Is it possible to install a softail motor whole or does it have to have its topend stripped? The old motor is out but we pulled the topend because the crank went bad. It was easy to remove just the crankcase. Btw it’s an 05 Deluxe

 

Yes, if it's the right motor for the frame, you can install it with the heads and rockers all together...

It's just heavier and harder to maneuver...

I know several guys who would do it alone in their youth (shovel heads, EVOs, and early Twin Cams), but now they won't...

Here's a pic of my 124" crate engine that was installed whole (minus the intake). It's an "A" engine, but I don't think that matters...

 

I figured it out, needed to remove the swingarm bolt and slid the tranny back which gave plenty of room to put the motor in. We swapped in a 2006 Nightrain salvage engine.

 

 

Some updates, I’m working slowly on this project as I been under the weather plus working a lot. My buddy will be back on it soon enough.

 

Got the motor done, this motor came with SE203 cams SE cam plate and pushrods, it runs really good for a $700 eBay motor.

 

Great project... enjoy the bike!


FWIW... I have a set of SE203 cams in an '03 Softail w/95" big bore kit. That bike runs really well.....