If your like me. Probably like most riders. The type of person that is mechanically inclined, can fix anything mechanical. The kind of person that would do it yourself, rather than pay anyone else. Your going to be rebuilding your Harley Davidson, shovel head. Either you have to, or you just want more power. Mine reason was I wanted stronger, faster. I ended up with an 84 ci. that was much strong and faster than my buddies 93 ci. stroker. My advice is do not rush it. Winter project is ideal. Take care in dismantelling. Some of these parts are more fragile than you might think. No big hammers. The shovelhead is just another small gasoline engine. Make sure valves and guides are new. Don’t have to be over sized to provide power. Pistons and rings are one part of the key. I chose Keith Black. Which turned out to be a great decision. Some care must be taken if Keith Black is your choice. Keith Black piston ring glands are closer to the top of the piston than most. Which provides more compression. More power. It also creates a neat different sound.
If you decide to go bigger bore, have your machining done by a shop that is familiar with Harleys. If you just hone the cylinders yourself, be sure to allow about .0005″ more clearance in the rear cylinder. The rear cylinder gets hotter than the front because it is hidden by and gets heat from the front cylinder. Make sure ring gap is adequate. With Keith Black pistons and rings if the top rings get too tight when hot, they will take the top of the piston off. Not good.
When replacing the crankshaft pin. I recommend you have a shop familiar with harleys do the assembly to be sure the parts are lined up perfectly. Have the crankshaft, pitons and rings balanced.
When choosing a cam,choose a mid range cam that perform well through the rpm ranges. When adjusting push rods do not set them to tight. Re-adjust after the engine has run for a few minutes and is warm. I also added a Dyna electronic ignition. So simple. You remove the crankshaft inspection plug. Set the piston timing marks to top dead center. Replace the plug. Remove the points and plate. Install the new ignition. Turn the plate until the small light on the plate comes on. Select how you want the ignition to respond using the instructions and toggle switches provided on the plate. Done. Play with the toggle switches to find the setting best suited to your engine.
When assembling the engine take your time, be super clean and super careful. Again take your time this should be a labor of love. Choose premium oil for your engine. I only use synthetic oils 5/50. When your finished and fire up the engine you should be satisfied and proud.