Any reason to update my crankcases?
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 263
Likes: 25
From: MN
Any reason to update my crankcases?
Early 85 Low Rider, Hillside will be doing the heads, possible 89" Stroker, haven't decided yet. Any reason to upgrade to the newer style crankcases? No problems with the ones I have currently that I know of, I'll inspect them when I remove it from the frame.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,066
Likes: 4,568
From: Haslet Texas
I don't know about your cases but I'd say if they aren't damaged then keep them.
That said I would recommend having Scott open up the stud holes in your heads just a bit to accept the newer case studs. JMO
That said I would recommend having Scott open up the stud holes in your heads just a bit to accept the newer case studs. JMO
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,081
Likes: 2,159
From: Ohio
The older cases should be fine with the 4 5/8" flywheel but not bullet proof, those case's can't have the spigot bore opened where the stronger 92-98 cases have a better chance of holding a larger spigot bore in favor of thicker material over the older case, know that's not your direction but reference for the older case isn't as strong. Some pics of the older case's cracking into into the lifter bolt holes allowing a oil leak that can't be repaired so not going to say the older cases are bullet proof.
Got to throw some debatable material in just to ponder upon. Beat the crap out a 89" 92-98 cased engine for years so have some experience with the 4 5/8" flywheel and believe in it, a 89" can easily cross over to 100/100 in reliable street power but more stress on the cases. A stock flywheel'd engine is easily a 80/80 engine and well within the design of older or new model cases.
If you are going to buy S&S cases, S&S 4 5/8 flywheel, have the heads done and having someone do all of the work, it would be smarter to buy the S&S 111" like these guys are doing, you are going to have a fortune in your smaller motor and still have to put stress on it to get less horsepower than the 111" puts out in normal operation and no warranty on building the smaller motor. Let's throw in $1200 for a flywheel, bearings $50, pistons $200, $120 cylinder bore, cam $200, lifters $150, oil pump $200, gasket kit $100, head work $700 plus labor to put the engine together.
Just weigh out all options, building a motor can be a slippery slope. If you are hell bound on a stock appearing engine then the decision is easy but wouldn't put a aftermarket case in a 89" because of cost factors to horsepower ratio. The older cases are not as strong as the 92-98 cases but don't see why a 4 5/8", W6, mild head work won't hold in a older case but the lifter bolt holes are it's weakness.
l
Got to throw some debatable material in just to ponder upon. Beat the crap out a 89" 92-98 cased engine for years so have some experience with the 4 5/8" flywheel and believe in it, a 89" can easily cross over to 100/100 in reliable street power but more stress on the cases. A stock flywheel'd engine is easily a 80/80 engine and well within the design of older or new model cases.
If you are going to buy S&S cases, S&S 4 5/8 flywheel, have the heads done and having someone do all of the work, it would be smarter to buy the S&S 111" like these guys are doing, you are going to have a fortune in your smaller motor and still have to put stress on it to get less horsepower than the 111" puts out in normal operation and no warranty on building the smaller motor. Let's throw in $1200 for a flywheel, bearings $50, pistons $200, $120 cylinder bore, cam $200, lifters $150, oil pump $200, gasket kit $100, head work $700 plus labor to put the engine together.
Just weigh out all options, building a motor can be a slippery slope. If you are hell bound on a stock appearing engine then the decision is easy but wouldn't put a aftermarket case in a 89" because of cost factors to horsepower ratio. The older cases are not as strong as the 92-98 cases but don't see why a 4 5/8", W6, mild head work won't hold in a older case but the lifter bolt holes are it's weakness.
l
Last edited by 1997bagger; Mar 2, 2019 at 10:14 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 286
From: Buford, GA
13,000 miles after the rebuild pulled the top end to have compression releases installed that the rebuilder should have done to begin with. Had to go with new pistons, rings and boring the cylinders. I have way more in this 80" that a V111 would have cost me with a warranty.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 5,649
Likes: 430
From: MASS_hole
My opinion of older motor upgrades is that now with the extra power to go faster, means you’re beating it harder. And some of the older parts that are stll in the motor including cases, can’t handle the abuse.
Just buy the 111, or a 2019 m8
Just buy the 111, or a 2019 m8
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 409
Likes: 103
From: Roanoke, VA
I think if it's time to rebuild or build up or whatever....I should find a new/rebuilt engine and swap it in.....preferably from someone with some good repute in engine building.....would save me a lot of guesswork.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 5,649
Likes: 430
From: MASS_hole
Not knowing much on engine rebuild, I feel the same way too. Just buy a done one and and ride it and hope it stays together.
Older bikes have issue and are not perfect. But neither are the later models.
Older bikes have issue and are not perfect. But neither are the later models.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,121
Likes: 300
From: New Mexico-No, you don't need a passport.
I have an 89 stroker with head work and Super G.
It has the original cases.
It runs great and has over 40,000 since the overhaul.
If I had it to do over I would go with more cubes.
If you change the cases you can go as big as you want.
Or just replace it with a big cube motor.
It has the original cases.
It runs great and has over 40,000 since the overhaul.
If I had it to do over I would go with more cubes.
If you change the cases you can go as big as you want.
Or just replace it with a big cube motor.