are gear drive CAMS and ROLLER Rockers worth the money

I have a 2004 FLSTF 95 CUI with SE Heads, SE intake, SE 44 mm CV carb, SE forged cam plate w/high volume oil pump, SE Ignition, adj push rods, Vance and Hines big radius exhaust, and high strength cylinder studs. My question is will the addition of gear drive cams and roller rockers make a noticeable difference in my engine performance, and secondly if so; what cam combination (S&S 625?) makes sense for my particular application.

[shovelmike]

Although S&S claims a 4 hp. gain from gear drive simply due to eliminating cam timing variation inherent with the chain drive and eliminating the drag from the spring loaded tensioners I can't scientifically prove it. One would have to do the gear conversion using cams with the exact same specifications a stock setup to prove that. Being an old hot rodder and automotive tech and knowing how the right cam can affect the character of an engine in a positive way I always figure if I'm changing a cam I might as well seek to perk things up a bit. That said I am very, very pleased with the Andrews TW21Gs in my 02 Ultra. The peace of mind of not having tensioner shoes to worry about is a definate plus.
I don''t have any experience with the S&S 625, see what RPM range your power comes in at with that cam and compare that with what range the heads operate efficiently at, they need to be compatible. I'm sure there are some builders on here who can shed some more light on this.
Roller rockers cut down friction somewhat, not enough to tell by the seat of the pants but in theory the valve guides should last longer.

Thank you for your very insightful response, and I will take your knowledge and put it to good use.

[Purple Springs]

Don't know how old the post here is however , roller rockers are more of an expense than a help unless you are using high lift cams or an all out race engine. I think the gear drive for 88TC's are the best improvement for the whole valve train you can make. ou won't feel whar roller rockers are doing in the seat of your pants.

[shovelmike]

Welcome to the forum, Purple Springs.

[Purple Springs]

Originally Posted by dshelton

I have a 2004 FLSTF 95 CUI with SE Heads, SE intake, SE 44 mm CV carb, SE forged cam plate w/high volume oil pump, SE Ignition, adj push rods, Vance and Hines big radius exhaust, and high strength cylinder studs. My question is will the addition of gear drive cams and roller rockers make a noticeable difference in my engine performance, and secondly if so; what cam combination (S&S 625?) makes sense for my particular application.

Oh Yea!! Roller rockers will definitely work better with a cam that tall. Shovel says it will be a lot easier on guides as well as the valve stems and lifters. The whole valve train will benifit with less strain on all the system. I would say anything over the high 5's would benefit especially if you intend to use solid lifters altough with the performance hydraulic lifters, who would go through the agony of solids.