Star Racing 485 Cam (30/30): The “Big Lope” Bolt-In Upgrade for Milwaukee-Eight
The Star Racing 30/30 (also listed as the 485 Chain Drive Camshaft) is designed for Harley-Davidson Milwaukee-Eight owners who want to wake up their engine. It fits 2017-up M8 models (107, 114, 117ci) and is marketed as the “biggest bolt-in cam for stock M8.” Its primary benefit is a unique combination of low-end torque and mid-range passing power (1,700–5,500 RPM), paired with a deep, lopey idle that makes the M8 sound like a traditional Harley.
Spec | Detail |
Product Name | Star Racing 30/30 (485 Chain Drive) |
Lift | .485″ |
RPM Range | 1,700 – 5,500 RPM |
Intake Closing | 25 ABDC |
Valve Springs | Compatible with stock springs |
Required Part | Tappet Cuffs (Part # SS330-0655) advised |
The 30/30 Fix: Big Lope, Real-World Torque
Let’s be honest—the stock Milwaukee-Eight is a marvel of engineering, but out of the factory, it sounds like a sewing machine. You paid for a V-Twin, but you’re missing that chest-thumping idle that shakes the mirrors. On top of that, the stock power falls off just when you’re trying to pass a road train on the highway.
The Solution: George Bryce at Star Racing didn’t just build another cam; he built the 30/30 to fix the experience. This cam is designed to be the “biggest” cam you can bolt into a stock engine without tearing the heads off. It gives you that choppy, potato-potato idle you’re craving, but it backs it up with grunt. We’re talking usable power right where you live—from 1,700 RPM up to 5,500 RPM. It’s the sound you want with the torque you need.
How the 30/30 Makes Torque Without Headwork
The Star Racing 30/30 is engineered with a specific profile to maximize the efficiency of the M8’s 4-valve heads. By closing the intake at 25 ABDC, it traps compression early to build torque. It features a unique lobe design where the intake lobe focuses on torque (get up and go) while the exhaust lobe is tuned for mid-range pull. Crucially, it has a .485″ lift, which is safe for stock valve springs, saving you the hassle and cost of headwork
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will this fit my stock M8 107, 114, or 117 engine? Yes. The Star Racing 30/30 is explicitly designed for use in stock 107ci, 114ci, and 117ci Milwaukee-Eight engines from 2017 onwards.
- Do I need to upgrade my valve springs? No. The cam has a .485″ lift, which the manufacturer states works with stock valve springs. This makes it a true “bolt-in” style upgrade.
- What kind of sound does this cam produce? This cam is famous for its sound. It is described as having “that lope” and “sounds like a Harley.” It eliminates the smooth, quiet idle of the stock M8.
- What is the power band like? The effective RPM range is 1,700 to 5,500 RPM. It offers a unique combination of torque from the intake lobe and mid-range power from the exhaust lobe, making it ideal for street riding.
- Are there any special installation requirements mentioned? While it works with stock springs, the source technical tips state that “Due to the high lift nature of this cam, tappet cuffs are required for installation” (specifically recommending Part # SS330-0655).
Ready to wake up your M8? Get the Star Racing 30/30 Cam at Rollies Speed Shop or ask your local dealer to order it from us today. Don’t settle for stock sound.
About Star Racing
Star Racing, led by the legendary George Bryce, is synonymous with high-performance V-Twin power. With roots deep in drag racing and championship-winning engines, Star Racing components are built to “push the capabilities of the American V-Twin.” When you buy Star, you’re buying decades of proven horsepower R&D.
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