Shovel heads had a different bolt pattern, if memory serves me at one time a major cylinder manufacturer made cylinder and short studs that allowed it to be bolted to EVO crankcases. This allowed you to bolt shovel heads on top. Oil feed tapped off of the gallery where the pressure gauge was and return was near the bottom of the inside of the cylinder if I remember correctly and special pistons were neeeded. It wasn't very popular and they weren't aroind long. Hope this helps.

 

Yeah, my Shovel buddies suggested that Axtell was the place you speak of. But I sent them an e-mail many days ago and never got a reply. I have all but given up on the conversion theory am trying to wrap my head around another bike. I have been down sizing in a major way. I sold my Mustang and my Buell last year because too many vehicles were becoming a problem. I have to rethink getting another bike.

 

if u just want the shovelhead looks, doesn't xzotic build pan, shovel and knucklehead...rocker boxes?
here
http://www.retrocycle.com/CustomChro...88_Models.html

 

Yes, but they are prone to leak!!

 

Naw, can't do covers. I'm too ingrained in Shovels to do that stuff. If I could bolt genuine parts to an Evo, I would probably do it, but that phony baloney stuff just doesn't look right.

 

hmmm.. I see... well.. easiest way to go is buying a new one...
u can buy a new one then try to build the sovelution afterwards, and if it goes well.. resell the shovel

 

Yeah, that's pretty much were I'm at.

 

Hello, Im going to resurrect this thread since Im searching for the same info, 9 years later.
The current owner tells me its a 1972 Shovel top with a 1996 Evo bottom and 5-speed trans.
He says that it has about 300 miles on the build. It looks good, no leaks and due to it being a Evo trans means no kicker (bummer) but is there anything that should concern me with the oil/breather function?

I can't visually tell the differences between a Shovel and a Evo bottom.

Thanks

 

No 96 factory cases would have a VIN number here...don't look like factory shovel cases either...I'm betting aftermarket shovel cases...maybe it has an EVO crank in it...

 

I agree they could be aftermarket cases. Maybe Delkron? Is the engine number a mirror image? And is it in a recess? Here’s an example.





Also check the left case for markings.
Eric