Stock 97 Evo Improvements?
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2015
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From: earth
Stock 97 Evo Improvements?
I have a Stock 97 Softail Heritage Classic. I have read where some things with this engine were not done as well as perhaps could have been during manufacturing. What I am interested in is knowing what you guys would do/change on a Stock Evo 80 engine to "improve it".
An example might be replacing the carby or shaving the heads and using 0.30 gaskets instead of 0.40 gaskets and so forth. Essentially ANY alterations you might make to improve on the stock engine and make it better generally.
Hope this makes sense and yes, I know putting a Stage 3 kit through it will improve it BUT is that needed for general base improvements? Rhetorical question.
An example might be replacing the carby or shaving the heads and using 0.30 gaskets instead of 0.40 gaskets and so forth. Essentially ANY alterations you might make to improve on the stock engine and make it better generally.
Hope this makes sense and yes, I know putting a Stage 3 kit through it will improve it BUT is that needed for general base improvements? Rhetorical question.
Last edited by wombat457; Apr 26, 2019 at 09:24 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 942
Likes: 323
From: Grew up in Texas, moved to AZ
The world is your oyster man. How many miles on the bike? You have to start with what is your desired end state and your budget? They guys here will be happy to help you spend your $$.
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 975
Likes: 302
From: earth
The bike (believe it or not) has only 20,000 miles on it - it spent most of it's life in storage from what I understand.
My desired end state is to improve on the basic straight from the factory engine. Some people say the ignition system on the stock is "okay" but you can do better because ....., or the carby is a good carby BUT re jetting it will improve it and so forth. Essentially, as I am only compiling a list of possibilities for eventual consideration, the cost/budget is irrelevant.
I'm not looking for suggestions just for the sake of changing things for more power, or higher speeds - just options for better "stuff" for the base engine and if improved performance comes from those base changes then great. If not, then that doesn't matter.
Let me put it this way - the stock engine is 22 years old. It uses "technology/parts" that are (now) 22 years old. Things (must have) improved during the last 22 years so I'd like to bring it into the year 2019
My desired end state is to improve on the basic straight from the factory engine. Some people say the ignition system on the stock is "okay" but you can do better because ....., or the carby is a good carby BUT re jetting it will improve it and so forth. Essentially, as I am only compiling a list of possibilities for eventual consideration, the cost/budget is irrelevant.
I'm not looking for suggestions just for the sake of changing things for more power, or higher speeds - just options for better "stuff" for the base engine and if improved performance comes from those base changes then great. If not, then that doesn't matter.
Let me put it this way - the stock engine is 22 years old. It uses "technology/parts" that are (now) 22 years old. Things (must have) improved during the last 22 years so I'd like to bring it into the year 2019
Last edited by wombat457; Apr 26, 2019 at 09:48 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 942
Likes: 323
From: Grew up in Texas, moved to AZ
22 years is young around here for Evos. I really recommend doing some researching on this site: http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/hdbuildstage1.htm Have fun.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
You are asking an 'open' question, to which there isn't an easy single answer. You can tinker with carbs, exhaust and cam, but the most effective way to improve performance is to use an expert, such as HDF sponsor Hillside. They can provide proven upgrades, including ported heads, increased CR pistons, cam, etc. That will give you the greatest improvements short of using a new S&S engine!
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 31
Likes: 6
From: usa
This is only second hand knowledge, as I've been entertaining the possibility of purchasing an EVO era ride... and inquiring at various places about them.
I am told that, as great of an engine this EVO is.... the 'Achille's heel' is the inner cam bearing, (not sure if this applies to the sportster models). Once that is replaced/upgraded... it's good to go.
Replacing the cam while doing the bearing would possibly be on my list, but that would be a highly subjective & personal decision, based on riding style and power/torque needs at various rpm. As long as your there... why not the lifters.
I am told that, as great of an engine this EVO is.... the 'Achille's heel' is the inner cam bearing, (not sure if this applies to the sportster models). Once that is replaced/upgraded... it's good to go.
Replacing the cam while doing the bearing would possibly be on my list, but that would be a highly subjective & personal decision, based on riding style and power/torque needs at various rpm. As long as your there... why not the lifters.
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You are asking an 'open' question, to which there isn't an easy single answer. You can tinker with carbs, exhaust and cam, but the most effective way to improve performance is to use an expert, such as HDF sponsor Hillside. They can provide proven upgrades, including ported heads, increased CR pistons, cam, etc. That will give you the greatest improvements short of using a new S&S engine!
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