Engine trouble/ rebuild kit/ costs

I think my engine is shot. I figure instead of chasing issue after issue and since every thing needs to be done to my bike anyway why not start with a rebuilt engine. From what im seeing it looks like something that i will have to be piece together. One question is are there any rebuild kits for me to do this myself.

Another thing for you guys that have done this. what kind of costs am I looking at? I talked to a local shop and he was saying that just for the top end I would be looking at around 2000 for just the top end. Does this sound about right?

forgot to mention, its a 77 kz 1000

That sure sounds like a lot of money for a top end.
Did he say what that included?
What makes you think you need an entire new top end versus having yours done?
You might need the cylinder block bored, new rings, possibly new pistons, head reworked, and a gasket set. Any thing else you think it might need?

Check with these folks who can do it right:

www.aperaceparts.com/shoptour.htm
www.cavanaughracing.com/

he said that was rebuilding my stuff. Head and cylinders. he said all the top end. Wouldnt give me details without seeing the bike but said it should be around that with labor but if its more needed in the bottom end or upgrades it would go up from there.

I'll go out on a limb and say nonsense. That sounds pretty expensive. Is that with him doing all the assembly and disassembly? Anyways, you should always shop around. If you need new pistons/rings/bore and head reworked check pit stop performance ( www.pitstopperformance.com ).

Here is a quote form the first page:
the piston kit for 1015cc, 1045cc or 1075cc will cost from $420.00 to $440.00.
The piston kit comes complete with rings, wrist pins,
circlips or Teflon buttons, head gasket and base gasket.
Boring costs $124.00.
So your total will be $544.00 to $564.00.

Complete Valve Job
The following is the labor that will be performed on your head: Disassemble head. Clean all parts. Bead blast eight valves. Bead blast combustion... You can read the rest on his page on what is done for this price, $311.45

Not sure if the price includes shipping back. And I would certainly expect that you have to pay the shipping to the shop.

I'm not affiliated with this shop and am not recommending it because I have not used them personally. Others can give you their experience in dealing with them. But I'm just including some numbers as a reference on cost. Now would hope you can find a local shop to disassemble and reassemble for you if you don't want to do that part yourself? I would guess $500.00. So $564.00 for pistons and borking + $311.45 for the head, Another $80 or so for a gasket kit and approx $500.00 for labor to disasseble and reassemble everything for a total of around $1475.00 excluding shipping costs. Still way ahead of $2000.00. And this place spells out what you are getting. Shop around. Good luck.

Oh WOW! Thanks.

It sounds like a "go away" price. He's charging close to what the dealership wants, so I'm betting he's hoping you'll shop around and find a cheaper place so he doesn't have to mess with it.

All depends on what "Just the top end" consists of...

Piston/bore kit ~ $600 +
Head rebuild w/new valves, springs, guides, seals, port & polish ~ $700
All new timing components (chain, rubber dampers, guides, possible idlers etc... ~ $300
New cams or your stock ones... ~ $400
Labor ~ who the hell knows these days....

So yup, I'd say pretty much most/all shops are going to run you around that range...
Even doing most of the work yourself, shit adds up real quick....

Case in point, here in Phoenix, cylinder bores $80 a hole... :blink: I mean really!!!! :whistle:

So do your research and find the best deals out there... AS KZjoe mentioned, Pitstop for the piston kit including boring, just can't beat the price....

I seriously doubt he needs new cams and all new timing components. Of course, not seeing the engine, it is only supposition, but really, that seems a stretch. And I doubt the mechanic that gave him that quote included those components in the quote.

Never said he needed anything...

All I was pointing out is depending on what they discussed for desired results, performance, expectations etc... a "Top end" rebuild can mean quite a few things where shit can add up real fast.

Same time, rebuild a cylinder, now WTF does that mean.... :blink: :whistle: :laugh:

Would you leave a 30 year old timing chain and guide in (~ $150 alone) in a new top end build... Can't speak for most of you but I sure wouldn't.

Anyhoot, do your research, some good/honest shops out there but most... Is what it is.

I agree on the "rebuild a cylinder" thing. What the heck is that?
AFA the timing chain, two things come to mind. For that particular part, IMHO it is mileage, not age, that comes into play. Second, replacing it turns a top end rebuild into an engine rebuild, since you must split the cases and remove the crankshaft to replace it.
Since he was not given a detailed estimate, we don't really know what the shop was planning, but I seriously doubt it included most of those items.
But I do agree, the cost could clearly climb if those parts are required, no doubt about it.