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74 hardtail project bike

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Old Oct 10, 2009 | 07:36 PM
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IronMick
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Before considering any performance modifications you can significantly educate yourself by reading these two books, and then be in a much better position to make decisions:

Harley Davidson Sportster Performance Handbook
Buzz Buzzelli
ISBN 0-7603-2353-4
Chapter 6: Hi-Performance Ironheads

V-Twin Thunder!
A Handbook of Inexpensive Performance Modifications for Harley Davidson Motorcycles
Carl McClanahan
ISBN 0-933078-12-9
Out of print for many years, try eBay, Amazon, Abebooks, etc.
Be prepared to pay, then be glad that you did.
 
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Old Oct 10, 2009 | 11:54 PM
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Thanks! i think i'll check the library, the second book was 103 bucks on ebay.
 
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Old Oct 11, 2009 | 06:41 AM
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Originally Posted by EvilWayz
... the second book was 103 bucks on ebay.
Look around some more. I think i paid around $60 for my copy a couple of years ago. $100 is probably not out of line now. It is an important book with very specific information about what to do. Worth the $s if you are seriously considering performance modifications to your bike.

The chapter in the Buzzelli book is mainly general advice. Good, useful info to have, but the McClanahan book contains specifics.
 
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Old Oct 11, 2009 | 10:38 AM
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Do they make thunderheaders for ironheads? I'm thinking i'd like 2 to 1 pipes.
 
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Old Oct 11, 2009 | 10:49 AM
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have you inspected the cases for repairs? any welds,cracks fixed...common places are behind the drive sprocket,the speedo drive..around the rear of tranny..keep in mind the cases cannot be replaced very easy! and are close to 40 years old,stroking is fun n faster but unnecessary these IronHeads still hold there own.
 
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Old Oct 11, 2009 | 10:52 AM
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Whoops 74 don't have the speedo drive was on front wheel.
 
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Old Oct 11, 2009 | 12:15 PM
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Originally Posted by seventyiron
Whoops 74 don't have the speedo drive was on front wheel.
Oops, yes they do!
 
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Old Oct 11, 2009 | 12:16 PM
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Originally Posted by EvilWayz
Do they make thunderheaders for ironheads? I'm thinking i'd like 2 to 1 pipes.
I would not go with exotic parts. Check out Sporty Specialties for 2-1 pipes for IronHeads.

http://www.sportyspecialties.com/
 
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Old Oct 12, 2009 | 06:31 PM
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Mick,i was referring to the speedo drive on the cases,driven by tranny gear.think that stopped in 73ish..then the drive was on front wheel?
 
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Old Oct 12, 2009 | 07:32 PM
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Originally Posted by seventyiron
Mick,i was referring to the speedo drive on the cases,driven by tranny gear.think that stopped in 73ish..then the drive was on front wheel?
Yes, a buddy of mine has a '74 and the speedo drive is in the front wheel. I do not know when they changed from the tranny drive.
 
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