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.

Raw Harley-Davidson Sportster Motorcycle Engine

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Lowbrow Customs Complete Solid Motor Mount Kit for 2004 - Up Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
21 reviews $141.95

Cycle Standard Complete Front Rubber Motor Mount Kit 2004-Up Harley-Davidson Sportsters
$178.42

Gasbox Top Motor Mount - 1986-2003 Sportster - With Coil and Stock Ignition Switch Mounts
6 reviews $49.95

Lowbrow Customs Front Solid Motor Mount Kit for 2004 - Up Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
4 reviews $72.06

Gasbox Top Motor Mount - 1957 - 1985 Ironhead Sportster XL - With Coil And Crank Key Start Mount
20 reviews $49.95

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

Cycle Standard Complete Rear Rubber Motor Mount Kit 2004-13 Harley-Davidson Sportsters
$152.44

Cycle Standard Isolator Mount - Front - 2004-2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
1 review $25.00

James Gaskets Cam Change Gasket Kit - 2000-03 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
1 review $26.16

Gasbox Top Motor Mount - 1986-2003 Sportster - With Ignition Coil Relocation
6 reviews $39.95

James Gaskets Top End Gasket Kit 1973-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster
2 reviews $42.03

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

#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

Old-Stf Cycle Ironhead Sportster Rocker Box Loop Oil Lines - Brass
13 reviews $64.00

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

Colony #9213-4 Upper Inner Pushrod Covers 1979-Up Harley-Davidson Shovelhead 1984-Up Evo 1986-1990 XL
1 review $39.11

James Gaskets Cam Change Gasket Kit - 2004-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
$26.16

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

Cycle Standard Isolator Mount - Rear - 2004-2021 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL
1 review $24.96

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

Cycle Standard Complete Rear Rubber Motor Mount Kit 2014-Up Harley-Davidson Sportsters
$151.83

James Gaskets Complete Rocker Cover Gasket Kit 1986-1990 Harley-Davidson Sportster
$62.60

James Gaskets Top End Gasket Kit 1957-1971 Harley-Davidson Sportster
1 review $37.10

Colony #3671-1 Starter Solenoid Plunger Cover 1965-1988 Harley-Davidson Big Twins 1967-1980 XL
$9.68

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

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

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

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