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Ask your local Harley dealer about the factory's engine re-manufacturing program. For a couple of grand, you motor gets totally rebuilt with new parts and/or re-machined ones (depending on the condition of the parts in question). The best part: not only do you get a 1 year warranty, but you also keep the original VIN to match the rest of the bike.
The heck with an HD motor...get sometthing which doesn't need all the work to get it where you want it. If you want power and reliability get a larger motor which wont have to work as hard to put out the horses. Remember, there is no replacement for displacement...107" 111", 124", best motor I have ever seen is the Patrick's Racing 121"...huge power numbers, all billet motor...
Rev Tech - Korean Junk
S&S - Great motors, well built, 2 year warranty
Patrick's Racing - Best motors on the planet if you have the cash
TP - Not bad, high output low reliability
Ultima - same
'87 Sloptail here, too. I didn't go the re-man bit, just bought a new HD crate motor. Don't need any more power for my riding; guess I got most of that out of my system 30 years ago. If you have the $, go the S&S. If not, go the HD, whether re-man or crate. The re-man requires the shop to do the pull & install, IIRC. Shy from Rev-Tech, if for no other reason than it's Korean.
checkout ultimaproducts.com they got 100% American Made power that destroys all 'genuineHD' bullshiit. they come 140hp stock (evo type) with 6 speed transmissions. since yer not paying for the HD shield they're also cheaper than 'genuineHD' bullshiit. if i go big twin its gonna be to a ultima like my uncles softtail that he dropped a 127ci into 3 years ago. we switch sometimes for my sportster an i'm in love with it. good luck your gonna get alotta leads from this thread no doubt.
Replacing the engine on my 87 heritage.What is the best choice ? revtech,s&s,any advice?
Also, you need to take into account, how long will you keep the bike? IF you have no plans on selling it, then go for the biggest, baddest engine you can afford.
If you are eventually going to sell it, need to consider the re-man motor so that the VIN's match. Not sure how it would sell with not having an HD motor/trans in it.
I know I would want the VINs to match before I bought a Harley. Just something to consider.
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I had to replace the motor on my 96 Heritage just a month or so after I bought it. I went the Harley crated remanufactured route. The dealer had the bike about 2 weeks and for about 3 grand I got a new engine installed.
I never gave a thought to matching VINs. Maybe I should have?
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