KZ650 Engine Swap

seanof30306
Topic Author
Offline
User

02 Apr 2008 12:54 #203758 by seanof30306

KZ650 Engine Swap was created by seanof30306

I have an '80 KZ650 with no engine, and access to a free running KZ550 engine.

Understanding anything will fit with enough cutting/welding, etc., will The KZ550 engine easily fit on the KZ650 frame? How much fabrication is required, or will it bolt directly over?

The 550 engine comes with a Mac 4-1, will that fit?

"That @#$%!!! KZ650"
79 KZ650 B3
Dual front disc brakes
Z1R 18" front wheel
Pumper carbs w/pods
MAC 4-1 w/ drilled-out baffle
Dyna S ignition w/ Dyna Green coils
WG coil mod
'81 CSR charging system
17/41 gearing

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Ituen
Offline
User
Rider

02 Apr 2008 13:12 #203769 by Ituen

Replied by Ituen on topic KZ650 Engine Swap

Have the 550 motor taken out to 615cc before you bolt it in.

1982 KZ750 E
Kawasaki Rider

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

seanof30306
Topic Author
Offline
User

02 Apr 2008 13:22 #203778 by seanof30306

Replied by seanof30306 on topic KZ650 Engine Swap

So, you're saying it will bolt in?

I'm looking at doing this to make a few bucks, so I'd want to do it as inexpensively as possible. I'd prefer to leave the displacement alone.

Besides, leaving it at 550 means I can sell it as a gas saver.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

RonKZ650
Offline
User

02 Apr 2008 13:42 #203783 by RonKZ650

Replied by RonKZ650 on topic KZ650 Engine Swap

I think the 550 will bolt in, but the part I'm worried about is the exhaust spacing. Being narrower on the 550 I'm wondering if the pipes will not fit between the front frame tubes.

321,000 miles on KZ's that I can remember. Not going to see any more.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

seanof30306
Topic Author
Offline
User

02 Apr 2008 20:17 - 02 Apr 2008 20:20 #203863 by seanof30306

Replied by seanof30306 on topic KZ650 Engine Swap

Yeah, I looked at it, and that would definitely be a concern. I wish I had a KZ550 fram to take some comparison measurements on. I guess the only way to be sure would be to mock it up.

Hopefully, someone's done/tried it, and can share their experience.

Last edit: 02 Apr 2008 20:20 by seanof30306.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

mjg15
Offline
User

02 Apr 2008 21:51 #203884 by mjg15

Replied by mjg15 on topic KZ650 Engine Swap

I think that the 550 engine is a bit smaller , you should have plenty of room . As mentioned , the exhaust spacing could be an issue .

'80 Z750fx
'81 KZ550A
'81 GPz550's, Too many!
'82 KZ1000R
'82 GPz750
'90 ZR550

Project photo album: s163.photobucket.com/albums/t289/mg15_ph...GPz-ZR550%20project/
s163.photobucket.com/albums/t289/mg15_ph...current=DSC01286.jpg

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

seanof30306
Topic Author
Offline
User

02 Apr 2008 22:10 #203887 by seanof30306

Replied by seanof30306 on topic KZ650 Engine Swap

The question is, whether it would actually bolt up to the existing mounting points.

And, the exhaust spacing would definitely be a deal-breaker.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

mjg15
Offline
User

02 Apr 2008 22:22 #203889 by mjg15

Replied by mjg15 on topic KZ650 Engine Swap

Don't know if it is a "bolt in" . I would be surprised if it was . The cases are different and the 550 is probably more than an inch shorter front to back . I have a bare 550 frame (that I'm putting a Suzuki Katana750 motor in) if you want some comparison measurments I can check some stuff .

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

mariozappa
Offline
User

03 Apr 2008 05:47 #203923 by mariozappa

Replied by mariozappa on topic KZ650 Engine Swap

They quite a bit different in size, my buddy has a 550 LTD.
I don't have any measurements though, hopefully mjg15 can help you out.

1977 KZ650C1
and the KZ650/KZ750 Conversion

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

KZ650 Engine Swap

Forum Links