So I have an extra softail frame for an EVO style engine laying around. There are adapter plates available to put a mount on the back of a 88 or 96 twin cam engine but I was just wondering if anyone out there has actually done it and what the vibration level is compared to a rigid mounted evo. I have a rigid Evo softail and that vibration is quite tolerable. The new engine seem to have the same basic design features. So has anyone done this? Thanks.

 

Interested myself. You can get TC engines cheap, so I have asked myself the same question.

 

So just have one balanced if your worried about vibration , knocks transient shakes way down and increases engine life by about half again .

 

I thought the "B" twin cam was balanced. If so, would that be the better engine to try the rigid mount with? Would the A vibrate enough to break any welds on your mounting plate, or shear off any bolts?

 

If any engine shook that much do you honestly think they could sell it ? The "B" motor is counter balanced meaning it has a counter rotating weight trying to neutralize the motor's inherit vibration .

A stock motor is rough balanced at the factory to certain acceptable percentage because of money and speed in the manufacturing process . Given to a good machine shop who does this professionally a balance & blue print job can reduce the motor's felt vibration by 1/2 or more with increases in torque & HP .

 

My last build from ground up was a aftermarket softail frame and 'A'- "88" TC engine with a adapter. After riding pans and shovels all my life. The vibration from the TC 88 was like manna for me. Sold the bike. Wish I had not done that. I really liked that bike.

 

But I want it to SHAKE!!!

 

So did you use the tranny from the 88?

 

Nope. RevTech six speed tranny.

 

Thanks for the post, as I have just never heard if the twin cam was smooth enough to be rigid mounted.