TOPIC:

Hello,
I just picked up a 1982 KZ550-H for $100
Everything is there except the engine head.
I have a engine from a 1982 KZ550 LTD, will the head from that(or the whole engine) work on the KZ550-H?

Thanks!

well you can check this the easy way as well.
we do the same thing with engine heads for chevy small black to check clearances and such.

if the head will bolt on, and all the holes line up, then the only thing left to do is check internal clearances.

to start, get a cheap head gasket, install it and assemble the motor as you would if you were putting it back together. this includes proper timing, so that we can check valve clearances at top dead center.

Before installing the head, get a pack of gum and chew it up, layering it about 1/4-3/8" thick on top of the piston, making sure to stay relatively clear of the edges so it doesn't smear down the chamber walls. They also sell a play-dough like putty that works just as well. Or just use play-dough. Whichever is easiest.

Assemble the head like you were going to start it and turn the crank over (preferably manually so you can stop if you feel it hit anything)

If you feel the hard resistance like the motor is seized, then STOP, you risk damaging the valves. If it doesn't stop, then run a few more revolutions.

Finally, disassemble the engine head and see if there are any indents in the putty like substance that show valve clearance problems, valve to piston collision, or any kind of indentation and exactly how far it is for future reference.

If there are no indentations, and they aren't too close (consider that an average motorcycle engine turns 9k rpm or so), and the bolts like up, then Id say torque it down and give it a try.

Best of luck!

The head is the same. You can use the head or engine whatever you want to do. If the complete engine you have is good I would just put that in there so you don't have to buy gaskets.

Does the 550ltd have 22mm slide carbs, like the earlier gpz550d1 model? If you can use pods instead of the airbox you could put that earlier slide carb head on the H motor.

If CV carbs then yes the head is a direct fit. Part numbers might be different due to the colour.

Any CV carb kawi 550 head will fit, valve sizes the same -although the zx550 had slightly smaller combustion chamber volume, also the later zr550 heads have a different carb spacing.

The ltd doesn't quite have that wild GPz 2 stroke like power band, but a more midrange tune that might be better or worse for you depending on how you like to ride.

Assuming your ltd motor has the later 3 phase alternator and transistorised ignition you could
put that in the gpz complete. Even if it has't there are ways of working around that.

The H series are very rare now, probably worth finding the right head. They are cheap as chips for that - the last two I sold recently for £30 each.