1955 Panhead victory cam

[38EL]

Hello, this is my first post. I’ve been using this site for many years and have always been impressed with the amount of knowledge and information here. I recently picked up a very original 55FLH engine with a vin in the high 3’s. I was wondering if 55s had the victory cam stamped “H”? Since the cam carries the part number 25523-56 I was unsure because that would’ve been introduced in 1956. I saw a post where Rubone said some early 55s had “HL” stamped on the cam “high lift”? Any info is greatly appreciated.

[38EL]

Tap..Tap..Tap..............this thing on?

[RooDog]

I personally have had hands on experience with an honest 1962 Pan with what very much looks like factory installed outside oiler heads, with -63 end numbers, cam cover, and RH motor case with matching belly numbers. The MoCo is famous, or infamous, for using pre-production parts on the last of the previous year's production run. Does that make sense? So, anyway, a -56 H cam in a 1955 year engine is not out of the question. It could have also been a retrofit sometime post production, an easy enough thing to do. I have never heard of an "HL" cam, but then, my ignorance is limitless..... RooDog

[38EL]

Thanks for your reply RooDog. The motor did not have pushrods in it when I got it so I pulled a lifter block and looked at the lobes on the cam for a stamping with a mirror and flashlight but didn’t see one. I’ll know for sure when I disassemble for the rebuild. Until I measure the cam I won’t know for sure. Just wanted to take a quick look since this motor looks very unmolested. Still has the 55 only intake clamps and correct Linkert, correct heads and date code cylinders etc. I did a search of the forum and Cotten and rubone made mention of a “HL” cam. I’m always interested and eager to learn about these machines. This being the first year of the FLH I was curious if the cam would be stamped or not. Of course it could have been changed but I’ll have to wait and measure to be sure.

[RooDog]

The FLH, Victory cam will have a letter "H" clearly stamped on the side of the inner most lobe, facing the flywheels. I sold the H cam I had so I can not provide any measurements. Besides, if yours is worn and needing to be replaced, I see no point is going back with a stock cam, but that's just me..... I put an Andrews #1 cam in my 1950 Panny and am quite pleased with its smooth running, Hi-Lift, short duration torque producing qualities......Best wishes.... RooDog

[38EL]

I have been a fan of the J grind for some time now. I have heard many people speak highly about the FLH cam so I have an interest in trying one out. Thanks

[RUBONE]

I posted this info yesterday, but have no idea where my post went, so here goes again.

The HL cam (part number 25522-51R in the competition parts list) was sold by H-D to fit '48-'55 models as used for TT, hillclimbing, etc. It was designed to use solid lifters and was not a good cam for Hydraulic use, the action was too harsh. The -56 Victory cam has basiclly the same specs but with opening and closing ramps to work with hydraulics. The first few 55FLH that had "HL" cams had lifter issues so the new cam came into use quickly (and most of the early ones were swapped out). Something important to keep in mind though is that all cams from '48-'57 had a different sized inner bushing surface than the '58 up needle bearing type. It is only about .002 but enough that if the bushings are not resized if a later cam is used in an early engine the bushing can seize on the cam and ruin the right case. Conversely if an early cam is used in a needle bearing it has excessive play and can cause noise and/or premature wear.

[38EL]

Excellent info Rubone. Thanks for posting.

[38EL]

844BE3AD-578C-4B9E-B474-508D9F367758.jpeg

[38EL]

My last post was a first attempt at posting a picture. Hopefully it went through. The picture is of original factory information on the change of the cam sizes.

[RooDog]

Rubone...
A very interesting tid-bit of cam bearing information. And the fact that it is not just hear-say but documented lends value to that information. Thank You very much for posting that pic. I have added it to my archives..... RooDog