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.

Harley-Davidson Raw Motorcycle Engine

Sort by

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

James Gaskets Cam Change Gasket Kit - 1993-99 Harley-Davidson 80 inch Big Twin
$30.10

James Gaskets Cam Change Gasket Kit - 1970-92 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
$30.09

James Gaskets Cam Change Gasket Kit with Metal Cam Cover Gasket - 1970-92 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
1 review $36.14

S&S Cycle V80 Series Complete Assembled Evo Long Block Engine - Natural
$7,519.95 $7,999.95

S&S Cycle SH93 S&S Shovelhead Engine - Complete Harley Big Twin Motor
$9,399.95 $9,999.95

S&S Cycle S&S P93 Series Complete Assembled Panhead Engine
1 review $10,806.19 $11,495.95

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

Cannonball Harley Flathead Engine Crankcase 1937-1948 - Replaces OEM# 24515-37
$3,652.49

Cannonball Crankcases 1948-1952 Harley-Davidson Panhead - Replaces OEM# 24520-48
$4,265.75

Cannonball Crankcases 1941-1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead - Replaces OEM# 24520-41
1 review $4,295.10

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

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

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

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

STAY CONNECTED
WITH LOWBROW

NO SPAM, EVER. JUST GREAT STUFF. YOUR INFO IS NEVER SHARED.