Over the past 2 years I've gotten my 02 Ultra into the exact form I want...Now only to feel short on power and gear

My 88 CI and the 5-spd have 41K on it and while it is still fine for riding around the city and such, the highway has become a little rough when I want to travel at more than 75 or 80 mph for long periods.


So, my question is; Will a newer 96 or 103 inch engine fit into my 02 as long as I swap in the 6-speed trans with it? It's not really hard to find a motor and trans on flea-bay or even local for that matter and, I figured rather than spending 2-3K on bumping my 88 up to a 95 and getting an aftermarket trans that I would rather just get a newer, low mile factory motor and trans.

I'd appreciate your advice on if this is possible and, opinions.

Thanks

 

probably smarter to do some work to your motor.

1.) an overdrive tranny is no use if the motor doesn;t have the power to use 6th

2.) a cheap overdrive for a mildly built or stage 1 motor can be a 65T rear pulley...under $100 used and takes 30 minutes...in most cases the stock belt works fine and there is room on the tensioners.
if doing a belt anyway, a 60T and softail belt give a 15% overdrive, but the belt guard has to go

3.) the 96 or 103 requires computer and sensor swaps...heavy wiring issues- how good are you with electricity?...and in stock trim these motors have slightly more power than yours...not "lots"


the 95" is an easy cheap job, combined with cams and possibly mild headwork, you can choose a package that'll balance power, cost, reliability and mpg ( and these factors are always balanced against each other)
all of this is done with the motor lower end in place--- really quick and easy jobs for a tech, so labor costs are not high.
there are various packages available from the aftermarket and even HD


mike

 

if i were you, i would consider motor work, a big bore kit (many available) AS YOU HAVE THE GOOD CRANK AND TIMKEN BEARINGS as 02 was the last year for them Then i would invest in a six speed (Baker) and convert to the thinner belt used on the 07.

then when you get the urge for a big tire in the rear, you can easily install one of the kits and convert to the big tire without having to mess with the belt as you thought ahead and changed it when you upgraded your tranny.

No the new engines will not fit easily, you are looking at some intense work and wiring which may be more costly than upgrading current stuff and why would you want one? You have a great base for jumping off for an engine build.

 

The 96 or 103 will not bolt up to your 5 speed tranny. Do a healthy 95" build with cams, etc and you will smoke a 96 or 103.