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 Motorcycle Engine

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Colony #2091-12 Replacement Pushrod Covers Late 1979-1984 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead - Chrome Plated
2 reviews $70.39

Colony #3126-36 Pushrod Cover Kit for Adjustable Pushrods 1999 & Up Harley Davidson Twin Cam — Colony #3126-36 Pushrod Cover Kit for Adjustable Pushrods 1999-Up Harley-Davidson Twin Cam - Chrome Plated
$140.00

Cycle Standard Rocker Box Covers - Chrome - 1948-65 Harley-Davidson Panhead
2 reviews $136.30

Lowbrow Customs Rocker Box Oil Pressure Gauge Adapter Fitting - Brass - 1971 - Up Harley-Davidson Shovelhead, 1971 - 1985 Sportster
6 reviews $26.42

Colony #2967-10 Grade 8 Head Bolt Kit 1977-1984 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead - Chrome Plated
1 review $65.99

Colony #7825-20 Grade 8 Head Bolt Kit 1948-Up Harley-Davidson Panhead/Shovelhead - CAD Plated
$43.99

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

James Gaskets Primary Cover Gasket 1965-1988 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
$24.91

Colony #9799-20 Front Motor Mount Kit Stock 1957-1984 Harley-Davidson Sportster - CAD Plated
13 reviews $40.61

Colony #2442-8 High Performance Cylinder Studs 1983-1999 Harley-Davidson Big Twin Evo
$120.18

Old-Stf Cycle Pushrod Cover Keeper Set - Drilled Brass - Big Twin Evo Shovelheads & Knuckles
17 reviews $40.00

Colony #8104-16 Cylinder Base Nuts 1930-1978 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - Chrome Plated
$20.99

Til Death Cycles Dyna Case Saver
$119.12

Colony #2011-8 Head Bolt Set 12 Point 1985-1991 Harley-Davidson Big Twin 1986-1992 XL - Chrome Plated
2 reviews $109.99

Colony #2313-19 Upper and Lower Motor Mount Bolt Kit 1936-1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - Parkerized
1 review $52.45

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

Colony #8603-8 Adjustable Pushrod & Solid Lifter Kit 1984-Up Harley-Davidson Evo
2 reviews $102.11

James Gaskets Motor Gasket Kit W/Alum-Foamet Base 1948-1965 Harley-Davidson Panhead
$101.74

Cycle Standard Ride-On Engine Stablizer Link Kit 1982-94 Harley-Davidson FXR 91-94 Dyna 80-08 Touring
$97.02

Colony #8225-8 Rocker Shaft End Plug & Cap Kit 1971-Up Harley-Davidson Shovelhead 1971-1985 XL - CAD Plated
2 reviews $31.81

Colony #2322-11 Rocker Arm Cover Stud Kit 1966-1984 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead
4 reviews $47.38

Colony #7502-2 Oversize Drain Plug & Tap Kit 1965-Up Harley-Davidson Big Twins 1967-Up Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $46.35

Colony #3590-3 Oil Line Nuts for 3/8 inch Rubber Lines 1915-1964 Harley-Davidson - CAD Plated
1 review $23.10

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

James Gaskets 4 Speed Transmission End Cover Gasket 1936-1986 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
$4.77

Gasbox Front Motor Mount Spacer Plate Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Panhead UL OEM 438-48 24795-48
5 reviews $15.00

James Gaskets Complete Rocker Cover Gasket Kit 1984-1991 Harley-Davidson Evo Big Twin
$88.41

Colony #2966-10 Grade 8 Head Bolt Kit 1977-1984 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead - CAD Plated
3 reviews $44.00

Colony #9641-16 Head Bolt Kit 1952-1953 Harley-Davidson K Model - CAD Plated
$85.45

James Gaskets Rocker Cover Gasket Kit 2007-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster
3 reviews $83.44

Colony #8224-8 Rocker Shaft End Plug & Cap Kit 1971-Up Harley-Davidson Shovelhead 1971-1985 XL - Chrome Plated
9 reviews $40.61

James Gaskets Top End Gasket Kit 1948-1965 Harley-Davidson Panhead
$40.59

James Gaskets 5 Speed Transmission End Cover Gasket 1987-2006 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
$4.70

Gasbox Top Motor Mount 2007-Up Harley Sportster Models - with EFI Ignition Coil Relocation
4 reviews $39.95

Colony #3019-8 Head Bolt Set 12 Point 1985-1991 Harley-Davidson Big Twin 1986-1992 XL - Zinc Plated
2 reviews $77.00

Colony #8221-20 Head Bolt Kit 1948-Up Harley-Davidson Panhead/Shovelhead - Chrome Plated
8 reviews $76.76

Colony #8220-20 Head Bolt Kit 1940-1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead - Chrome Plated
$76.76

Colony #9918-8 Rocker Arm Stud Nut Kit 1948-1965 Harley-Davidson Panhead - CAD Plated
2 reviews $19.12

Colony #9668-19 Timing Cover Screw Kit 1937-1973 Harley-Davidson 45's - Parkerized
$25.28

#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

Colony #3031-4 Upper Inner Pushrod Covers 1957-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1936-1983 OHV Big Twin - CAD Plated
1 review $34.05

Colony #2306-16 Electrical Terminal Plate 1959-1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
$33.84

Colony #9772-22 Lower Motor Mount Allen Screw Kit 1986-1998 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $33.84

Colony #8807-17 Motor Mounting Kit Upper & Lower 1970-1984 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - Zinc Plated
2 reviews $33.67

James Gaskets Primary Cover Gasket 1967-1976 Harley-Davidson XL
$6.73

Colony #7710-18 Head Bolt Washer Kit 1940-1947 Harley-Davidson 45's/75's/80's with Aluminum Heads - CAD Plated
1 review $33.31

Colony #7823-12 Pushrod Covers 1948-Early 1979 Harley-Davidson Panhead & Shovelhead - Chrome Plated
4 reviews $64.80

Colony #3310-17 Motor Case Kit 1932-1936 Harley-Davidson 45's - CAD Plated
$64.35

Colony #8412-1 Throwout Bearing Assembly 1941-1973 Harley-Davidson 45's
$64.09

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

Colony #8142-34 Motor Case Kit Acorn Head 1979-1995 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead/Evo - Chrome Plated
$63.61

Colony #9793-9 Upper Motor Mount Kit Allen 1986-2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$12.67

Colony #7629-14 High Crown Acorn Rocker Box Bolt Kit 1977-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$62.27

Colony #8777-20-P Smooth Allen Head Bolt Kit 1948-Up Harley-Davidson Panhead/Shovelhead - Chrome Plated
$62.27

Cycle Standard Rocker Oil Lines - Chrome - 1966-84 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead
$30.63

Colony #9797-20-P Front Motor Mount Smooth Allen Kit 1957-1985 Harley-Davidson Ironhead Sportster - Chrome Plated
2 reviews $60.83

Colony #8608-36 Rocker Box Nut Kit 1966-1983 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead - Chrome Plated
2 reviews $20.11

Colony #9771-8 Center Motor Mount Allen Screw Kit 1986-2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
1 review $11.90

Colony #2369-8 Cylinder Head Motor Brace Mounting Kit 1948-1965 Harley-Davidson Panhead - CAD Plated
6 reviews $19.48

Colony #8942-14 Frame Electrical Terminal Screws & Fittings 1936-1947 Harley-Davidson Big Twins 45's - CAD Plated
$14.52

Colony #2078-18 Lower Rocker Box Mounting Kit Harley-Davidson Evo Big Twin and Sportster
14 reviews $28.00

Colony #2538-2 Ignition Timer Cover Stud Kit 1972-1979 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - Zinc Plated
1 review $13.92

James Gaskets Primary Cover & Inspection Cover Gasket Kit 1984-1986 Harley-Davidson FL/FLH/FX/FXE/FXWG 1984-1988 Softail
$55.23

Colony #2916-2 Starter Shaft Nut and Spacer Kit 1965-1969 Harley-Davidson FL
1 review $27.50

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

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

Colony #7824-12 Pushrod Covers 1940-1947 Harley-Davidson Knuckleheads - Chrome Plated
$54.67

Colony #2070-1 Oil Line Fitting Chrome 1/8 NPT Thread for 3/8 inch Hose OEM# 63533-41 - Chrome Plated
5 reviews $4.54

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

Colony #8126-34 Motor Case Kit Stock 1940-1948 Harley-Davidson Flathead - CAD Plated
$51.70

Colony #3014-34 Stock Fastener Motor Case Kit 1948-1964 Harley-Davidson Panhead - Parkerized
2 reviews $51.70

Colony #7137-22 High Crown Acorn Rocker Box Bolt Kit - 1966-1984 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead - Chrome Plated
4 reviews $51.43

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