| Author | Message | ||
     Azrael_cervale |
I have an 883 Sportster that is severly lacking in power. I am looking at putting the NRHS 1250 kit in it, but at $740 I was thinking it might be better to just put a Buell engine in it since just about any Buell 1200 has more power than a Sportster even after the 1250 kit unless I go crazy with other mods. Does anyone know if this can easily be done or is it more complex than one would think? Also which engines would fit the 99, Tuber, XB or either? I know many of you hate seeing Buell's chopped and so do I, but I like the Sportster for and my X1 but the Sportster's engine is junk, it seriously feels and sounds like a Buell knockoff made in Thailand. | ||
| Onespeedpaul |
depends which year sportster you have which engine will fit. 2003 and earlier sporty's are cross-compatible with tube frame buell engines. 2004 and newer sporty's are rubbermount and may or may not be compatible with XB engines, i have no idea on those. be cool to know tho! (Message edited by onespeedpaul on May 11, 2011) | ||
| Blks1l |
I think you would be cheaper going the 1250 kit unless you allready had an extra 1200 motor. | ||
| Rick_a |
The advise above is good. The '04 and newer XL's will not fit any Buell application, or any previous XL frame. The '04 and newer XL cylinder heads (same as XB) can be used, though the front engine mount needs to be swapped. The part is available from a Screamin' Eagle kit. Do the 1250 and have someone reputable do some headwork. What you'll end up with is something like the Buell Lightning engines as used in early M2 Cyclones, which had great torque and response, and made good usable power. Nothing is cheap...to make the most of any performance mods things have to dealt with as a system. With a Buell engine it'll still be constrained by the intake and exhaust. The intake and exhaust systems on Buells are just as responsible for the power increases as the components, as Buell was not hindered by having to conform with cruiser styling. Only tuber engines will fit. The XB crankcase is nowhere close. The Thunderstorm tubers from '98-'02 are the best drop-in solution. Lightning head engines from '96-'98 also work, but basically use factory worked-over 883 style heads. The M2 versions used stock sporty cams and were considered the most practical, and to many the most enjoyable...which is why I believe a big bore plus mild headwork makes the most sense. |
