S&S Cycle Camshaft Drive Gears For Harley Twin Cam 1999-2006
Precision Performance: S&S Cycle Camshaft Drive Gears for Harley Twin Cam (1999–2006)
The S&S Cycle Camshaft Drive Gear Kits are widely recognized as the single most critical durability and performance upgrade for the early Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 88 (1999–2006) engine platform. These kits are the definitive solution for eliminating the notorious factory flaw associated with the stock chain drive and spring-loaded cam chain tensioners. By converting the entire camshaft drive system to precision-machined gears, S&S provides an unparalleled foundation for reliability, consistency, and maximum power transfer.
Solving the Twin Cam’s Biggest Weakness
The early Harley Twin Cam 88 (1999–2006) engine utilized a chain-driven camshaft system where the chains were guided and tensioned by spring-loaded tensioner shoes made of a composite material. Over time and miles, these shoes are prone to wearing down and eventually failing. When they fail, the material contaminates the oil system, potentially leading to catastrophic engine damage.
The Gear Drive Solution
The S&S Cycle Camshaft Drive Gear Kit completely eliminates this weak link. By converting the system from chains and tensioners to a direct gear drive system, S&S provides several critical advantages:
Elimination of Failure Points: The notorious cam chain tensioners and their susceptibility to wear are gone, offering the ultimate in maintenance-free reliability.
Precise Cam Timing: Gears are inherently more rigid and precise than chains. The S&S gear drive system ensures that the cam timing is held rock-solid throughout the RPM range. This unwavering timing accuracy translates directly into consistent combustion events and maximum engine efficiency, which is especially critical for high-performance Upgrade Twin Cam 88 Cams.
Increased Horsepower: By eliminating the friction and drag created by the chain, tensioners, and guides, the S&S Gear Drive Cams free up several horsepower that would otherwise be lost to parasitic drag.
Precision Engineering and Installation Requirements
The S&S Camshaft Drive Gears 1999-2006 are built to demanding specifications to ensure proper fitment and extreme reliability.
Gear Design and Material
The gears are precision-machined from high-quality steel and heat-treated for superior strength and wear resistance. They utilize an exact tooth profile that ensures smooth, quiet engagement and reduced backlash, though a characteristic “whine” is often heard, which many riders consider a desirable hallmark of a high-performance engine.
Critical Crank Runout Check
A crucial factor when installing an S&S Gear Drive Kit is the condition of the stock crankshaft. The Twin Cam crank is pressed together, and extreme runout can cause gear noise and eventual wear. S&S requires checking the crank runout (TIR) before installation. The runout must be within a tolerance of 0.003″ or less. If the runout exceeds this limit, the crank must be replaced or trued, typically requiring the motor to be split. This critical step ensures that the Harley Twin Cam Gear Drive Kit runs quietly and reliably.Kit Contents and Upgrade Path
The S&S Cycle Camshaft Drive Gears are often sold as a comprehensive system. While specific kit contents vary, they generally include:
Precision Inner and Outer Camshaft Drive Gears.
Replacement Outer Crankshaft Gear.
Necessary Hardware and Instructions.
Often paired with high-performance S&S Cams (e.g., S&S 510G, 570G) that are specific to the gear-drive system.
The S&S Cam Chest Upgrade is highly recommended for any rider using a performance camshaft or performing any big bore upgrade on their early Twin Cam. It is the ultimate insurance policy and foundation for reliable high-output performance in the 1999–2006 Twin Cam platform.
| Product Style | AmericanV-twin Item # | Catalog Number | Store Sku | MFR. Product # | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S&S Cycle Camshaft Drive Gears For Harley Twin Cam 1999-2006 | 1181811 | 601-324 | 33-4275 | In Stock: Ships next business day |
This Product Fits
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