Engine swap for '03 Road King Classic
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5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Trumbull, ct
Engine swap for '03 Road King Classic
I have put 100329 original miles on an '03 Road King Classic with a stage two 88 twin cam. At 99989 she started making some fairly nasty top end noise. In talking with my wrench, he says it is a heck of a lot easier to just swap out an engine from a wrecked bike than to rebuild this one where everything probably needs freshening up. Question is...what can I look for that will fit the stock frame? I really don't care if the engine is a 100th anniversary model since they made a buttload of them. What other years or brands (S&S/ Rev Tech) will fit? Can I increase size to say 96ci? or 103ci?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
As I understand it you can only do a straight swap with another TC88, or one of the larger engines based on that, not the later TC96 series. The reason is that your model has external oil pipes, between the oil tank and engine oil pump, whereas the TC96 models are re-engineered with entirely internal oilways. The two don't swap, so your trans won't bolt up to a TC96. I think there may have been a 103" version of the TC88. Here's one on Ebay that may be suitable, #254491520198.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,156
Likes: 11,244
From: San Diego, CA
Yeah, you may spend a little more to rebuild (especially if you have the "power" illness like me). And it will take more time, effort....... But you will have an as new engine, set up the way YOU want...
Installing a used engine, especially one from a wreck, can be a crap shoot.... There is a lot more to engine condition than just mileage... and that's all you'll know about a junk yard engine....
Good luck with your repair...
PS- Just a thought, taking down the top end, to include cylinders, of Twin Cam in frame isn't that difficult... If your wrench is saying "swap engines" instead of looking into the problem with this engine, maybe a good rebuild is outside his comfort zone...
Last edited by hattitude; Mar 27, 2020 at 09:43 AM.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 17,008
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From: in a cave at the foothills
This seems odd to me that the mechanic would not want to do the rebuild??
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 226
An option...
S&S TWIN CAM HARLEY REPLACEMENT ENGINE 111″ 1999-2006
S&S TWIN CAM HARLEY REPLACEMENT ENGINE 111″ 1999-2006
- No fuel system or ignition systems included - Use what you already have
- Special Head machining – Fits stock length intake manifolds (S&S manifold size 410)
- Stock style breathing system – stock breather spacing and function is compatible with
stock and most performance air cleaners - Same quality components and performance as the complete T-Series engines
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
If youre desperate to go riding as soon as possible, get a replacement engine. Used or rebuilt is a crap shoot. Beware of many so called rebuilt engines. Quality is often lacking.
If youre not in that much of a rush, open up yours and see what the problem is. It may be quite repairable. As in fix it and go, not even needing a full rebuild.
If youre not in that much of a rush, open up yours and see what the problem is. It may be quite repairable. As in fix it and go, not even needing a full rebuild.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 837
From: KMHT KFMY
The S&S 111 is a cost effective option that will get you on the road quicker, they are a known product and S&S will support them long after HD has obsoleted every part on the 88TC
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