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[Free]

I have a 92 FXR and I want to boost performance. A long time ago i put Edelbrock heads on it and Macuni 42" carb and most recently V&H 2:1 (have not dynoed it).  I want more power and torque.
i have been thinking about what to do and my mechanic has suggested doing a 96" conversion.

Here is what the mechanic says. I would love some feedback with those who may have done this. Questions to ask, views, pricing etc.

This is from the mechanic:



Hi Andrew!
 
Here are some prices for the 96" conversion.
 
Labor is 20 hrs. which includes removing the engine from the frame, tearing it down, sending the cases out for machining, reassembly with new crank and performance cam and heads, re installation back into the frame.
I would be willing to discount the labor for you, I just wanted to show a standard hour amount for this type of job.
 
The 96" kit from S&S is very complete. It comes with new flywheels, pistons, cylinders, cam, pushrods and carburetor. It also includes gaskets.
You have 2 choices for finish on the cylinders, "natural" and black.
If you do not want the S&S carb. we can arrange a credit or discount.
The cost of this kit is $2399.00.
 
I recommend we take a set of Harley Screamin Eagle heads and have them ported.
We will send the heads to the porter and create a part number based on cost  of heads plus the porting so you aren't buying a set of heads at retail, then paying for the added cost of porting.
The total for ported new heads will be $1500.
 
The total for parts and labor is $5700 not including tax.
If you do not want the S&S carb, I will see if we can discount $500 off the kit.
I am willing to discount as much as 4 hours labor as well.
That would bring your total to apx. $4840.
 
Please let me know any thoughts or questions

[RedFXR2]

I almost passed out.  Action on the Evo board!!

Anyway, coincidentally, I have a friend who did nearly this very thing to his Evo some years ago and was disappointed with the results.  He ended up with a motor that was hard to start (he installed 10.5/1 pistons), and difficult to keep in tune.  I don't remember all the specifics, but for the same money you're talking about you can buy a complete S&S 96" (approx. $4500) that was purpose built for that displacement and get a better total package.  This is what my friend said he should have done.  Or if you have the budget and want to end up with a real race horse, for approx. $7500 you can get a complete TP 107".  These would be complete, Evo design motors that would just bolt right into your frame.  A shop owner here did the TP conversion to his 1994 FXLR.  These are just the first two prices I could find for these motors on the web, you could shop for a deal.  Then you can sell your current engine or parts to help pay for the cost of the new motor.

Anyway, with a complete S&S engine, you'd get S&S cases that were purpose built for that displacement.  $4840 for the HD/S&S combo (installed) or $4500 for the complete S&S 96", but you'd still have to either do the swap yourself or pay a pro.  For the $340 savings I'd have to figure the benefit of getting all new S&S, 96" designed parts and could I get it installed for $340?  And again, you'd be left with some good HD Evo parts that you could sell on ebay, if nothing else, to help with the cost.

Hope this helps, or at least gives you another angle on the project.  Done right, you'll have a really fun bike.  Good luck.

[Free]

Thanks so much, very helpful

hadn't thought about the 107 (damn, this site keeps costing me money!!!)

[RedFXR2]

I had some time so I did some more surfing around on the vtwinforum site and found several references from some of the recognized pros questioning the ability of the standard HD Evo case to retain enough strength to last after machining for the 96 inch kit.  They seem to offer the same suggestion--just go ahead and get a whole new larger bore motor.  The largest overbore they recommend for a HD Evo is .030, only about 7 CI's.  If you have a good relationship with your mechanic, you might ask him about this specifically.  This is why I emphasize getting the total engine from S&S because those cases are designed for that bore from the outset--and for $340 less to boot.

Glad to have helped.

[RedFXR2]

hadn't thought about the 107

Since I brought up the TP 107, there's one more thing to think about.

[Free]

great, gives me a lot of things to talk about with my mechanic

really appreciate the help

[Free]

RedFXR2

talked with the mechanic today.
After much discussion, he agrees with your point that it would be better just to buy the S&S engine and bolt it on.

Looks like we have a plan,

thanks again

[RedFXR2]

RedFXR2

After much discussion, he agrees with your point that it would be better just to buy the S&S engine and bolt it on.

I really think you'll be better off.

[Free]

will do
i'll post a picture when done

[SPIDERMAN]

freefxrs    
           Without getting into a glory days kind of story, been there, done that, bought the t-shirt. The best advice is [size=20]buy a complete motor and drop it in your frame. [/size]Trust me on this one dude  

[Free]

Red

i am getting really intrigued with dropping an S&S 124 into my FXR.  I talked with Wes at Cycle Rama, who has a 124 in his FXR and just loves it. Says you can bolt it right on (doesn't even need a torque arm).  Since this will be my fun scooter (have the SEUC for touring), it should be a blast.

curious what you are finding out on the 124 option.

Spiderman - thanks for the advice. i am definately going that direction - just trying to figure out which one to drop in.

[RedFXR2]

Red
I talked with Wes at Cycle Rama, who has a 124 in his FXR and just loves it. Says you can bolt it right on (doesn't even need a torque arm).

You've done what I haven't--that is find someone who can attest first-hand that a 124 really will fit.  Is it an S&S (I presume)?.

If you're committed to the 124 idea, I'd make a plan of what else you already have that will mate up to that engine in terms of transmission and clutch...and what else you might need to replace.  Are you still thinking of a wider rear tire and chain drive?  What other components does your man at Cycle-Rama run paired with his 124?  I think you've got a great source in this man Wes--talk to him a lot about all the "lessons learned".

I love the idea.  Keep us posted.

[Free]

yeah, he is a very nice guy

he actually kept his 130 tire.  I think I would go to a bigger tire. He went with chain drive. I would do that as well as it would add the extra benefit of giving more room for a larger tire.

he said i might think about suspension but that was it.

[Free]

Red

Here is where I am heading

124 S&S
Chain Drive
Avon 140 Race Compound rear tire
48mm Makuni

I am pricing this now and will make a decision shortly

[Free]

Red

well, i finally did it. Dropped the S&S 124 into the 1992 FXR frame.  Awesome power, pulls at every gear.  I will throw some pictures up shortly.