96ci Build question

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Mar 27, 2020 | 02:34 PM

Hossup

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Joined: Aug 2011

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From: Hustisford, WI

96ci Build question

Greetings, This will be my first HD engine build, not my first Harley. I have done cams, exhaust and intake on all my rides, but now want to build a power plant.
I understand it would probably be more/less frustrating to buy a complete engine or an upgrade kit.
But I am a glutton for punishment.
I have a couple of questions;

is there a difference between a 96 Softtail and a 96ci Touring crank case?
is there a difference between a 96ci crank case and a 103ci crank case?
If the 96/103 are the same case what is the biggest cylinders I can put on a 103, and what can I bore them to?
Now with all this in mind, (I know this could get to be ugly), what are the best individual parts to compliment this build?
- please if you have an opinion about specific parts would you be so kind as to explain why, I am not looking for someone to tell me they like a 58mm TB because that's what someone said.

I am currently building a 2012 Fat Tire Road Glide and am excited to see what this beast turns into.

Mar 27, 2020 | 03:12 PM

eighteight

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2019

Posts: 10,672

Likes: 7,270

From: OH

Before the engine builders answer the specifics

What is your desired outcome ?
Solo to bike night or 500lbs of 2 up touring ?
You mention “beast”
Budget not an issue?

Last edited by eighteight; Mar 27, 2020 at 04:29 PM.

Mar 27, 2020 | 05:24 PM

grbrown

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Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Bedford UK

Before you go off on a flight of fancy, there is a risk that your 'beast' could cost a fortune to build. There are tuners/builders out there who have proven packages that will get you great results pdq. You can also buy a crate engine up to 143". At the moment you are asking us to list everything that is possible, which is not a good starting point! I suggest you narrow down your ambitions, so we can be more specific in our suggestions. You have a 96" and there are 103, 107, 110, 117, 124, options....

Mar 27, 2020 | 06:00 PM

dfwhockey17

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: May 2014

Posts: 2,400

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From: Fort Worth, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hossup

is there a difference between a 96 Softtail and a 96ci Touring crank case? Yes
is there a difference between a 96ci crank case and a 103ci crank case? No
If the 96/103 are the same case what is the biggest cylinders I can put on a 103, and what can I bore them to? 103" is a big bore 96", either one you can bore to 107"
Now with all this in mind, (I know this could get to be ugly), what are the best individual parts to compliment this build? What are your goals? There are a million combinations available, some better than others for certain applications...
- please if you have an opinion about specific parts would you be so kind as to explain why, I am not looking for someone to tell me they like a 58mm TB because that's what someone said.

I am currently building a 2012 Fat Tire Road Glide and am excited to see what this beast turns into.

What are you looking to get out of the build? There is a lot of knowledge here, so I recommend asking ALL of your questions here, you will get all the help you need...

Mar 28, 2020 | 08:35 AM

Hossup

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Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 60

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From: Hustisford, WI

Quote:

Originally Posted by eighteight

Before the engine builders answer the specifics

What is your desired outcome ?
Solo to bike night or 500lbs of 2 up touring ?
You mention “beast”
Budget not an issue?

Ok in my zealousness, I did not consider these proper questions;

Desired outcome;
- Some education about specific parts.
- The largest bore TC103 badged sleeper.
Solo riding exclusivly
I did say Beast, I understand this is subjective.
Budget
- $5000 +or- $1000
Pump gas

I truly understand that there are proven crate engines and builders that will put anything I want together.
With this forum I have the resource to get tried and true experience about about specific components and assemblies and then get to make a better educated choice.
I would have a hard time buying any assembled engine from anybody, unless of course it was a smoking good deal and even then I would have to rip it apart to see. I am kinda weird like that.
(the last sentence is a general statment, if I paid for an S&S, Jim's or one of the other engines from amazing builders out there I would not tear it apart, except to rebuid it)
One last comment, " if you have to ask why, you probably don't get it.

Last edited by Hossup; Mar 28, 2020 at 08:43 AM.

Mar 28, 2020 | 10:19 AM

djl

HDF Community Team

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 12,763

Likes: 2,597

From: san antonio

The largest bore 103" motor would be a 107" if relying on boring OEM cylinders only. Of course there are bigger motors to be built which would require new cylinders and/or stroker cranks.

I could give you a "recipe" for a 98" motor that makes 114TQ/115HP that you could use to build a 107" with some minor modifications; I built one last summer for about $4500 which included crank work by Hoban Brothers, dyno break in and tune. A similar formula in a 107" should go 125/125 or thereabouts.