Hi new here, been around for awhile but thought I'd join, great place!
I'm purchasing a 05 Screaming Eagle (I think) but I reallu need to know the truth about this 103 engine.
Been hearing things on the 88b engine - not just on this forum- but but need opinions from people who know something about this engine.
Is it going to be a strong engine?
I want a Harley that can take some riding- reason I want the Screaming Eagle other than looks is the larger engine but I know bigger isn't alway better...

Is it a poop?

 

Either BClem, is dead or a mith since he's been gone for 5 weeks. My opinion, a factory 103 is a TC88 stroked and bored and not much else. Good idea, but I feel that the clutch and trany need upgrades to make it bulletproof. I would go for rubber mount and not a counter balanced.

 

I talked to someone who just bought a Screaming Eagle Fatty and he had put 70 miles on the thing and said the bike had trouble shifting into 2nd gear.
Hmmm, not what you'd expect from $28,000 bike aye?
I do like the smoothenss of that bike...

 

Kicks I no I'm not BClem but that is one awesome motor there,I pick up all the magazine's and have not heard one bad thing about that engine that's bad, It has the best of what you want, gear drive's on the cam's, bigger stroke, bigger bore, it's got it all. Man if I could afford one that's what I'd have.

 

The Screamin Eagle 103 is the TC88 with the stroker crank shaft, big bore jugs and mild pistons. It has a fairly light cam, and a well engineered motor. The big benefit is that if you want to hop it up- it already ahs the crank. Higher Compression pistons (Save the starter- used Comp. releases if you go this way), hotter cams, etc. are easily avail. Remember this- Harley allows this 103" standard motor to be eligible for ALL warranty programs- so it is built fairly bulletproof (Read mild).

We talked to Screamin Eagle about the clutch since we are building a nasty 103 in our bagger. The said we DO NOT need to change the clutch in our ULtra- Only put in the heavier clutch springs. We are also going the six speed trans route. A great trick is to go the six speed, but change the primary chain kit whick alters the ratio on the primary. Kinda reduces the heavy overdrive of sixth gear and make the 6 speed a close ratio trans.


My .02

BRUCE