KZ550A Block advice

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KZ550A Block advice

24 Jan 2025 22:16 - 25 Jan 2025 09:54
#908267
Hey all,
I just got a 1980 KZ550 as my first project. Finally finished ripping it apart today and it turned out to be in overall better shape than I expected (It turned out to be full of water when I got it...). Unfortunately, though, the block is very rough. The 2 left cylinders can probably just be honed and will be ok, but the right 2, and especially cylinder 4, are extremely rusted. I'm trying to figure out what the best course of action would be. I'm a college student so I'm on a budget and trying to do everything as cheap as I can while still getting good enough results. My goal isn't anywhere near a full restoration. What would it likely cost to resleeve 2 cylinders? Could I just bore all 4 instead (I should probably get new pistons anyway)? I'd also be happy to buy a used block and hone it, but the problem is that it seems like every one I can find is for an LTD. Would that still be usable with a standard KZ550A?
Thanks guys!
Last edit: 25 Jan 2025 09:54 by Street Fighter LTD.

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Re: KZ550A Block advice

25 Jan 2025 09:57
#908281
Welcome to KZRider 
I moved your post to New Members as part of your introduction 
Also when posting pictures you must click the insert all tab to make them full size.
Dave
 

Original owner 78 1000 LTD
Mr Turbo Race Kit, MTC 1075 Turbo pistons by PitStop Performance , Falicon Ultra Lite Super Crank, APE everything. Les Holt @ PDM's Billet Goodies . Frame by Chuck Kurzawa @ Logghe Chassis . Deep sump 5qt oil pan. RIP Bill Hahn
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Re: KZ550A Block advice

25 Jan 2025 10:50
#908282
When faced with a similar situation, I bought a clean used cylinder off eBay.  Hone, new rings, OEM gaskets, and the engine ran like a top.

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Re: KZ550A Block advice

25 Jan 2025 10:55
#908283
Like I mentioned, all of the ones I can seem to find are LTD ones. Can I still one or are they different? The LTD is a larger displacement right?

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Re: KZ550A Block advice

25 Jan 2025 11:28 - 25 Jan 2025 11:29
#908284
I would expect the 550Ltd to be the same, certainly on the bigger bikes the differences are in cam spec and jetting (double check a FSM for bore and stroke specs for both and compare)
Last edit: 25 Jan 2025 11:29 by Wookie58.

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Re: KZ550A Block advice

25 Jan 2025 12:34
#908286
Agree with Wookie, LTD is the same.  Most likely the GPz engines are same as well, but the fin shape may be different.
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Re: KZ550A Block advice

25 Jan 2025 13:21
#908288
They were all 553cc. Also, the LTD block was not painted from the factory.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24

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Re: KZ550A Block advice

25 Jan 2025 14:43
#908290
Ok cool. So you think I’d have no issue running it then?

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Re: KZ550A Block advice

25 Jan 2025 16:33
#908295
Ok cool. So you think I’d have no issue running it then?
Should be fine :)
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Re: KZ550A Block advice

26 Jan 2025 08:19 - 26 Jan 2025 08:21
#908308
Someone on here asked a similar question a few weeks back. LA sleeve's are available but by the time you buy them, remove the old liners in a oven (all 4 drop out) cold press/bond all the 4 liners back in then bore/hone to size, it would cost considerably more than a used barrel. The other thing you have to consider when pressing liners in is sometimes the flanges sit proud of the barrel top requiring a skim job which is more money.

First thing I do when looking at something similar to that picture is mechanically de-rust those liners then measure the bores. Sometimes your beyond the service limit, if not then the liners can be honed.

I usually take mine to a local guy who has a honing machine (he will double check my rough measurement with a bore gauge) He will then do a light hone on each liner to see if there are any deep pits from the rust. When he does this light pass you can also see if the bores are straight. Sometimes with heavy rust pits a liner needs to be bored +.25 to 1mm over depending on how bad it is.

On one such barrel I had two bad ones like you, one needed +.25 and one +.75mm to clean up. I opted to go +1mm once I found a oversize piston kit, which took a bit of hunting.
1978 KZ650B2 w 1197cc Z1 engine
1977 KZ650B1 w 750cc Spectre engine
1979 KZ650C3 w 831cc Hot Rod engine
1978 KZ650C2 w 762cc DFI project
1977 KZ650C1 stock restoration project
1978 KZ650B2 modified project
1978 KZ650B2 Injected Drag 831cc
1980 Z1 Custom Frame Drag 1327cc
1981 Z50R Honda tow bike
Last edit: 26 Jan 2025 08:21 by Injected. Reason: info

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Re: KZ550A Block advice

26 Jan 2025 14:37
#908321
He offer 1,00 and 3,00 mm over size piston kits.

www.scheuerlein-motorentechnik.de/motorr...99-ccm/z550-modelle/

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Re: KZ550A Block advice

26 Jan 2025 16:14
#908323
You should be fine with any KZ550 block, but you may need the matching cam chain tensioner to go with it, as there have been a few different shapes for the gasket on those over the years. Ask me how I know. 
A breeze from the west.
‘90 ZR550 Zephyr

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