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 #7518-4 Aluminum Alloy Tubular Pushrods 1936-1947 61c.i. Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
$55.00

Colony #7506-4 Aluminum Alloy Tubular Pushrods 1948-1952 Harley-Davidson Panhead using 1966-Up Shovel Top End
1 review $55.00

Colony #7505-4 Aluminum Alloy Tubular Pushrods 1941-1947 Harley-Davidson 74 Knucklehead
$55.00

Colony #7122-4 Aluminum Alloy Tubular Pushrods - 1948-1952 Harley-Davidson 74's
$55.00

Colony #7129-12 Acorn Head Timing Cover Set - 1936-1969 Harley-Davidson 74's/61 OHV - Chrome Plated
$36.20

Colony #7118-9 Acorn Head Cam Cover Screw Kit - 1957-1970 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$31.87

Colony #8149-12 Timing Cover Screw Kit 1936-1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Chrome Plated
1 review $24.20

Colony #7604-7 Upper Motor Mount Kit Acorns Nut 1936-1984 Harley-Davidson OHV Big Twins - Chrome Plated
4 reviews $21.52

Colony #7349-3 Rocker Box Oil Line Fittings 1942-1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead - Chrome Plated
1 review $20.27

Colony #7018-16 High Crown Cylinder Base Nut Set - 1957-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$21.60

Colony #8101-6 Swingarm End Cover Kit 1973-1984 Harley-Davidson FX/FL 1979-1992 XL 1981-1987 FXR - Chrome Plated
1 review $21.12

Colony #7408-10 Over Length Front Motor Mount Studs With Acorn Nuts 1957-1985 Sportster - Chrome Plated
3 reviews $21.12

Colony #8106-16 Cylinder Base Nuts & Lock Washers Harley-Davidson Sportster & 45's - Chrome Plated
1 review $20.11

Colony #7605-4 Rocker Arm Thrust And Packing Washer Kit 1936-1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
$18.15

Colony #7148-3 Oil Line/Vent Fitting - Pre-1965 Harley-Davidson Davidson Big Twin - Chrome Plated
1 review $17.22

Colony #7816-1 Acorn Motor Sprocket Nut 1955-1976 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - Chrome Plated
1 review $16.73

Colony #7615-4 Early Style Battery Terminal Screw Kit Fits All 6 volt Harley-Davidson Pre-1965
$16.34

Colony #7139-4 Lifter Base Bolt Kit - 1957-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
2 reviews $15.52

Colony #8102-16 Lifter Base Screw Kit 1936-1953 Harley-Davidson Big Twin & 1937-1973 45's - Chrome Plated
$19.25

Colony #8107-16 Cylinder Base Nuts & Lock Washers Harley-Davidson Sportster & 45's - CAD Plated
$13.78

Colony #7101-1 Motor Sprocket Nut 11/16-18 Thread - 1930-1954 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$15.40

Colony #7107-1 Acorn Style Sprocket Nut - 1936-1954 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Chrome Plated
2 reviews $11.56

Colony #8119-1 Starter Crank Pin Stud 1936-Up Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Chrome Plated
2 reviews $7.17

Colony #8170-10 Cylinder Head Bolt Washers OEM 6469 All 1948-Up Harley-Davidsons - CAD Plated
$6.78

Colony #8120-1 Starter Crank Pin Stud 1936-Up Harley-Davidson Big Twins - CAD Plated
$5.18

Colony #8109-1 Long Oil Pump Nut Pre-1967 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - CAD Plated
$5.18

Colony #8789-28 Rocker Box Allen Screw Kit 1957-1976 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $27.07

Colony #7813-8 High Crown Acorn Cylinder Base Nut Set 1978-1984 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead - Chrome Plated
2 reviews $29.34

Colony #7417-13 Oil Pump Acorn Nut Screw & Washer Kit 1968-1977 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Chrome Plated
1 review $25.71

Colony #7102-12 Acorn Head Rocker Box Bolt Set - 1936-1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead - Chrome Plated
$26.44

Colony #8302 PARK Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1948-1957 Harley-Davidson Panhead - Parkerized
1 review $216.35

Colony #8309 PARK Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1937-1973 Harley-Davidson 45 with Aluminum Head - CAD Plated
$328.94

Colony #8306 CHR Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1940-1948 Harley-Davidson 74 & 80 Aluminum Head - Chrome Plated
$426.57

Colony #8305 CAD Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1940-1948 Harley-Davidson 74 & 80 Cast Iron Head - CAD Plated
$305.07

Colony #8324 CAD Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1952-1953 Harley-Davidson K Model - CAD Plated
$246.48

Colony #8322 CAD Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1981-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - CAD Plated
$225.50

Colony #8322 CHR Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1981-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$236.42

Colony #8321 CHR Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1977-1980 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $243.94

Colony #8320 CAD Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1974-1976 Harley-Davidson Sportster - CAD Plated
2 reviews $232.10

Colony #8319 CAD Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1971-1973 Harley-Davidson Sportster - CAD Plated
1 review $238.70

Colony #8317 CAD Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1967-1970 Harley-Davidson Sportster XLH and 1970 XLCH - CAD Plated
$253.00

Colony #8316 CHR Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1957-1969 Harley-Davidson Sportster XLCH - Chrome Plated
2 reviews $276.14

Colony #7123-4 Aluminum Alloy Pushrod Kits - 1957-1985 Harley-Davidson Harley-Davidson Sportster
2 reviews $55.00

Colony #8301 PARK Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1940-1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead - Parkerized
1 review $295.30

Colony #8301 CAD Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1940-1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead - CAD Plated
$295.30

Colony #8301 CHR Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1940-1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead - Chrome Plated
$365.00

Colony #8300 PARK Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1936-1939 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead - Parkerized
$297.11

Colony #8303 CAD Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1958-1965 Harley-Davidson Panhead - CAD Plated
1 review $221.05

Colony #8302 CHR Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1948-1957 Harley-Davidson Panhead - Chrome Plated
$308.88

Colony #8302 CAD Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1948-1957 Harley-Davidson Panhead - CAD Plated
1 review $216.35

Colony #7515-4 Aluminum Pushrods for Hydraulic Lifters - 1953-1965 Harley-Davidson Harley-Davidson Panhead
1 review $71.50

Colony #8314 CHR Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1981-1984 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead - Chrome Plated
1 review $361.58

Colony #8313 CHR Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1979-1980 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead - Chrome Plated
$361.72

Colony #8312 CHR Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1976-1978 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead - Chrome Plated
1 review $396.95

Colony #8312 CAD Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1976-1978 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead - CAD Plated
1 review $295.38

Colony #8311 CHR Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1970-1975 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead - Chrome Plated
1 review $402.01

Colony #8307 CAD Complete Stock Hardware Kit - 1966-1969 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead - CAD Plated
$279.10

Colony #7516-4 Aluminum Pushrods for Hydraulic Lifters - 1966-1983 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead
4 reviews $71.50

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