S&S Cycle 496 Cam Chest Kit For Harley Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight (2017–2026)
Complete Oil System Upgrade & Bolt-In Torque Camshaft Package for Liquid-Cooled M8 Engines
Transform the power delivery, durability, and valve train reliability of your liquid-cooled touring rig with the S&S Cycle 496 Cam Chest Kit. Precision-engineered specifically for 2017 through 2026 Harley-Davidson Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight (M8) engines, this all-in-one performance chest pack combines S&S’s high-torque 496 camshaft with a blue-printed billet oil pump, high-flow cam plate, and premium valve train components.
The 496 cam profile is purpose-built to deliver immediate, low-end pass-through power right where heavy touring bikes need it most—between 2,000 and 4,500 RPM. Paired with S&S’s precision oiling components, this kit dramatically improves oil scavenge and feed rates, eliminating oil sump issues and lowering engine operating temperatures on water-cooled Ultra Limited and CVO models.
Technical Specifications & Product Details
| Feature / Metric | Product Specification | Rider Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Brand / Manufacturer | S&S Cycle (Made in USA) | Industry-gold standard in Harley-Davidson V-Twin performance and reliability |
| Engine Compatibility | Milwaukee-Eight (M8) Twin-Cooled / Liquid Head | Calibrated specifically for water-jacketed M8 cylinder head cooling passages |
| Cam Profile / Grind | S&S 496 Bolt-In Torque Cam | Maximizes low-to-mid range torque delivery without requiring valve spring changes |
| Oil Pump & Plate | Billet Aluminum Precision High-Flow System | Increases oil pressure and scavenge capability by up to 52% over stock OEM pumps |
| Included Pushrods | Quick-EE Adjustable Pushrods & Covers | Allows fast installation without pulling cylinder heads or rocker boxes |
Engine Dynamics & Torque Performance
### The S&S 496 Cam Advantage for Touring
Heavy Twin-Cooled touring models carry significant weight, demanding robust low-end grunt rather than peak high-RPM horsepower. The S&S 496 cam grind is optimized for heavy load roll-on acceleration. By extending intake valve duration and optimizing lift, the 496 cam fills the cylinders faster at low engine speeds, providing smooth, instantaneous passing power even when fully loaded with a passenger and luggage.
### Key Performance Benefits
Vehicle Compatibility Guide
S&S Cycle 496 Cam Chest Kits are designed specifically for direct fitment on all 2017–2026 Harley-Davidson Touring models equipped with Twin-Cooled (Liquid-Cooled Head) Milwaukee-Eight engines:
### Compatible Harley-Davidson Twin-Cooled Models (2017–2026)
- Ultra Limited / Ultra Limited Low: FLHTK / FLHTKL (2017–2026)
- Tri Glide Ultra Trike: FLHTCUTG (2017–2026)
- CVO Limited / CVO Road Glide Ultra: FLHTKSE / FLTRUSE (2017–2026)
- Road Glide Ultra / Limited: FLTRU / FLTRK (Twin-Cooled variants 2017–2026)
Fitment Note: Specifically designed for Twin-Cooled (water-cooled head) Milwaukee-Eight platforms (107ci, 114ci, 117ci, and 121ci). Will not fit oil-cooled M8 models without selecting the corresponding oil-cooled cam chest part number.
Step-by-Step DIY Installation Overview
Installing an S&S Cam Chest Kit is a comprehensive engine upgrade requiring basic engine mechanical knowledge and precision tools. Estimated installation time: 3 to 5 hours.
### Required Tools
- 3/8″ Drive Torque Wrench (in-lbs and ft-lbs)
- M8 Cam Chain Holding & Locking Tool
- Micrometer or Dial Indicator (for checking pinion shaft runout)
- Quick-EE Pushrod bolt cutters (if removing stock solid pushrods)
- Assembly lube and fresh engine oil/filter
### Step 1: Disassembly & Pinion Shaft Runout Inspection
Safely support the bike, drain engine oil, and remove the outer cam cover, exhaust header pipes, and floorboards. Cut or extract original factory pushrods using Quick-EE instructions. Remove the stock cam support plate, oil pump, and camshaft. Measure pinion shaft runout with a dial indicator to ensure shaft straightness within S&S tolerances (under .005″).
### Step 2: Assembling the Billet Oil Pump & Cam Plate
Liberally coat all oil pump gears, pressure relief valves, and inner needle bearings with clean assembly lube. Install the new S&S billet oil pump aligned with the pinion shaft. Press the S&S 496 cam into the high-flow billet support plate, position new chain tensioners, and slide the assembled plate into the cam chest cavity.
### Step 3: Setting Pushrods & Final Torque
Install the Quick-EE adjustable pushrods into the lifters. Adjust pushrod thread count according to S&S hydraulic lifter pre-load specifications, allowing lifters to bleed down before turning the engine. Torque all cam chest plate bolts in the factory cross-pattern sequence, re-install the outer cam cover with a fresh gasket, fill with oil, and prepare for ECU tuning.
Frequently Asked Questions
### Is an ECU tuner required after installing the S&S 496 Cam Chest Kit?
Yes. Installing an aftermarket camshaft alters the engine’s volumetric efficiency. An ECU re-tune using a flash tuner (such as the Vance & Hines Fuelpak FP4 or Dynojet Power Vision) is required to adjust fuel delivery, ignition timing, and rev limits for safe and optimal performance.
### Why choose a complete Cam Chest Kit over just replacing the camshaft?
Stock M8 oil pumps and plastic chain guides are known wear points. S&S Cam Chest Kits replace all vulnerable components simultaneously with high-strength billet aluminum parts, upgraded hydraulic lifters, and precision oiling components, insuring your motor against expensive sumping or oil failure down the road.
### Order Your S&S 496 Cam Chest Kit Today
Unlock unmatched low-end torque and complete oiling peace-of-mind for your 2017–2026 Harley Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight engine. Order your **S&S Cycle 496 Cam Chest Kit** today with fast shipping!
