Engine swap?

I am a new bike owner so dont eat me up too bad. I have a 1977 kz650 and I was wondering if it is at all possible to swap the engine for something newer. I had my eyes on an 05 636 engine. Please let me know. Thank you.

anything is possible. I know a few on this forum have began the project but havent heard anything bout it yet. Although be ready to tackle motor mounts, making sprockets line up, and wiring harness/cpu. It will be a rough task but i dont see why its not possible. Although if you still want a hopped up little kz, you can probably get a set of 1980 750 cylinders, and go with 810cc wiseco high comp. pistons, 83-85 gpz cams, a header, air filter pods, and a little rejetting. Wont beat a 636 but you will have a little kz that is a blast to ride.

We're assuming you want to put the ZX636 engine in the KZ650 frame correct?

Not without some serious frame modifications, cutting/welding, support etc... They not only have different frame mounting but you also have to consider chain path/alignments and exhaust mountings. Then throw into the mix the carb's/pods and electrical compartments... Then there's the suspension....

All in all, not an easy task even for the experienced.

Being a new bike owner (assuming your first street bike) then learn on this bike for a couple of years before going onto something extreme. And when you feel you're truly ready for that step, buy a ZX 636 or some other sport bike already built for it...

Besides, you'll be surprised on how fast that old 650 truly is...

OMR

anything is possible if you have enough time,tools,talent or money.i have a yz125 dirt bike that now has a kz1000 motor in it[my hillclimber] it might be a tight fit because of the cooling system you might have to mount the rad some where else, but im sure if you think it and have enough time it can be done. why not give it a try. nothing to lose right but your sanity right. that is the great thing about motorcycles no guts no glory.

well, I have two bikes. one running. one not. so as long as i have something to ride i wont care if the other one doesnt run. I want to keep one of them pretty close to stock. but the other one I want to go extreme. I really, really, really like what yo have done to the bike in your pick. if its not too much to ask maybe you could tell me what kinda parts you used. what brand and year. I would really like one of my bikes to have an upgraded suspension. plus i like the look of a monoshock.

Biggest thing with swapping in an engine like that is the fact that the carbs/throttle bodies come up straight off the top of the engine, so it wont physically fit int eh same space as a KZ650 engine.

OMR's bike is a beautiful example. Also, go to my thread 810 streetfighter, this is a great example for you since the frame is identical to that of yours. I did the motor work as i suggested to you earlier, and i am very pleased. Not a croth rocket killer but i raced a 4-5 runs against a friends R6. Didn't beat him but i gave him a run for his money in the quarter mile. All the information about the mods are also available in my thread

It's possible. I'm having a shop do the swap for me over the winter. I'll keep everyone posted.

I'm having a shop do the swap for me

If you don't mind me/us asking, how much did they quote you on this for I would think it's rather steep in $$$?

But then again, WTF do I know...:dry:

OMR

It would be alot cheaper if I did the work myself, but I'm too busy and I know I'm not mechanically inclined. The main reasons for the swap, water-cooled motors make more power than air-cooled motors. I also wanted something different.

the one big problem i can see happening right away is the frame mounting the 650 has a cradle frame [i know i'm stating the obvious] and the 636 engine is a stressed member the swing arm mounts directly to the motor you are not going to have much if any of the stock frame left when you are done also the fuel system is a downdraft set-up so the top frame rails will be in the way so you will basiclly have to build a new perimiter style frame around the engine in order to get the fuel and air box system in place so that will prevent you from using the stock fuel tank and body work.besides that where were you last year when i was running my own shop i could have used that kind of job to get the the winter with out having to go to work in the oil patch. good luck and enjoy.