What are some shovel dependability upgrades?
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1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
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What are some shovel dependability upgrades?
I'm in the process of buying my first shovel for a custom project, the bike is an 82' model, I've heard plenty of horror stories about them, a shovel is what I want nobody can change that, what are engine mods that can improve lubrication to the top end, a good carb setup, etc. any help would be appreciated!
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 533
Likes: 57
From: Fredericksburg, VA
Funny, I'm not a huge fan of S&S carbs... I have an Edelbrock on mine that I really love. No flat spots... Very smooth acceleration and a little bit less fuel consumption, with plenty of s**t & git. I know I'll probably get blasted for that, everyoe thinks I'm crazy for not liking S&Ss... Oh well.
An oil cooler is a nice addition and not that expensive. Free flowing airbox and a free flowing exhaust (but a little baffle will give a little touch of back pressure and give you a little better bottom end torque).
The exhaust bolt thing is a must! That's the biggest problem I've had with my 80 FLT. That rear exhaust bolt backing out has cost me more than any other issue... period. I got to the point that I safety wire it.
I find other than that, mine's been rock solid. I upped the compression and got a little extra oomph out of her without having to do much. My heads are flowed.
That's it on mine and I've had very little engine issue whatsoever. She doesn't like sitting in traffic! But then my old Evo never did either. But the Shovel's much less forgiving of hot traffic sitting. She'll ping like no other quick!
John F.
An oil cooler is a nice addition and not that expensive. Free flowing airbox and a free flowing exhaust (but a little baffle will give a little touch of back pressure and give you a little better bottom end torque).
The exhaust bolt thing is a must! That's the biggest problem I've had with my 80 FLT. That rear exhaust bolt backing out has cost me more than any other issue... period. I got to the point that I safety wire it.
I find other than that, mine's been rock solid. I upped the compression and got a little extra oomph out of her without having to do much. My heads are flowed.
That's it on mine and I've had very little engine issue whatsoever. She doesn't like sitting in traffic! But then my old Evo never did either. But the Shovel's much less forgiving of hot traffic sitting. She'll ping like no other quick!
John F.
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Joined: Jun 2010
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if you going to do a total top end get the best parts you can afford and install them with attention to detail and you will have a dependable motor to enjoy for many miles. i have half assed a top end builds with poor results.
Last edited by 83 fxdg 90; Jun 27, 2010 at 09:53 PM.
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