I have done a HOT ROD motor on a 2000 FXDS way back in 2001.... I went with 570SS gear drives/feuling oil pump/delkron cam plate, ALL BIG $$$$ today....
IF the option were mine TODAY,,, I would go with the KIT to convert to HYDRAULIC TENSIONERS and with the KIT( HD's at 429.99) comes the MUCH NEEDED newer style oil pump (improved volume) and a new style cam plate to convert to HYDRAULICS with the other stuff needed for the conversion.... THEN pick out the cams wanted.... YES to the need on NEW lifters on either way you go...
I like the SS cams better ALSO... and I prefer to go with ADJUSTABLE push rods, right from the get-go and HD's SE are good..
It gets REAL pricey $$$ to go gear drive and replace all the NEED upgrades to do it properly...(oil pump & cam plate by self 700$)
YOU can JUST go like suggested or do the EXTRA way in the KIT upgrade and get the best from BOTH WORLDS....LOT OF PARTS FROM THE KIT @ 429.99$,,, MIGHT be a good price to JUST GO with using pump n plate from KIT and STILL GO GEAR DRIVE... depending on what you do with the heads , and bore, I also suggest usong the 510SS cams....
I put over 50,000 miles on my HOT ROD dyna with GEAR DRIVES and LOVE IT. but remember i had ALL the upgraded parts I FELT were needed!
signed....BUBBIE