cam, w

when installing the cam do screw up the decrompression pin, put back in the EXACT same way you took it out, you have to adjust your valves afterwards.

you wont be dissappointed with the stage 2.

 

I started with a stage 1. Then I installed an 11:1 piston. Then I installed new valve springs and a stage 2 hc. The stage 1 was a good boost and definately worthwhile. I think that without the higher compression piston the stage 2 wouldn't have been as strong in the low and mid as the stage 1 is without it. If you are a trail or track rider, the stage 1 is probably a better bet for rideability and snappy power. The stage 2 sacrafices a little low and mid from the stage 1 but you gain a good deal up top which is nice for open trails and roads, dunes and drags.

Raptortranny.com has instructions that will walk you through the dissasembly of the top end with pictures, it was a real help but a manual is good to have as well.

A new set of Kibblewhite valve springs is 135 bucks at the cheapest online retailer. If you can get anything for 75 I want to know where.

Without a pipe these mods are not as much fun, but I think everyone in this thread has one.

You have to adjust your valves to HC specs and again after break in of the cam, which is also very important. Instructions ship with the cam on breakin.

 

Thanks maddog, You've answered my question on the performance issue with your post........Thanks again [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
O-YA i'm putting a hc stage 1 in for now, I still have some life left in the top end of my motor......[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

MADDOG you must have forgot about good ol' ebay, i just check their is a set going for $109 currently, also a while back rapfam picked up a new set in package, for $75 bucks, which is why i stated that price, ebay is all about good deals and i guess you can say rapfam got one.
Point being

good exhaust
stage 2
new springs
possible sprocket change


thats a good setup

even better with a 11:1 or high piston

 

I've still never seen them go under 100 on ebay, plus you still have to pay the outrageous shipping and handling some members charge. But you are right, if you are patient you can get a great deal there. I dont have the patientce, and I want to know when I'll be getting it.

I've found that a 14/40 setup is pretty good on this type of build w/ piston, but with a stage 1 alone I would stay stock or shorter.