How big is the bolt hole on a Sportster head?
The new heads have the right front bolt hole relocated inboard 1/4″, and also use 7/16 fasteners as opposed to the 3/8 fasteners used on the 91-03 models. You can either modify your existing front mount, or more recently a new mount has become available that solves this issue.
What kind of fasteners do Sportster heads use?
The rocker box and head breather arrangements are identical, as are the fin sizes. The front mount holes have the same spacing as the 91-03 Sportster heads but use 7/16 NC fasteners (exception: 95-96 S2 models which use a 3/8 fastener on one side and a 7/16 fastener on the other).
Which is better Sportster heads or Buell heads?
95-96 BUELL S2 HEADS: These heads are identical to the 88-03 XLH1200 heads in all respects except that one of the front mount bolt holes is 7/16″ NC instead of 3/8″ NC. So don’t be fooled; not all “Buell Heads” are higher performance than Sportster heads.
When did the Sportster Lightning head come out?
It was introduced in 1998 on the S1W and S3/S3T (the S1 and the M2 retained the Lightning heads in 1998). In 1999, all models came with Thunderstorms and it remained that way through the 2002 model year. This head went back to the 67cc volume and instead used a domed piston to raise the compression ratio.
What makes an ironhead Sportster engine so hot?
The cylinders and heads are cast iron and the pushrods are aluminium. The pushrod will expand more than the cylinder when hot and it is possible to adjust them too tightly. When this happens the engine will be hard to start hot and you stand the chance of burning a valve from an adjustment that is too tight and holding the valve (s) open.
Do you have to take care of Ironhead Sportsters?
Theoretically you should have a good one if everything in the engine is within specification and you take good care of it. FUN FACT: Most cheap Ironhead Sportsters for sale are money pits that have been used and abused and are in need of much attention.
Which is the best factory head for a Sportster?
These are ultra-rare Sportster heads and they were the best factory head ever made for a Sportster until the Thunderstorm head came out in 1998. They have very large valves and a pear-shaped chamber with flat squish bands on each side.
What kind of oil for ironhead Sportster 20w50?
If you live and ride in the cold weather like 40 degrees and less, 20w50 will work just fine. Winter Riding Tip: run about 1/2 to a quart low, so that the oil warms up faster. If you use your bike to go across town, or real short trips, a quart low is good.