This isn't a dyna question but I will bet you guys can still offer some advice.

I kinda have the hots for a chopper (custom build) with a big inch motor. My question is, what brand of engine do you think is the best/most dependable? Personally I tend to lean towards S & S but I probably don't even know enough to have an opinion.

If you have any experience with this, I would value your opinion.

Thanks,

 

S&S has been around a looong time...they've earned a good reputation. There's a pile of other "V-Twin" motors out there; Harley makes a 120R motor now...depends if you're gonna put many miles on and how important it is to be a "Harley" chopper...an associate rides a TP engined "chopper" occaisionally; with full "HD" regalia...when I pointed out the bike wasn't a Harley but he sure was; he remarked that I was the only one who would know...he was right...it would be nice to use a HD "B" motor and have counterbalanced smoothness...it would be easier to just buy a nearly-new cast off piece of garage jewlrey

 

bang for the buck pretty hard to beat the SE 120R crate engine. Though marketed as a race only engine, a surprising number of dealerships seem to be installing them in baggers and offering them for sale.

S&S also is a great option, but when you come back to the dollar per horsepower equation, the SE piece at $5500 retail is tough to beat.

 

If you got the $$$$ then go with the Jim's131Hang on to your drawers when you twist the wick....

 

Guy I know ordered a Jims motor and it was NOT streetable. He finally sold it.
I wouldn't get an Ultima or a Rev-Tech. If you don't want a Harley motor, I say go S&S.

 

I have looked at BIG motors and there are a few tempting ones out there. S&S do a 145ci and R&R a 155ci for starters. How big can your bank balance stretch to?!

 

Stock 96 CI, throw in cam, add a stage one, pipes, dyno and leave it alone. Fast enough, run forever.

 

I am thinking S&S in the 117 range. A buddy of mine has a big dog with the S&S and he hasn't had any problems. I appreciate your input.

 

Reports from my dealer indicate the 131 is high in the vibes dept...also, of course, the "higher" horsepower you go, the more you must/should $pend on peripherals (driveline, brakes, etc)

 

Quite right. I am hovering on going BIG at the moment, but it does mean bigger starter, stronger clutch and improved gearset for my old Evo. I already have the brakes and improved suspension etc. A billet 131 from R&R sounds good and is said to be very smooth, but I haven't ridden one. They do both evo and twincam versions which will fit in a stock frame. The bigger motors I mentioned earlier require frame surgery or a custom frame. 140+ HP/TQ sounds appealing!