I have a 2003 Softail project bike that needs a new engine. I've been scouring the intewebs looking for a replacement engine, and there seems to be a lot better deals on A engines than B engines. Also, if I want a new crate engine, there isn't an aftermarket option for the B engine that I've found. I also hate the idea of all that extra crap moving around in the casing to counter balance the engine. I have access to a fabrication shop, so fabricating new mounts won't be an issue, I'm just curious is anyone has ever done it, or tried it, and what obstacles they ran into.

 

I've never done it, but own and work on both softails and baggers. It's not just the engine to frame issues you'll need to deal with......

The "B" engine uses a different transmission housing (#34732-00A) / interface, than the "A" engine housing (#34740-02A) / interface....

You'll need to try to fit an "A" engine & trans housing into a softail frame, or somehow connect an "A" engine to a "B" trans housing.

And then you'll have to deal with the vibrations from the "A" engine, as it probably won't be rubber mounted...

While just about anything can be accomplished with enough time and money, not sure this one will be anywhere near affordable, if even doable...

I would rather spend the time and money on a professional rebuild of the "B" engine.... send it off to one of the forum sponsors for a rebuild/mods and it will be as good, probably better, than an off the shelf crate engine..

Good luck with your search

 

Balance and blueprint your B motor and leave out the counter balance stuff.