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.

Motorcycle Engine

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Colony #2289-1 Motor Sprocket Nut 1929-Up Harley-Davidson 45s - Parkerized
$9.08

Colony #3311-1 Motorcase Breather Pipe Nipple Harley-Davidson 1952-1984 K/XL 1965-1967 FL/FLH
2 reviews $8.47

EMGO Triumph Gasket- Clutch Backing Plate- OEM part# 71-1417
5 reviews $4.14

Colony #3085-4 Crank Pin Nut Lockwasher Kit Harley-Davidson OEM# 368-12
$8.25

Colony #3721-1 Ovesize Allen Timing Plug 1970-1998 Harley-Davidson Dyna 1970-1999 Softail 1970-2003 Sportster - CAD Plated
$7.58

Colony #9845-4 Lifter Base Hex Screw Kit 1957-1985 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$7.45

Colony #3326-2 Oil Pump Cover to Oil Filter Line Fitting 1950-1957 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - CAD Plated
1 review $7.26

Colony #2586-1 Timer Cable Clamp 1949-1964 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - CAD Plated
1 review $7.26

Colony #2285-1 Motor Sprocket Nut 1993-Up Harley-Davidson Sportster - Zinc Plated
1 review $7.15

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

Colony #8495-1 1937-1986 Harley-Davidson Big Twin Transmission & Sportster XL Motor Case Drain Plug OEM# 707 - CAD Plated
3 reviews $6.78

Colony #3558-1 Sprocket Shaft Seal 1939-1973 Harley-Davidson 45's
$6.60

Colony #9665-8 Circuit Breaker & Relay Screw Kit 1937-1973 Harley-Davidson 45's - Parkerized
$5.96

James Gaskets Bearing Housing/Case Gasket - Silicone - 1984-1998 Harley-Davidson Big Twin 5-Speed
$5.61

Colony #9631-1 Oil Pump Stud Nut Short 1941-1948 Harley-Davidson 74/80 SV 1941-1954 45's - Parkerized
$5.58

Colony #9675-1 Motor Case Drain Plug 1911-1970 Harley-Davidson 1968-1984 Oil Pump Body - Parkerized
1 review $5.50

Colony #9716-8 Cylinder Base Nut Lockwashers 1930-1977 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - Parkerized
$4.76

James Gaskets Generator Mounting Gasket 1940-1957 Harley-Davidson Big Twin
$0.81

James Gaskets Primary Cover & Inspection Cover Gasket Kit 8-Hole Primary Cover 1965-1969 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$68.87

James Gaskets Primary Cover & Inspection Cover Gasket Kit With Seals 1984-1986 Harley-Davidson FL/FLH/FX/FXE/FXWG 1984-1988 Softail
$68.87

Colony #3801-17 Timing Cover Screw Kit 1932-1936 Harley-Davidson RL/RLD/RLE/Servi-car - CAD Plated
$20.35

Colony #3795-2 Cam Shaft Lever Screw & Nut Kit 1934-1936 Harley-Davidson RL/VL/Servi-car
$15.40

Colony #3427-1 Head Cone Washer 1936-1934 Harley-Davidson Singles and All 45 Twins - CAD Plated
$8.47

Colony #3381-1 Lower Head Cone 1930-1938 Harley-Davidson 1930-1934 C Singles - CAD Plated
$22.00

Colony #3370-20 Sprocket Cover Stud Kit 1928-1934 Harley-Davidson Singles/45 Twins - CAD Plated
$32.84

Colony #8524 Complete Show Bike Kit Cap Style Hardware Harley-Davidson 1996-1999 Softail 1996-1998 Dyna Glide - Chrome Plated
$320.07

Colony #8310 Complete Stock Hardware Kit 1948-1966 Harley-Davidson 2 cycle 125/165/175 cc - CAD Plated
$57.57

Colony #1023 Complete Show Bike Kit Allen Hardware Harley-Davidson 2006-up Dyna - Chrome Plated
$227.39

Colony #1022-P Complete Show Bike Kit Smooth Allen Hardware Harley-Davidson 2004-up Sportster - Chrome Plated
$193.28

Colony #1019 Complete Show Bike Kit Allen Hardware Harley-Davidson 1987-1991 FLT/FXR - Chrome Plated
$208.91

Colony #1018 Complete Show Bike Kit Allen Hardware Harley-Davidson 2000-2006 Twin Cam Softail - Chrome Plated
$218.87

Colony #1016-P Complete Show Bike Kit Smooth Allen Hardware Harley-Davidson 1977-1985 Sportster - Chrome Plated
$220.29

Colony #1012-P Complete Show Bike Kit Smooth Allen Hardware Harley-Davidson 1970-1975 Shovelhead - Chrome Plated
$217.45

Colony #1009 Complete Show Bike Kit Allen Hardware Harley-Davidson 1979-1984 FLT 5 Speed - Chrome Plated
$167.71

Colony #1008-P Complete Show Bike Kit Smooth Allen Hardware Harley-Davidson 1985-1986 Evo 5 Speed - Chrome Plated
$216.03

Colony #1008 Complete Show Bike Kit Allen Hardware Harley-Davidson 1985-1986 Evo 5 Speed - Chrome Plated
$181.91

Colony #1007-P Complete Show Bike Kit Smooth Allen Hardware Harley-Davidson 1984-1986 Evo 4 Speed - Chrome Plated
$227.39

Colony #2914-2 Rocker Stud Spacer Kit 1931-1940 Harley-Davidson Big Twin - CAD Plated
$13.31

Colony #2906-2 Crank Pin Nut Set 1936-1940 Harley-Davidson 61" 1937-1940 Sidevalves
$29.00

Colony #2901-4 Crank Pin Nut Lock Plates 1936-1940 Harley-Davidson Big Twins
$7.26

Colony #2893-3 Starter Crank Clamp Bolt 1941-1967 Harley-Davidson FL/FLH - Chrome Plated
$6.05

Colony #2891-3 Starter Crank Clamp Bolt 1941-1967 Harley-Davidson FL/FLH - Parkerized
$8.47

Colony #9970-20 Upper Pushrod Cover Kit Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 1999-Up - Chrome Plated
$50.08

Colony #9969-4 Upper Inner Pushrod Covers 1999-Up Harley-Davidson Twin Cam
$39.11

Colony #9843-8 Chrome Countersink Washer Set for #10 Flat Head Socket Screws Harley-Davidson - Chrome Plated
$13.94

Colony #7110-8 Knuckle Nut Set With O-ring Seal - 1936-1947 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead - Chrome Plated
$47.80

Colony #7109-2 Crank Pin Nut - 1937-1948 Harley-Davidson 74's/80's 1936-52 61 OHV
$18.70

Colony #7100-13 Oil Pump Acorn Nut & Block Off Plug Set - 1936-1967 Harley-Davidson Davidson 74's - Chrome Plated
$20.31

Colony #7017-16 High Crown Acorn Cylinder Base Nut Set - 1930-1977 Harley-Davidson 74's - Chrome Plated
$21.66

Colony #2068-10 Allen Screw Motor Case Kit - 1977-1990 Harley-Davidson Sportster - Chrome Plated
$31.35

Colony #3644-16 Cylinder Base Nut Kit 1911-1929 Harley-Davidson JD - Nickel Plated
$16.50

Colony #3622-1 Oil Pump Feed Line Nut 1938-1957 Harley-Davidson Big Twins - CAD Plated
$7.70

Colony #8318 Stock Hardware Kit Late 1930-1936 Harley-Davidson VL - Parkerized
$302.50

Colony #8323 Stock Hardware Kit Early 1930 Harley-Davidson VL - Parkerized
$302.50

Colony #3092-24 Valve Spring Cover Kit 1937-1938 Harley-Davidson Big Twin Side Valve - Chrome Plated
$231.00

Colony #3091-24 Valve Spring Cover Kit 1930-1936 Harley-Davidson VL - Chrome Plated
$231.00

Colony #7936 Complete Show Bike Kit Acorn Hardware 2017-Up Harley-Davidson Touring Models - Chrome Plated
$331.25

Colony #1028 Complete Show Bike Kit Knurled Allen 2017-Up Harley-Davidson Touring Models - Chrome Plated
$200.45

Colony #1027 Complete Show Bike Kit Knurled Allen 2007-Up Harley-Davidson VRSC - Chrome Plated
$112.28

Colony #3691-15 Plain Head Lower Motor Mount Kit 1937-1947 Harley-Davidson Side Valve Big Twins - Parkerized
$39.88

Colony #3688-15 Lower Motor Mount Kit 1937-1947 Harley-Davidson Side Valve Big Twins - Chrome Plated
$43.45

Colony #3686-12 Lower Motor Mount Kit 1966-1969 Harley-Davidson OHV Big Twins - CAD Plated
$33.00

Colony #3684-12 Lower Motor Mount Kit 1966-1969 Harley-Davidson OHV Big Twins - Parkerized
$33.00

Colony #3683-16 Lower Motor Mount Kit 1958-1965 Harley-Davidson OHV Big Twins - CAD Plated
$30.80

Colony #3550-5 Shifter Gear Retaining Springs 1938-1973 Harley-Davidson 45
$12.10

Colony #3536-16 Head Bolt Set 1940-1951 Harley-Davidson WR/WLDR - CAD Plated
$109.62

Colony #3512-4 Tappet Adjuster Locknuts 1915-1939 Harley-Davidson Singles/45s/74"/80" - Parkerized
$12.10

Colony #3528-2 Manifold Intake Nipple Brass Seals 1923-1924 Harley-Davidson DCA/DCB 1925-1929 74" 1928-29 61"
$7.87

Colony #3526-2 Brass Intake Manifold Seals fits 1917-1923 Harley-Davidson 61"
$7.26

Colony #3510-2 Manifold Intake Nuts 1915-1927 Harley-Davidson 61" 1921-1924 FD/JD - Nickel Plated
$29.70

Colony #3509-2 Manifold Intake Nipples 1917-23 Harley-Davidson 61" Motor - Nickel Plated
$47.30

Colony #3507-2 Crankcase Relief Plug Harley-Davidson WLA - Parkerized
$12.10

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