Hammer Performance - for All Your Harley Davidson XL Sportster and Big Twin Performance Needs
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Pictures of Harley Davidson and Buell Performance Cylinder Heads


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TOP END

For Sportster & Buell

At HAMMER PERFORMANCE, we have the finest Top End components available for your Sportster or Buell!


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3.8125 Bore 88ci Sledge Hammer Pistons - CLOSEOUT!

Regular Price $399.95/set CLOSEOUT PRICE $299.95/set



High Performance 88ci 3.8125 3.813 Bore Sledge Hammer Pistons for Harley Davidson XL Sportster and Buell Models


Years of research into high performance piston technology has resulted in what we believe to be the finest high performance 88ci pistons available for your Sportster or Buell. Precision machined from the latest lightweight 2618T-61 forgings, our pistons feature:

  • Extra large valve pockets for those high-overlap cams
  • Anti-detonation grooves around the crown to disrupt detonation waves and limit contact
  • Thermal barrier coating to reduce heat transfer into the piston
  • Dual wrist pin oilers
  • Expansion grooves for better ring seal
  • Extra-strong pin bosses with lightweight tool steel wrist pins

Each set includes two pistons, rings, pins, and circlips.



Bore Size

Dome

Comp Ratio

Chamber Size

Spec Sheet

Price/Set

3.8125

Flat Top -1.7cc

11:1

62cc

Click

$299.95

Sold Out!

3.8125

15 Degree 4.3cc

10.5:1

72cc

Click

$299.95

Sold Out!

3.8125

30 Degree 12.4cc

10.5:1

80cc

Click

$299.95

3.8225

30 Degree 12.4cc

10.5:1

80cc

Click

$299.95

3.8125

30 Degree 21.6cc

11:1

86cc

Click

$299.95

3.8125

30 Degree 32cc

Click

$299.95

Replacement Wrist Pin Circlip, Fits all HAMMER XL Pistons, Sold Each



Note on fit: We recommend .0060 piston-to-wall clearance (pwc) when used with cast iron cylinders. Also consider taking up roughly half that gap with a clearance control coating, it gives more mistune margin.
For iron lined aluminum cylinders we recommend .0035 pwc.

Note on piston weights: The spec sheets show the weight of each piston bare. Click here for the weight of the pin, clips, and rings.

Need Cylinders?
For cast iron 88ci cylinders, we recommend Axtell.
For iron lined aluminum 88ci cylinders, we recommend Zipper's.


Cylinder Heads

High Performance Factory Heads are Available from HAMMER PERFORMANCE!


HD has offered a lot of heads for XL & Buell models over the years, some good and some not-so-good. If you're looking to upgrade to the best ones, Hammer Performance can set you up. We offer factory performance heads either as bare castings with stock seats and guides (which make a great basis for your Smash or Sledge porting service), or fully assembled and ready to bolt-on.


Buell Thunderstorm Heads - No Longer Available

High Performance Thunderstorm Heads for Harley Davidson XL Sportster and Buell Models

As of July 2013, we're having trouble sourcing new Thunderstorm heads. The last bikes that had them rolled off the assembly line 11 years ago, so this is no big surprise. We'll leave the information below for reference purposes, but we can no longer supply new Thunderstorm heads


Buell Thunderstorm heads were the first real performance head for XL's offered by the motor company. They came out in 1998 on Buell S1W and S3 models, and instantly became enormously popular as an upgrade for XL's and other Buells.


The improvements over the previous XL heads came in the form of much larger valves, improved ports, and an improved chamber. Valve sizes were increased from the earlier 1.715" intake & 1.480" exhaust all the way up to 1.810" intake & 1.575" exhaust. This alone results in dramatically better flow. But the ports were improved as well, with a higher floor and a more gradual radius in the roof through the bowl area. Finally, the chamber was improved to add a 15 degree squish band while not shrouding the valves terribly, and the heads were paired with an all new matching piston. Squish band effectiveness is limited, however, by the cast-in squish shelf, which is uneven and not very accurate. Hammer Performance can machine this area for a precise and effective squish band.


Retrofitting these heads to 91-03 Sportster models is very straightforward, as they are almost a bolt-on. The only issue is that the front head's front mount bolts are 7/16-14 thread, instead of the 3/8-16 as found on 91-03 Sportsters. Some drilling of your front motor mount bracket will likely be necessary, and you'll need to fit a short stud onto the left side (spark plug side) or use a very short bolt.


Retrofitting these heads to 86-90 Sportster models is not recommended, however, plenty of people have done it. The main issue is the spacing of the pushrod holes. Four-speeds have slightly different geometry because the tappets are offset from the cams slightly. When you put five speed heads onto a four speed, you risk causing a pushrod rub problem where the pushrods pass through the heads. The same bolt hole size issue described above also exists when retrofitting these to four-speeds.


Retrofitting these heads to 04-up Sportster models is recommended even less. First off, if your 04-up Sportster is a 1200, you already have better heads than these, so swapping them would be a downgrade. But even if you're looking for something better than your 883 heads, Thunderstorms are generally not the best choice for an 04-Up. Thunderstorm heads have smaller fins than the 04-Up Sportster head & cylinder fins, and they may look funny sitting over the top of your late model cylinders. Also, the front head's right front mount hole (pushrod side) sits 1/4" more outboard on a Thunderstorm head than on a late model XL head, so a mount modification would be needed. It's not impossible to put these on a late model XL, but most people opt for the Buell XB or late model XL1200 heads instead.


Thunderstorm heads are available in a straight black finish only. The fins can be highlighted manually but this seldom comes out looking as good as a factory highlighted fin. If you're looking for highlighted fins, we recommend going with some 2004-Up XL1200 heads as listed below. If you're looking for silver, you can either paint a set of Thunderstorms, or go with a set of XB heads listed below. You could strip and powder coat a set of Thunderstorms, but by the time you got done, you'd be into them about as much as a set of XB heads.


Thunderstorm heads are available from HD either bare or fully assembled. However, as of their latest price increases, they're charging the same amount either way. Therefore we are only offering them in assembled form.


Despite the introduction of the Buell XB and 2004-Up XL1200 heads, Thunderstorms remain popular. The bikes that Thunderstorms came on as original equipment are long out of production, though, in fact Buell doesn't even exist anymore, so who knows how long these heads will be available. If you want a set, get them while you can.


Buell XB Heads and 2004-2006 XL1200 Heads - No Longer Available

High Performance XB Cylinder Heads for Harley Davidson XL Sportster and Buell Models

As of Spring 2022, Buell XB heads and 2004-2006 XL1200 heads are no longer available from HD. We'll leave the information below for reference purposes, but we can no longer supply these heads new. But if you need modern heads for your carbureted application, see the 16500164 SE heads described below.


The Buell XB heads came out in 2003, and an XL version of these heads came on all 2004-2006 XL1200 models. These heads feature improved ports over any of the previous factory heads, with large 1.810" intake and 1.575" exhaust valves featuring lightweight 7mm stems and a beehive spring pack that can handle up to roughly .580 lift (previous XL heads were only safe to .500 lift). Although they flow about the same as the Thunderstorm heads, they do it with a smaller port and the flow is less turbulent, both of which result in more power. In our testing, comparing stock to stock, these heads are worth 4-5 extra horsepower over Thunderstorm heads, in situations where the heads are the thing limiting the power. Stock Thunderstorm heads start becoming a big bottleneck at around 90hp and these heads in stock form start becoming a bottleneck at closer to 95hp.

Another improvement in these heads over the Thunderstorms is the compact 62cc bathtub chamber. Although the factory claims 60cc, in reality most measure out to 62cc, not unlike Twin Cam heads which are spec'ed at 85cc but generally closer to 87cc. The bathtub chamber shape gives a nice, even squish area when used over flat top pistons, with a large squish band surface area to promote good mixing, which gives better detonation resistance and more efficiency. Over flat top 1200 pistons, these heads give a 9.7:1 compression ratio, over flat top 1250 pistons they give a 10:1 compression ratio, and over flat top 1275 pistons they give a 10.25:1 compression ratio. We also offer 1275 pistons with a small dome that will get you 10.5:1 under these heads. These chambers also give us plenty of material for machining angled squish bands, which improves performance even more by reducing the shelf the air must flow around when entering and exiting the cylinder, as well as by directing the fuel coming out of the squish band directly at the flame front without being obstructed by the dome. Hammer Performance offers both 15 and 30 degree angle dome Sledge Hammer forged pistons in our 1275 kits and can CNC machine the heads to match. Virtually all of our performance packages use 30 degree pistons with matching machine work.

High Performance XB Cylinder Heads for Harley Davidson XL Sportster and Buell Models in Black
And yet another nice improvement in these heads is the larger cylinder fins. These improve cooling, and when combined with big fin cylinders, they give the motor a bigger, more filled-out look than the original heads and cylinders on 1991-2003 models. Retrofitting these heads to 1991-2003 models easy to do and common. Basically all you need is the front adapter mount to attach the front head to the steering neck area, because all big fin heads have that bolt hole relocated inboard a tad and use larger 7/16-14 bolts instead of the smaller 3/8-16 bolts found on older bikes. Also, XB heads need their breather bolts machined, drilled, and tapped (a service we provide). And finally, these heads are all 3.670" in height, which is .020" shorter than original 1991-2003 heads. This is generally not enough to get you in trouble on pushrod length, but check it during assembly anyway.

All XB heads can be used with a standard-width carburetor manifold. However, be aware that in 2007, all XB heads started coming with the wider intake flange pattern. So if you get a set of those, also get the wider flanges. This is a nice improvement that gives better access to the bolts.



Screamin Eagle Carb Type Heads (16500164)

Can Also be Used on Buell Carb and DDFI Applications


If you're looking for a modern set of heads for your carbureted (or Buell DDFI) application, and you've got a goal of no more than about 100 horsepower, you should consider a set of the 16500164 Screamin Eagle heads. This is the only remaining carbuetor compatible heads HD still offers. They can be used on applications all the way back to 1991 (note: HD literature states 1992, but they can also be used on 1991 models if you buy four new spark-plug-side head bolts, offered below).

Like the 2004-2006 XL1200 heads, these are based heavily on the Buell XB heads that debuted in 2003. They have better port castings, bathtub chambers, big fins, and they come with lightweight 7mm stem 1.810/1.575 valves. The beehive springs they come with are slightly heavier than the stock XB pieces, and likewise the steel retainers are beefier and stronger as well (but also heavier).

These heads can also be applied to Buell tube frame and XB models. Here are the considerations when applying these heads to Buell models:

  • Regardless of whether your Buell is carbureted or injected, you need these 16500164 carbureted version heads, not the EFI versions described below. This is because the Buell DDFI does not use the wider throttle body manifold, the width is the same as a carb manifold.
  • The chamber shape on these heads will not work with the original Thunderstorm pistons (Thunderstorm heads & pistons came on all 1998 S3's & S1W's as well as all 1999-2002 Buell tube frame models). So if you're using these to replace Thunderstorm heads, you will need new pistons. Flat tops work well with these heads.
  • Tube frame Buells (1995-2002) will also need a new XB type billet motor mount. This is because the front head's mounting bolt sizes and spacing are XB style.
  • If your Buell is injected, you will also need the rear head temp sensor machining offered below. This applies to all DDFI Buells, regardless of whether it's an XB or tube frame.

These aren't great heads, don't misunderstand us. The porting job is really crude, with a large stepover and no blending to any of the places it misses. Screamin Eagle 16500164 Heads for Harley Davidson XL Sportster and Buell Models You'll see this when you look at the pictures below. The valve sizes are stock and the valve springs are older technology beehives with steel retainers, as opposed to the modern conical springs with titanium retainers you find with higher end porting jobs. The valve guides are also standard iron pieces, not the high flow bronze manganese type found on high end heads. The hardware has a safe lift ceiling of about .585", which is only slightly higher than the hardware found in XB heads and other 2004+ heads. So this isn't some super-performance set of heads, they're a modest step up from the stock heads.

However, they're not a bad head either, and they're a tremendous bargain at current pricing. The price is lower than a new set of stock heads (back when you could get them) by the time you outfitted the stock heads with all the hardware they needed, as they were only sold bare. They certainly fill a need, where a guy has a relatively modest power goal (100ish hp) and needs head castings.

These heads are available in the black highlighted color scheme only. They use standard width carburetor intake manifolds and the standard width 1991-2006 style manifold flanges (not included). Being big fin heads, they use the 16689-05 adapter bracket (included) to connect the front head to the steering neck area in a 1991-2003 chassis. Also required for their installation is a set of 2004+ pushrods, .065" wall, in the -.050" length (available below).

Note that we offer four optional services when you purchase a set of these heads:
  • Port Blending: As shown in the pictures, right out of the box the porting job is very crude, with a large stepover and no blending of the cuts. We offer a hand blending service to correct this and improve the flow. We disassemble the heads, hand blend the ports, and then reassemble the heads with new viton valve guide seals.
  • Port Matching to an HSR45/HSR48 Manifold: The ports on these heads have stock size port openings, for compatibility with stock size intake manifolds. If you use them with one of our HSR45 or HSR48 billet manifolds, you create a step that disrupts the air flow and reduces power. We offer a port matching service that corrects this condition, allowing you to extract more power from the larger carburetor and manifold. We disassemble the heads, enlarge the port openings to match the manifold, and then reassemble the heads with new viton valve guide seals. This service requires the purchase of either an HSR45 or HSR48 billet manifold.
  • Dual Spark Plug Machining: This service is primarily offered for owners of 1998-2003 XL1200S models who wish to retain their dual spark plugs. We disassemble the heads, machine them for a second spark plug through the chimney area (same as found on 98-03 1200S heads), and reassemble the heads with new viton valve guide seals. Note that there is no performance advantage to dual spark plugs on these heads. The small, compact chambers with large squish bands provide a very fast and efficient burn, and dual spark plugs will not even show up on the dyno sheet.
  • Rear Head Temp Sensor Machining: This service is primarily offered for owners of fuel injected Buell models. It allows the 16500164 heads to be used on 1999-2002 X1's and S3's, as well as 2003-2010 XB models. Includes disassembly, machining, and reassembly with new viton valve guide seals.

You can select these options in the ordering table below.

For higher power builds, we suggest you go with bare EFI castings sold below and have us perform one of our big valve porting services to them. We can create a better head out of virgin castings than we can out of these SE heads, and the EFI castings are the only new virgin castings still available. Don't worry if your application is cabureted, because EFI heads can also be used with a carburetor, assuming you get one of our special wider billet intake manifolds for EFI heads. Which you'll probably be using anyway, in a higher power build.

Intake Port of Screamin Eagle Sportster Heads
As you can see, the SE porting job is fairly rough
A large stepover with no blending
We can hand-blend these for a small fee
Contact us for more information
Exhaust Port of Screamin Eagle Sportster Heads
Much the same on the exhaust port
No blending to the port
Hence the powder coat remnants
Again, contact us if you'd like these improved



Screamin Eagle EFI Type Heads (16500074 and 16500347)


These are the EFI versions of the Screamin Eagle 16500164 heads described above. The main difference is the manifold mating surfaces are milled down an additional 1/16" each, to accommodate the EFI throttle body which is 1/8" wider than a standard carb manifold. These heads can be used with a carburetor, however, if you also get one of our special wider billet intake manifolds for EFI heads

Screamin Eagle 16500074 Heads for Harley Davidson XL Sportster and Buell Models
Another difference is the wider intake manifold flange pattern. This improves access to the flange bolts considerably. Since the wider flanges are not included with the heads, be sure to order a set if you don't already have them, i.e. you're putting these heads onto an older motor.

And yet another difference is that these are available in your choice of either black highlighted (16500347) or straight black (16500074), where the 16500164 carbureted versions are available in black highlighted only.

Since these heads are not marketed for 1991-2003 bikes, the front adapter bracket, that connects the front head to the steering neck area on 1991-2003 models, is not included with a set of these heads.

Other than those differences, these are the same heads as the 16500164 carbureted versions described above. They have the same ports, the same hardware, the same big fins, the same bathtub chambers, and require the same shorter pushrods. Power supporting capability is the same 100ish horsepower.

Note that we offer two optional services when you purchase a set of these heads:

  • Port Blending: As shown in the pictures, right out of the box the porting job is very crude, with a large stepover and no blending of the cuts. We offer a hand blending service to correct this and improve the flow. We disassemble the heads, hand blend the ports, and then reassemble the heads with new viton valve guide seals.
  • Port Matching to an HSR45/HSR48 Manifold: The ports on these heads have stock size port openings, for compatibility with stock size intake manifolds. If you're using them with a carburetor, and you'd like to you use them with one of our HSR45 or HSR48 wide billet manifolds for use with EFI heads, you create a step that disrupts the air flow and reduces power. We offer a port matching service that corrects this condition, allowing you to extract more power from the larger carburetor and manifold. We disassemble the heads, enlarge the port openings to match the manifold, and then reassemble the heads with new viton valve guide seals. This service requires the purchase of either an HSR45 or HSR48 billet manifold. Be sure to select the wider version of the manifold ("E" suffix) for use with EFI heads.

You can select these options in the ordering table below.

Note that we do not offer a dual-plugging service for EFI heads, because the factory machining for the rear head temp sensor is in the way.

If you're looking for a higher power capability than that, you're better off to start with the virgin 2007-2022 XL1200 head castings offered below. Your heads will come out much better if we don't try to overlay our porting work on top of theirs.

Spring and Retainer of Screamin Eagle Sportster Heads
SE heads come with a beehive spring pack
And a stronger (but heavier) retainer
Suitable for a broad range of streetable cams
up to .585 lift and 7200rpm
Combustion Chamber of Screamin Eagle Sportster Heads
The SE combustion chambers are also machined
But again, not blended
Hence the powder coat remnants



PLEASE NOTE: We cannot ship stock HD parts outside of the country. If you order any of the follwing HD parts and your ship address is outside the U.S., we will be forced to cancel and refund your order. Contact us and we can provide you with other options.

Also note that we cannot apply discounts of any kind to HD parts.




Buell Thunderstorm Heads - Pair
Black
No Longer Available
Buell XB Heads - Pair No Longer Available
2004-2006 Sportster 1200 Heads - Pair
Black with Highlighted Fins
No Longer Available
Screamin Eagle Carb Type Heads - $999.95/Pair
Fits 1991-2006 Sportster
Also fits 1995-2010 Buell Tube Frame and XB models (considerations).
Part Number 16500164
Black with Highlighted Fins
Includes 16689-05 front adapter mount to connect front head to steering neck area
on 1991-2003 Sportster models.
Requires shorter pushrods below
1991 applications require new head bolts below
Screamin Eagle EFI Type Heads - $999.95/Pair
Fits 2007-2022 Sportster
Black with Highlighted Fins
Part Number 16500347
Requires shorter pushrods below
Also fits 1991-2006 (carb) with one of our special wider manifolds
Screamin Eagle EFI Type Heads - $999.95/Pair
Fits 2007-2022 Sportster
Straight Black
Part Number 16500074
Requires shorter pushrods below
Also fits 1991-2006 (carb) with one of our special wider manifolds
Port Blending Service - $250.00/Pair
Requires purchase of SE heads above
We disassemble the heads, hand blend the ports to improve flow,
and reassemble with new guide seals.
HSR45/48 Port Matching Service - $150.00/Pair
Requires purchase of SE heads above and one of our HSR45 or HSR48 billet manifolds.
We disassemble the heads, enlarge the port openings to match the manifold,
and reassemble with new guide seals.
Dual Plug Machining Service - $150.00/Pair
Requires purchase of SE 16500164 heads above
We disassemble the heads, machine them for the second spark plug,
and reassemble with new guide seals.
Offers no performance advantage.
Primarily for 1998-2003 1200S owners who wish to retain their dual plugs.
Machine 16500164 SE Rear Head for Temp Sensor - $100.00
Allows 16500164 SE CNC heads above to be used on DDFI Buell models.
See other considerations for using SE CNC heads on Buell models.
Requires purchase of 16500164 SE CNC heads.
Stock Sportster EFI 1200 Head Castings - $999.95/Pair
Fits 2007-2022 Sportster
Black with Highlighted Fins
Bare with guides and seats
no valves or springs
ideal for a big valve porting service
Also fits 1991-2006 (carb) with one of our special wider manifolds
Stock Sportster EFI 1200 Head Castings - $999.95/Pair
Fits 2007-2022 Sportster
Straight Black
Bare with guides and seats
no valves or springs
ideal for a big valve porting service
Also fits 1991-2006 (carb) with one of our special wider manifolds
Intake Manifold Flanges - $17.98/Pair
wide style for 2007-Up Sportster Heads
Front Mount Adapter Bracket - $19.99
Part number 16689-05
Connects late model big fin front head to steering neck area on a 1991-2003 chassis
Set of Four .050" Shorter Pushrods - $59.50
Required for SE heads above
Set of Four Head Bolts, Spark Plug Side - $23.96
Required for Installing SE heads on 1991 Models

Billet Motor Mounts for Buells - From $160


Billet Front Motor Mount for 1995-2002 Buells
Billet Motor Mount for 1995-2002 Buell Twins
Billet Front Motor Mount for Buell Blast Models
Billet Motor Mount for Buell Blast Models

Strong and Beautiful - Available for XL or XB style Heads

These billet motor mounts are precision CNC machined from a solid chunk of 6061T6 aluminum billet. They replace the failure-prone factory mount and look beautiful in the process. Available to fit the standard bolt spacing found on 1986-2003 XL and 1995-2002 Buell heads, as well as the narrower bolt spacing found on Buell XB and 2004-newer XL heads.


Billet Motor Mounts for Buells

Description

Price

Add to Cart


Billet Motor Mount
For 1995-2002 Buell Models (except Blast)
Note: Using this mount on S2 models with the stock front head requires a sleeve for the pushrod side bolt, if the 3/8" bolt is retained
Note 2: factory original isolators used a 1/2" bolt
current service replacement isolator kits come with a 7/16" bolt
choose the hole size desired

$229

Choose type of heads
Top Hole Size

Billet Motor Mount Only
For Buell Blast Models - All Years

$160

Choose type of head

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