S&S Cycle 540 Cam Chest Kit For Harley Oil-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight (2017–2026)
Complete Billet Oiling System & Extreme Performance Power Camshaft Package for Oil-Cooled M8 Engines
Unlock high-RPM horsepower potential and complete bottom-end protection on your modified V-Twin with the S&S Cycle 540 Cam Chest Kit. Purpose-built for 2017 through 2026 Harley-Davidson Softail and Touring models equipped with oil-cooled Milwaukee-Eight (M8) engines, this complete performance chest pack combines S&S’s aggressive high-lift 540 camshaft with a blueprinted billet oil pump, high-flow cam support plate, and heavy-duty valve train components.
Engineered primarily for large displacement big bore builds, ported cylinder heads, and high-compression setups, the S&S 540 cam profile delivers massive top-end pull while pulling hard straight to the rev limiter. Paired with S&S’s high-flow oiling system, this package maximizes oil feed and scavenge rates to eliminate crankcase sumping and keep head temperatures controlled under heavy throttle loads.
Technical Specifications & Product Details
| Feature / Metric | Product Specification | Rider Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Brand / Manufacturer | S&S Cycle (Made in USA) | Industry gold standard in American V-Twin performance engineering |
| Engine Platform | Milwaukee-Eight (M8) Oil-Cooled / Air-Cooled Head | Calibrated specifically for oil-jacketed M8 cylinder head cooling passages |
| Cam Profile / Grind | S&S 540 Performance Cam (.540″ Lift) | Delivers maximum mid-to-high RPM acceleration for performance engine builds |
| Oil Pump & Plate | Billet Aluminum Precision High-Flow System | Increases oil pressure and scavenge capability to eliminate crankcase sumping |
| Included Pushrods | Quick-EE Adjustable Pushrods & Covers | Allows fast installation without pulling cylinder heads or rocker boxes |
Engine Dynamics & Horsepower Performance
### Extreme High-RPM Performance for Big Bore Builds
The S&S 540 cam grind is designed for riders who demand serious upper-RPM pulling power from 3,000 to 6,200+ RPM. The extended intake valve timing and higher lift profile allow modified or high-displacement M8 engines (such as 124ci, 128ci, or 131ci kits) to breathe freely without dropping off power at the top of the RPM band. Combined with S&S’s blueprinted billet oil pump, this chest kit guarantees consistent oil pressure even under demanding drag-style acceleration.
### Key Performance Benefits
Vehicle Compatibility Guide
S&S Cycle 540 Cam Chest Kits are designed specifically for direct fitment on all 2017–2026 Harley-Davidson Softail and Touring models equipped with oil-cooled Milwaukee-Eight engines:
### Compatible Harley-Davidson Oil-Cooled Models (2017–2026)
- Harley-Davidson Softail: Street Bob, Low Rider S / ST, Fat Boy, Heritage Classic, Breakout, Softail Standard (2018–2026)
- Harley-Davidson Touring (Oil-Cooled): Road Glide, Street Glide, Road King, Electra Glide Standard (2017–2026)
Fitment Note: Designed for high-performance oil-cooled Milwaukee-Eight platforms. Due to the high .540″ valve lift profile, high-lift valve springs are required. Will not fit Twin-Cooled (liquid-cooled head) M8 models without selecting the corresponding Twin-Cooled cam chest part number.
Step-by-Step DIY Installation Overview
Installing an S&S Cam Chest Kit is an advanced engine upgrade requiring specialized mechanics and tools. Estimated installation time: 4 to 5 hours.
### Required Tools
- 3/8″ Drive Torque Wrench (in-lbs and ft-lbs)
- M8 Cam Chain Holding & Locking Tool
- Dial Indicator with Magnetic Base (for measuring crankshaft runout)
- Quick-EE Pushrod bolt cutters (if removing stock solid pushrods)
- Assembly lube, fresh engine oil, and oil filter
### Step 1: Disassembly & Pinion Shaft Runout Inspection
Safely support the motorcycle, drain engine oil, and remove the outer cam cover, exhaust header pipes, and floorboards. Cut original factory pushrods using Quick-EE instructions. Extract the factory cam plate, oil pump, and camshaft. Measure pinion shaft runout with a dial indicator to confirm it meets S&S specifications.
### Step 2: Assembling the Billet Oil Pump & Cam Support Plate
Liberally coat all internal oil pump gears, relief valves, and needle bearings with fresh assembly lube. Align the new S&S billet oil pump on the pinion shaft. Press the S&S 540 cam into the billet support plate, align timing marks, install hydraulic chain tensioners, and slide the assembled plate into the cam chest.
### Step 3: Setting Valve Springs, Pushrods & Final Torque
Verify that your cylinder heads are equipped with high-lift performance valve springs capable of handling .540″ lift. Install Quick-EE adjustable pushrods and set thread count according to S&S lifter pre-load specifications. Torque all cam chest bolts in the recommended cross-pattern, install the outer cam cover with a fresh gasket, fill with oil, and perform a full custom ECU re-tune.
Frequently Asked Questions
### Do I need high-lift valve springs to run the S&S 540 Cam Chest Kit?
Yes. Because the S&S 540 cam features a higher .540″ valve lift, upgraded performance valve springs (capable of handling up to .550″ or .600″ lift) are required to prevent valve spring coil bind and valve-to-piston clearance issues.
### Is a custom ECU tune required for the S&S 540 Cam?
Absolutely. The 540 camshaft significantly alters engine volumetric efficiency and airflow characteristics at high RPM. A full dyno tune or custom flash map using Dynojet Power Vision or Vance & Hines FP4 is mandatory for proper fuel delivery, engine timing, and safe operation.
### Order Your S&S 540 Cam Chest Kit Today
Unleash maximum top-end horsepower and total oiling security for your 2017–2026 oil-cooled Harley Milwaukee-Eight performance build. Order your **S&S Cycle 540 Cam Chest Kit** today with fast shipping!
