Confused. Engine build or buy.
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Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Indiana
Confused. Engine build or buy.
As the title says Im confused whether to buy an S&S111 motor or build a mild motor.
This bike pictured is ridden 2 up 95% of the time and you could add about another 400 lbs between my wife and I. It has Progressive heavy duty suspension front and rear. And spends a little time on the interstate but mainly in the mountains.
The S&S111 is approximately $5500.
And I could probably build a nice Evo for about half the price.
Build would be standard
Rebuild heads (port and polish, 3 angle valve grind, etc)
Still up in the air about cam
new lifters
new pushrods
Changing to a 2 to 1 exhaust
etc, etc
my questions are,
Im not sure I want to qo 10.5:1 as I cant guarantee that i would be filling up at the same station.
But stock compression leaves alot to be desired. Will I gain enough by making sure the cylinders are straight with the cases and adjusting with gaskets? or do I go to 9.5:1 pistons.
Am I missing anything.
If it helps, I dont know alot about these motors but I do like to turn wrenches. Not looking for a high performance motor just reliable.
sorry for the long post.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,197
From: Oxford, Nc
FWIW,
In my '98 Ultra, I ran a set of flowed heads, Weisco 10:1 pistons, EV 3030 cam from Comp,a Power Commander for the MM injection and a 2 into 1 Pro Pipe. Got about 78 hp (stock was like 53 or so,) and ran it 64,000 miles before I sold it. It was a great dependable motor and I didn't have $2000 in that upgrade.
In my '98 Ultra, I ran a set of flowed heads, Weisco 10:1 pistons, EV 3030 cam from Comp,a Power Commander for the MM injection and a 2 into 1 Pro Pipe. Got about 78 hp (stock was like 53 or so,) and ran it 64,000 miles before I sold it. It was a great dependable motor and I didn't have $2000 in that upgrade.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 717
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From: San Dimas
Many miles 2 up on mountain roads? I'd go with with the evo, built to a max of 9.8:1, with a good cam, rollers, manly valves, flowed head, etc. That's basically what I have on my 98 Road King and it makes mid to high 70's HP with the MM FI, a power commander, and a Thunder Header 2 Into 1.
An SS engine would be awesome, but one of the high comp variants + available fuels on lonely roads might lead to issues.
An SS engine would be awesome, but one of the high comp variants + available fuels on lonely roads might lead to issues.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
If you rebuild your current motor go to someone like Scott of Hillside, who has proven and strong 'recipes' that will give you good numbers. I have an S&S 107" which gives just over 100/100, as will a later 111". Scott can improve those to around 120/120, if you find them wanting! Mrs B and I have ridden all over Europe, loaded to the limit (close to 1200 pounds estimated when rolling) with complete satisfaction.
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 93
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From: Indiana
Long story short. Ill be building the Evo which by the way is how I was leaning. (I like to tinker, keeps me out of trouble)
My better half informed me she would like to have a new Ultra so we can go on longer rides. Who the hell am i to argue with that logic.
So on to build something. Not sure yet but ill start with the motor.
Thank you for the input...
My better half informed me she would like to have a new Ultra so we can go on longer rides. Who the hell am i to argue with that logic.
So on to build something. Not sure yet but ill start with the motor.
Thank you for the input...
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,116
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From: Poolville
Great Combo
If you like to tool your own build Ask Scott at hillside in munnsville about my build. .005 over wisco 10.5:1 piston that he tooled down to 10.2:1 and fit them to HD heads that he worked (stage II) with a woods w-6. with a big E carb and SE ignition That combo yielded 94 torque and 85 Hp and still got 44 mpg. He did all the machining and I did the assembly. I did get my jugs done locally for $80.00 and the ignition and Carb I already had. He will do you right.. He just finished my second build on the same motor and it is a beast.......
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