Engine R & R

I'm thinking of replacing my seized up engine on my '76 kz650 with one I've found from a '80 kz650E engine. Question is will it be a direct replacement as far as mounting is concern? The "new" engine has vents on top of the valve cover where mine doesn't. Will I be able to swap covers? Are there any differences with electrical stuffs, timimg, etc? Thanks for your input. This is probably the quickest way to get my bike on the road.

the engine will bolt right in you will have to swap all the electrical over other than that it should be a staight up swap

on an unrelated answer.....there is a gpz 750 motor on montery craigslist for 175 asking price ...but i bet the guy will take less...search gpz750 motor in the clist monterey search window.....good luck...craig

Yes, but you need to use your stator cover and stator on the 1980 engine and the old stator cover has locating dowels in different positions, so drilling and swapping dowels will be needed. You can swap on your old valve cover too, but have to plug the emissions ports in the cylinder head. So yes and no. It works, but takes a little extra effort.

Thanks for all the input. I've located the used engine with 20k miles for $450. Says still runs good( they all say that but the picture shows the engine must have been in a bone yard for a while. The exterior looks terrible and screw/bolt heads all rusted. Shall I take a chance?

sounds like a lot of money for a used engine

it sure does...i paid 25 bucks for one with 18000 miles on it..still sitting in wait here in my shed

heck no tell the guy you wanna kiss before he gives you that deal....
if IF IF it was a clean beautiful lower miles motor that would be a good price...but not dirty....200 is a lot for a fadded cases motor.......
there are 650 kz 's popping up on clist all the time with abandonment issues...for 200-400...imo wait ...did you look at the motor this guy here has it has gotten re-listed afew times..

Thanks guys. It sure is expensive. My crankshaft is shot and that's what I need replaced. I also like to do the 700cc cylinder upgrade. That's where the money should be spent on.