883 to 1200 conversion question
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Stage II
Joined: Aug 2020
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From: Missouri
883 to 1200 conversion question
Hi ok so I have a 2016 883 xl and a 98 1200 sporters would it be possable to tak the heads and pistons off the 98 and swap over to the 883 to make it a 1200 motor? If so what all would have to be done to do so.?
Nope, the heads are not interchangeable. For starters, cylinders 04+ have larger fins, and the heads 04+ are ported differently (1200 heads have more of an oval port shape, vs the round port shape 03/prior). Pushrods are slightly different and for sure wouldn't work with 98 heads. I know the head bolt locations are the same, but that's about it.
I'm sure there's a way to make 98 heads work, but you'd have to get adjustable pushrods, have the 98 heads ported, get new valves, etc. Would cost way more than it would be worth. If you already have the '98 1200 heads, you might be better off selling them and just buying 1200 heads from the 04+ Sportster generation.
You should email Hammer Performance about this, they do head porting work for big bore kits. They would likely recommend porting your stock 883 heads. Also worthwhile to mention, some 883-1200 kits can use stock 883 heads (with a flat-top piston design); the performance gains between 1200 and 883 heads on a big bore kit are pretty small. Hammer Performance has Dyno results showing how slim the difference is. You will get more power with 1200 heads or ported 883 heads, but it won't be as much bang for the buck as the 1200/1250 kit itself will be.
I'm sure there's a way to make 98 heads work, but you'd have to get adjustable pushrods, have the 98 heads ported, get new valves, etc. Would cost way more than it would be worth. If you already have the '98 1200 heads, you might be better off selling them and just buying 1200 heads from the 04+ Sportster generation.
You should email Hammer Performance about this, they do head porting work for big bore kits. They would likely recommend porting your stock 883 heads. Also worthwhile to mention, some 883-1200 kits can use stock 883 heads (with a flat-top piston design); the performance gains between 1200 and 883 heads on a big bore kit are pretty small. Hammer Performance has Dyno results showing how slim the difference is. You will get more power with 1200 heads or ported 883 heads, but it won't be as much bang for the buck as the 1200/1250 kit itself will be.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,547
Likes: 3,974
From: San Diego, CA
Call Hammer Performance. I just upgraded my 1991 to a 1250 for a little over $800 in parts. By the time you disassemble two motors, have heads done, get correct pistons and cylinders, new ignition system, etc., you'd be better off just putting a 1250 kit on that 2016 and be done with it. Just because something "can" be done does not always mean it "should" be done.
John
John
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,782
Likes: 1,202
From: river
A million variables, not even close to being worth it. Youd have more powa and a legitimate set up with a simple 1250/1275 basic conversion. And money ahead
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