| Author | Message | ||
     S1owner |
Ok so while I rebuild my bike I want to freshin the motor up! Things that matter are reliability and reuse as many stock parts as possible! What are some suggestions I have heard X1 pistons? What is my best route? | ||
| Ratbuell |
Thunderstorm pistons are Thunderstorm pistons, and they must be used with Thunderstorm heads. They were used on all late tubers, starting with the 98 S1W and S3. Another popular upgrade is XB heads and pistons. Some folks also use '04-up XL Sportster heads and pistons. Big rule is, though, make sure your heads match your pistons. I run X1 cams in my thunderstormed S2, and I like the power curve. I went with X1 spec...because we had them in stock and I got 'em cheap. My S1W also makes good power, with a stock engine. What are your performance goals? Anything specific? Or just a case of "while its apart, might as well upgrade"? If its a concern...thunderstorm heads are black, XB heads are silver like your S1 engine. In case cosmetics make a difference to you. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Also, might as well upgrade to the XB rockerbox setup. Removes one layer of gaskets (potential leaks), and the PCV breathers cut way back on spooge. I made that change on my S2 as well, feeding the breather hose into the air filter just like stock. Since it produces less oil vapor...it still runs cleaner than it did stock. | ||
| S1owner |
Basicly do not want anything crazy reliability is key. What is the benefit of xb heads pistons and rockers. As for color I wish my whole engine was black! Might go that route not sure powder coat? Paint? I am new to this adventure! But horse power is always nice! I ride it all the time to work to the store whenever possible not really a canyon carver more of a back road country road guy | ||
| Xl1200r |
'04+ Sportster and XB heads are exactly the same with the exception of the breather location - XL heads are on the carb mounts, XB heads are in the rocker box. Both can be easily converted either by drilling and tapping the bosses on the XB heads or plugging them with a solid bolt on the XL heads. Only reason I mention is the XL heads also came in black with polished fins and silver with regular fins. The XB/'04+ XL heads are the best of the bunch, but will also require a new front mount. They also have a larger fin area and might looks a little odd on stock cylinders, so you'd want to get XB/'04+ XL cylinders to match possibly. | ||
| S1owner |
So if I was to do the xb pistons,heads and rockers with breathers and a catch can what parts are needed for this conversion on my 96 s1 and what should I see for improvement? | ||
| Ratbuell |
You don't have to change rockers, the main change between head families is port size/shape/flow, valve diameter, and piston squish. You can change rockers if you want...but I reused mine. Heads Pistons to match Top end gasket set XB rockerboxes XB PCV valves XB PCV grommets Roll stock of breather hose (auto parts store) I never dynoed my S2 after the build...but I'd say its as strong as the stock M2 with factory Thunderstorm engine and low-end-torque M2 cams. Not quite as peppy as the S1W, but that's likely because of the taller gearing and heavy flywheel in the S2. Which is fine. It's more a cruiser than a hooligan (at least that's what I have to keep telling myself!). Also, while you have it apart...pull the cam cover and put a bronze oil pump drive gear in. Cheap insurance. | ||
| 2kx1 |
Does anyone know if the 08 crank can fit in a tuber case???? | ||
| S1owner |
Rat thanks for the info I will change the rockers just to go with the breathers and thanks I will do the bronze drive on to | ||
| S1owner |
Any specific yrs work and does it matter xb12 , xb9? | ||
| Xl1200r |
Heads and rockers are all the same for all years of XB9 and XB12. Pistons are different but I believe they are interchangeable (XB9 pistons are higher compression). | ||
| Oldog |
Does anyone know if the 08 crank can fit in a tuber case???? no the engines have different oiling setups, and the timing is on the edge of the '08 crank } | ||
| Pash |
XB heads changed in 08, hole spacing on the inlet manifold flange increased. If you use these heads, you will need the later flanges also. | ||
| Xl1200r |
Thanks, Pash - was not aware. | ||
| S1owner |
Is the xb set up sim to a big bore kit? Is aq big bore kit worth doing? If I do a big bore kit will the xb rockers work? | ||
| 46champ |
XB's have the same bore as any tuber it is not a big bore kit. | ||
| Xl1200r |
XB rockers will work on a big-bore. XB cases would still need to be bored to make more than 1250cc. | ||
| S1owner |
Ok in your opinion is a big bore kit reliable and is it worth doing? | ||
| S1owner |
Got another? Has anyone painted an engine if so what kind of paint and will it hold up? |
