Sportster Big Bore Conversion

Howdy--- It's been a while since I last checked in, but now I am ready to do the 74 inch conversion on my 883. I last asked for general opinions about the wisdoim of the conversion, and most folks seemed to agree that it was well worth the time and money. I have some questions before I do it. 1. It looks like the best way to go is with the V-Twin Manufacturing kit (I'm thinking the 9.5:1 kit with Wiseco pistons), but is there anything else out there that I should be looking at? 2. I know I will need a rocker box gasket set in addition to the main kit, but should I be thinking about adjustable push rods? Any opinions about the conversion would be greatly appreciated.

You don't need the added expense of adjustables if you aren't planning on changing cams on a regular basis. 9.5 compression is plenty for the lousey gas that we are forced to run these days.

Thanks for the thoughts, and Chucktx-- I am not too sure whether the video on the left was the result of an opinion poll, or just a good look at a pole, but I love it! And VYBR8TER, ( vibrater -- do you guys know each other?), thanks for the call on the adjustable pushrods. I used to run them years ago on Pans and Knuckle, but back then, that was the way to go-- the hydraulics that HD developed in the '60's were problematic, and solids were the way to go. Anyway. I went and bought the V-Twin conversion kit. I won't be doing any teardown until January or so (we have a solid 11 1/2 month riding season here in New Mexico), but I will keep in touch. Any other ideas or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

It's Been A Year

I just read your question TODAY 10/8/08 I also have done a conversion on **883** to **1200**... no put downs on the information given----- very good stuff.....

Just for fun I'll tell you my story......

Back when I had a 1995 883 and after a couple of years of being called "GIRLS BIKE" long enough!! I bought some parts like you...... I went with 10.5 / 1 wiseco pistons....... Then wondered about the 883 heads and valves- cams. adjustable p-rods JUST LIKE YOU....... SOOOOOOOO I got on the phone one late evening (after their closing time) just to leave a question on their recorder and might get an answer back.??

LOW AND BEHOLD ::: The man owning the shop answered.... I gave him what I was after... called "a girls bike" long enough, I wanting LOW END TORQUE and some added horse power... he gave me GREAT ADVICE!

Since I had all ready bought the 10.5/1 pistons I could not use HIS modified heads.

HE said " go with the pistons you bought, using 883 heads NOT MODIFIED just fresh them up....... scream'n eagle air - scream'n eagle slip-ons OR similar to $$$$$$ you could afford"... "re jet-use a 1200 sportster slide needle(best)and then drill out the Stock carb slide. put all together & get running".. ( i don't remember the jet sizes but each bike can be different even with the same parts added).

I asked Him what cams to use ?? HE said " THERE YOU GO AGAIN, WANTING LOW END POWER THEN CAM'N RIGHT BACK OUT!!" "GET IT TOGETHER* BREAK IT IN* THEN FIND A BIG TELEPHONE POLE AND CLIMB IT!!!" ....... "THEN call me back"....

I did just that (NO POLE) and called him back to again thank HIM saying ******WOW WOW WOW!!!!!! I had to HANG ON! with both hands when I cranked that puppy on......

OH yes,,,,,,,,, I forgot to mention WHO answered the PHONE that eve........

JERRY BRANCH of BRANCH HEADS out of california.....really a nice smart guy and no $$$$ made for him... HE really loves bikes....

signed....REDHEAD

hope you got yours going and on the cyl's, p-rods** you went the right way saved $$........ I bored my cycl. out and bot p-rods ***** never again(boring)..... It takes a 1/4 inch off each side IE 3" to 3.5" buying 1200 cyl barrels is the way to go......

If you are still around please give ME-US a report.... thanks