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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Andrews EV27 Camshaft - 1984-1999 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
$226.76 $251.95

Gasbox Front Motor Plates For Use With Forward Controls Harley-Davidson Sportsters
1 review $61.36

S&S Cycle H-Grind Camshaft - 1948-1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
1 review $230.36 $255.95

Kibblewhite Precision Machining Black Diamond Exhaust Valve Triumph 650 750 OEM # 70-2904
3 reviews $31.01

Colony #8204-4 Hydraulic Lifter Converters Eliminate Hydraulic Units 1953-Up Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$34.05

British Standard Rocker Box Oil Feed Pipe for Triumph 650 / 750 c.c. 1963 - 1982 #71-2428
5 reviews $92.41

British Standard Rod Bearings for Triumph 650 and 750 c.c. Motorcycles - Standard OEM # 70-3586
19 reviews $91.75

Cycle Standard Rear Motor Engine Mount 1967-1981 Harley Davidson Ironhead Sportster OEM 16203-67
4 reviews $90.97

British Standard Metric Timing Side Crankshaft Bearing for 1972-80 Triumph 650 750 Unit Twin Motorcycles OEM # 70-3835
$87.90

Kibblewhite Precision Machining Intake Valve Standard Triumph 650 / 750 1963-83
1 review $21.49

Kibblewhite Precision Machining Exhaust Valve Standard Triumph 650 / 750 1963-83
5 reviews $21.49

#2233-12 Rocker Arm Shaft Washer O-Ring Kit Harley Shovelhead 66-84 — Colony #2233-12 Rocker Arm Shaft Washer O-Ring Kit 1966-1984 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead 1957-1984 XL
21 reviews $6.05

British Standard Sludge Tube for your 650cc 750cc Triumph Motorcycle OEM # 70-3903
6 reviews $27.52

British Standard Rotor Key - Triumph Unit 650 750
2 reviews $8.37

Colony #3351-4 Rocker Arm Thrust Washer Kit 1936-1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
$12.09

Colony #2146-2 Tappet Oil Screen & Spring 1970-1999 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
2 reviews $10.42

British Standard Ignition Pillar Bolt - Triumph / BSA
7 reviews $7.60

Colony #2496-2 Tappet Oil Screen and Spring 1966-1969 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead
$6.96

S&S Cycle Quickee Adjustable Pushrod Set - 1991-2022 Harley-Davidson XL 1999-2017 Twin Cam 2017-2023 M8
$188.96 $209.95

Colony #3658-8 Circuit Breaker To Coil Wire Fastener Assembly 1949-1964 Harley-Davidson Twins/K/KH/Sportster
$9.90

Colony #3657-8 Circuit Breaker To Coil Wire Fastener Assembly 1936-1948 Harley-Davidson All Twins
$9.90

Andrews V4 Camshafts - 1986-1990 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
$454.46 $504.95

S&S Cycle Quickee Adjustable Pushrod Set With Chrome Covers- 2004-2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
$294.26 $326.95

S&S Cycle Quickee Adjustable Pushrod Set - 1984-1999 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
2 reviews $202.46 $224.95

S&S Cycle High Performance Hydraulic Tappet Set - 1984-99 Harley-Davidson Big Twin 1986-90 XL
1 review $343.76 $381.95

S&S Cycle Precision Hydraulic Tappet Set 2000-Up Harley-Davidson XL 2017-Up M8 1999-17 Twin Cam
$251.96 $279.95

Andrews J-Grind Camshaft - L1977-1984 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead
$226.76 $251.95

Andrews A2 Camshaft - L1977-1984 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead
1 review $226.76 $251.95

Andrews A2 Camshaft - 1948-1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
$226.76 $251.95

Andrews N-Grind Camshaft - 1937-1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
$231.26 $256.95

Andrews EV46 Camshaft - 1984-1999 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
$226.76 $251.95

Andrews N4 Camshafts - 2000-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 2000-02 Buell
$454.46 $504.95

Andrews N4 Camshafts - 1991-1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1994-99 Buell
$454.46 $504.95

Andrews N2 Camshafts - 1991-1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1994-99 Buell
$454.46 $504.95

S&S Cycle 500 Camshafts - 1991-2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
$575.96 $639.95

S&S Cycle 482 Camshafts - 1986-2020 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
$575.96 $639.95

Cannonball Oil Pump 1936-52 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Panhead - Replaces OEM# 26201-41 26201-48
1 review $1,052.69

Cannonball Tappet Guides 1936-47 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead - Replaces OEM# 18610-36 18600-36
1 review $1,125.79

Kibblewhite Precision Machining Intake and Exhaust Valve Spring Set for 1963 - 1972 Triumph 650 Motorcycles OEM # 99-7037 70-4221 or 70-7400
1 review $54.24

British Standard Main Roller Bearing for 1966 - 1972 Triumph 650 Unit Twin Motorcycles OEM # 70-2879
13 reviews $198.47

Colony #2877-2 Spring Guide Collar Set 1929-1980 Harley-Davidson All Models
2 reviews $9.68

Colony #2385-1 Oversized 9/16-18 Thread Tap for Stripped Drain Hole 1965-Up Harley-Davidson Big Twin 1967-Up Sportster
3 reviews $37.66

Colony #2413-6 Crank Pin Nut Lock Plates 1954-1980 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$7.57

Colony #2284-2 Tappet Oil Screen 2000-Up Harley-Davidson Softail
$5.95

British Standard Engine and Transmission Lock Tab Set - 1963 - 1972 Triumph 650 with 4 Speed Gearbox
14 reviews $20.86

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

British Standard Triumph Crankshaft Main Bearing- Right Side- OEM part# 70-1591
3 reviews $84.22

British Standard Allen Sludge Trap Plug for your Triumph Motorcycle
9 reviews $22.33

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