So It has been one year now since my dad took (stole) my bike and grenaded my S&S 96" motor on my 1992 softail.... I decided to completely strip the bike down to the frame and do some powdercoating and I am just now getting it back together.

I need to decide what motor to get or build and oh course, I want to go bigger better faster stronger.

My dad has two friends who have the ultima 127 and they beat the hell out of them without an issue ... but do not have any real miles on them to brag about (3,000 and 10,000).. I have ridden the motor and really like the power but can't help to be hesitant with all the issues you hear about.

I really want to be in the same power range as the ultima 127... but dont really know what my options are...

I was looking to spend around $5k total on a motor setup (I already have clutch, carb, etc that will work with the big hp)

So options I am weighing....

1) Try to find a good deal on a used S&S 124 and completly redue it ..pistons, rings, valves, rockers, springs, headwork, cams etc...This would be hard to do on a 5k budget ... but I get a really good deal on parts and labor is free so it would all come down to a good deal on the used motor (but I have seen them as cheap as $3k)

2) Buy an ultima 127 for $3,500 and take it apart swap the cam, rockers and whatever else that should be addressed with top not stuff (S&S, Woods,Etc) and get some head work and pray for the best?

3) or buy a SMW 127 and redue just like the ultima (not really sure of all the differences between the SMW 127 and the Ultima 127 .. both are same price.

... Let me know what you guys think... which options best? what are some other suggestions/ options???

 

S&s 124".