Some questions to throw out there on my rebuild planning.

Backround: Stock 88a - 1999 ultra mostly riding 2 up. Catastrophic failure where piston rod bent and broke cylinder pin, ramming piston into cylinder wall.

Budget $3000.00

Heads appear ok, but have 120,000 miles on them.

Stock carb.

Doing a total rebuild, already have new crank flywheel piston assembly.


Wanting to upgrade /fix the important things while doing this. Looking for reliably / dependability, not high performance. What do you recommend?

Cams & Cam plate- Ive been being asked if I want to stick with chain or go with gear. Also had one mech tell me its best to go with hydraulic. Somewhat confusing as the advantages / disadvantages of each. In a nutshell which option would you recommend.?

Also the 88 -95 ci conversion vs. the 88 -97 ci conversion using S&S jugs and piston conversion kits.

Any and all help is appreciated. !!

 

Bore to 98"
Andrews 26's or 37 cams.
Re-work heads
Ride, and smile..........
Scott

 

First thing I would do is return the 4" stroke crank or swap it for the 4.375" stroke crank. Then follow Scott's advice. I would avoid kits, stick with your seasoned cylinders and a set of pistons to fit. Have the crank, whichever one you use, checked for true; have it balanced to your pistons and welded while you have the chance.

Gear drive should fit your budget and if crank is trued and welded, that would be the way to go. Axtell oil bypass system with the OEM cam plate which should be replaced as well as the pump.

Cams, your choice; Scott has recommended two known performers. Heads to the porter of your choice and with headwork, the 37s over the 26s if you stick with those two.

Yost kit for the carb, DTT programmable ignition, good exhaust and get her on the dyno.

That's the big picture; the devil is in the details.

 

For your use I would take a look at the S&S 551 cam. Are you going to do the disassemble and assembly?