I found a Sportster engine for sale. What are the first things I should check or replace?

When starting with a used engine of unknown history, it's wise to at least perform a top-end refresh. This typically includes new gaskets, checking cylinder and piston tolerances, and inspecting the valve train. This gives you peace of mind and a reliable starting point.

What are the easiest ways to get more power from my stock Sportster engine?

The most common and effective "Stage 1" upgrades are improving airflow. This means installing a high-flow air cleaner and a less restrictive exhaust system. These two changes allow the engine to breathe more freely and will deliver a noticeable performance gain without ever opening up the motor itself.

I'm rebuilding my engine. How important is it to replace all the hardware?

While not always strictly necessary, it's highly recommended. Engine hardware is subject to countless heat cycles and stress, which can cause it to stretch and weaken over time. Using new, high-quality head bolts, case bolts, and other hardware ensures proper torque specs and a leak-free, reliable engine for years to come.

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Colony #8222-8 Rocker Shaft End Plug & Cap Kit 1966-1970 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead 1957-1970 XL - Chrome Plated
1 review $40.61

Colony #8217-18-45 Head Bolt Kit 1940-1954 Harley-Davidson Alloy Head 45's - Chrome Plated
$109.36

Colony #8871-13 Upper Motor Mount Kit Acorn Head 1986-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$20.27

Colony #8848-6 Circuit Breaker Post Rebuild Kit 1930-1948 Harley-Davidson All Models
$20.27

Colony #8774-18 Footboard Hinge Bolt Buddy Footrest Kit 1941-1964 Harley-Davidson - CAD Plated
$20.65

Colony #8745-13 Oil Pump Mounting Kit 1936-1967 Harley-Davidson OHV Big Twins - Chrome Plated
$20.31

Colony #8865-11 Cam Cover Acorn Head Screw Kit 1986-2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$21.12

Colony #8618-20 Big Bore Headbolt & Washer Kit 1949-Up Harley-Davidson Panhead/Shovelhead - Black
3 reviews $47.80

Colony #8737-24 Valve Cover Allen Screw Kit 1954-1965 Harley-Davidson Panhead With Steel D-Rings - Chrome Plated
$23.69

Colony #8628-6 Slotted 1/4-24 Thread Motor Case Nuts All Pre-1930 Harley-Davidson - CAD Plated
$19.93

Colony #8941-3 Rocker Box Oil Feed Line Fittings 1942-1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead OEM# 95-42 95-42A - CAD Plated
$19.51

Colony #8894-9 Cam Cover Screw Kit 1952-1970 Harley-Davidson K/KH/XL/XLCH/XLH - Chrome Plated
$20.00

Colony #8604-16 Lifter Base Screw Kit Hex Head 1954-1974 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - Chrome Plated
3 reviews $22.78

Colony #8760-16 Lifter Base Allen Screw Kit 1936-1976 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - Chrome Plated
$17.92

Colony #8841-10 Rear Stand Mounting Kit 1936-1938 Harley-Davidson 45's - Parkerized
$18.76

Colony #8605-16 Lifter Base Screw Kit Hex Head 1954-1974 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - CAD Plated
$20.57

Colony #8727-8 Lifter Base Allen Screw Kit Pre-1976 Harley-Davidson Case To Late Lifter Bases - Chrome Plated
$15.52

Colony #8700-2 Oil Pump Relief Valve Plug 1968-1980 Harley-Davidson Big Twins OEM# 26377-68 - Chrome Plated
$15.52

Colony #8783-8 Cam Cover Allen Screw Kit 1971-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $14.89

Colony #8771-2 Timing Cover Oil Passage Bolt 1963-1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twin OEM# 25218-63 - Chrome Plated
$13.94

Colony #9005-4 Throttle Cable Bracket 1936-1948 Harley-Davidson OHV Big Twin - Parkerized
1 review $17.60

Colony #8744-12 Oil Pump Mounting Kit 1978-1991 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - Chrome Plated
1 review $13.40

Colony #8730-8 Rocker Shaft Chrome Plated Acorn Nut & Washer Kit 1966-1985 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead 1957-1985 Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $12.74

Colony #8726-8 Lifter Base Allen Screw Kit 1976-Up Harley-Davidson Case To Late Lifter Bases - Chrome Plated
1 review $12.67

Colony #8701-2 Tappet Oil Screen Plug 1970-1980 Harley-Davidson Big Twins OEM# 657 - Chrome Plated
1 review $12.74

Colony #8705-2 Tappet Oil Screen Plug 1966-1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twin OEM# 655 - Chrome Plated
$12.34

Colony #8702-2 Oil Pump Check Valve Plug 1936-1980 Harley-Davidson Big Twins OEM# 26362-36 - Chrome Plated
$12.34

Colony #9008-5 Spark Cable Clamp 1938-1948 Harley-Davidson Side Valve Big Twin - Parkerized
$14.30

Colony #8710-8 Lifter Base Screw Kit 1976-Up Harley-Davidson Big Twin - Black
$14.34

Colony #9007-2 Throttle & Spark Cable Clamp 1930-Up Harley-Davidson 45's - Parkerized
1 review $14.30

Colony #8849-2 Circuit Breaker Post Rebuild Kit 1948-1969 Harley-Davidson FL/XL/K/45's
$11.14

Colony #8610-1 Timing Plug 1931-1938 Harley-Davidson 5/8-18 Thread OEM# 2326-26 - Chrome Plated
$11.14

Colony #8819-4 Clutch & Brake Lever Pivot Screw Kit 1941-1964 Harley-Davidson Big Twin/45s - CAD Plated
1 review $12.10

Colony #8817-10 Oil Pump Mounting Allen Kit 1977-1990 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$9.68

Colony #8401-8 Rocker Shaft Cap Nut & Washer Kit 1966-1985 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead 1957-1985 Sportster - CAD Plated
1 review $9.96

Colony #8212-3 Oval Head Screw Kit 5/16-24 for Harley-Davidsons - Chrome Plated
$9.56

Colony #8782-4 Lifter Base Allen Screw Kit 1957-1990 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$8.78

Colony #8630-1 Rocker Feedline Nipple 1936-1941 Harley-Davidson OHV 1937-1952 45's Vent Line - CAD Plated
1 review $8.78

Colony #8612-1 Timing Plug 1931-1938 Harley-Davidson 5/8-18 Thread OEM# 2326-26 - Parkerized
$8.78

Colony #8611-1 Timing Plug 1931-1938 Harley-Davidson 5/8-18 Thread OEM# 2326-26 - CAD Plated
2 reviews $8.78

Colony #8494-1 1937-1986 Harley-Davidson Big Twin Transmission & Sportster XL Motor Case Drain Plug OEM# 707 - Chrome Plated
1 review $9.16

Colony #8790-28 Rocker Box Allen Screw Kit 1977-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $35.87

Colony #8733-24 Valve Cover Screws 1-1/4 inch Long 1954-1965 Harley-Davidson Panhead With Alloy D-Rings - CAD Plated
$34.93

Colony #8620-17 Motor Case Kit 1940-1973 Harley-Davidson 45's - CAD Plated
$35.42

Colony #8825-16 Lower Motor Mount Kit All Harley-Davidson 45s 1930-1936 VL - CAD Plated
$33.84

Colony #8740-19 Oil Pump Mounting Kit 1936-1967 Harley-Davidson OHV Big Twins - Chrome Plated
$33.00

Colony #8614-4 Rocker Shaft End Caps 1971-Up Harley-Davidson Shovelhead 1971-1984 XL - Chrome Plated
$33.31

Colony #8223-8 Rocker Shaft End Plug & Cap Kit 1966-1970 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead 1957-1970 XL - CAD Plated
1 review $31.81

Colony #8858-8 Cylinder Base Stud Set 1954-1985 Harley-Davidson K/XL OEM# 16830-54 & 16830-72
2 reviews $30.42

Colony #8846-2 Shift Gate Clamp Nut 1916-1935 Harley-Davidson 1936 VL - Chrome Plated
$28.60

Colony #8741-19 Oil Pump Mounting Kit 1936-1967 Harley-Davidson OHV Big Twins - CAD Plated
$27.50

Colony #8616-4 Rocker Shaft End Caps 1971-Up Harley-Davidson Shovelhead 1971-1984 XL - Black
$27.51

Colony #8615-4 Rocker Shaft End Caps 1971-Up Harley-Davidson Shovelhead 1971-1984 XL - CAD Plated
$27.51

Colony #8490-8 Lifter Base Acorn Head Screw Kit Harley-Davidson Late Shovelhead Lifter to 1/4-24 Motor Case - Chrome Plated
$27.51

Colony #8845-2 Shift Gate Clamp Nut 1916-1935 Harley-Davidson 1936 VL - Nickel Plated
$26.81

Colony #8707-6 Tappet Oil Screen/Oil Pump Check Valve/Relief Valve Plug Set 1981-Up Harley-Davidson Big Twin OEM# 26263-80 - Chrome Plated
4 reviews $26.07

Colony #9002-4 Evo Cap Head Bolt Covers 1984-1985 Harley-Davidson FL/FX/XL - Chrome Plated
1 review $25.71

Colony #9000-4 Evo Acorn Head Bolt Covers 1984-1985 Harley-Davidson FL/FX/X - Chrome Plated
1 review $25.71

Colony #8868-16 Rocker Box Screw Kit Acorn Head 1985-Up Harley-Davidson FL/FX/XL - Chrome Plated
2 reviews $25.72

Colony #8755-12 Timing Cover Screw Kit 1936-1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - Chrome Plated
2 reviews $24.62

Colony #8742-14 Oil Pump Mounting Kit 1967-1977 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Chrome Plated
$24.37

Colony #7157-20 Heat Treated Acorn Head Bolt Kit - 1940-1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead - Chrome Plated
$66.63

Colony #7153-20 Heat Treated Acorn Head Bolt Kit - 1948-1983 Harley-Davidson Panhead/Shovelhead - Chrome Plated
$66.63

Colony #7136-14 High Crown Acorn Rocker Box Bolt Kit - 1957-1976 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $61.56

Colony #7134-8 Custom Aluminum Pushrod Covers - 1957-1979 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
5 reviews $80.00

Colony #7133-8 Stock Aluminum Pushrod Covers - 1936-1939 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead - Chrome Plated
$80.00

Colony #8777-20 Head Bolt Allen Screw Kit 1948-Up Harley-Davidson Panhead/Shovelhead - Chrome Plated
$57.94

Colony #7517-8 Knucklehead Rocker Arm Cover Nut Strip & Screw Plate Kit 1936-1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
1 review $57.94

Colony #8165-19 Upper And Lower Motor Mount Kit 1936-1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twin OHV - CAD Plated
3 reviews $52.45

Colony #7141-18 Front Motor Mount Kit with Heat Treated Studs - 1957-85 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $50.69

Colony #8011-4 Rocker Stud Bushing Kit 1930-1952 Harley-Davidson 45 Solo
$48.52

Colony #7519-4 Aluminum Alloy Tubular Pushrods 1948-1952 61c.i. Harley-Davidson Panhead
$55.00

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