Can I run this on my engine?

Removed from a 1984 ZN1100-B1 LTD with 8,800 miles
Opinions requested, please... :whistle:


After mineral spirit cleanup...

Which engine do you want to fit it on.
One of the best heads to have for performance modding.
Bathtub/twin swirl head.
Same casting as GPZ Unitrack but probably shim over bucket instead of under.
Lower compression than earlier KZ9/1000 heads but slightly higher comp than the earlier twin shock GPZ and J heads.
Has steeper valve angle which allowed the larger valves to be used.
Be careful with piston to valve head clearances on assembly.
Depending on application you may need to fit different pistons or machine the valve pocket angle to avoid collision etc.

zed1015 wrote: Which engine do you want to fit it on.
Be careful with piston to valve head clearances on assembly.
Depending on application you may need to fit different pistons or machine the valve pocket angle to avoid collision etc.

The engine is a 1982 KZ1100-A2 with stock J pistons.

This beauty has shim over buckets with standard J cams.
I was hoping for a simple, straight forward head-swap...now


OE Standard piston I want to use...if possible.

If it were mine, and it's not, I'd take it to a shop and have the valve seals replaced, and the valve seats checked for wear / pitting, but other than that it looks nice. Since you have it off, it's much easier to do it now than wait 2000 miles and have blue smoke coming out of it

Thank you Zed1015
Someone off-site suggested that this head would work without issues, without having to modify or change pistons...and that I could install a set of 84 GPZ cams to take better advantage of the head design for increased performance.

Where am I?

GPzEric wrote: If it were mine, and it's not, I'd take it to a shop and have the valve seals replaced, and the valve seats checked for wear / pitting, but other than that it looks nice. Since you have it off, it's much easier to do it now than wait 2000 miles and have blue smoke coming out of it

Thanks GPzEric! I will definitely do as you suggest, and have those thirty-year old seals replaced with Viton.

That's how my '82 GPz1100 came to be nicknamed 'The Money Pit' -

I wanted one for 30 years, bought it, shipped it across the country for $500 more than high book, and then when I went to check the spark plugs had one break off in the head - had the head taken off, plug removed by a machine shop, discovered worn/rounded piston rings, old vale seals, etc, invested $3k into it, rode it 6 months until the exhaust cam bolts came loose, galled the head casting, ruined the cam, and it's just now going back together with a '84 Gpz head.

I'm sure glad I love the bike !

Rest assured, there is one other nut loose besides you...me. :lol:

This is the head that LarryC did for me for 77 KZ1000 project. mine flows over 100 cfm. best head you can use unless you go for an aftermarket head. we did valves and web cams on mine.its going to be a fun ride.

tomsbadkz wrote: This is the head that LarryC did for me for 77 KZ1000 project. mine flows over 100 cfm. best head you can use unless you go for an aftermarket head. we did valves and web cams on mine.its going to be a fun ride.

What all did you do to make that head work on your bike?

Especially if you consider that good used ZX11D's are selling for around $3k

on my head we did 38.8 intakes 33 exhaust valves. titanium retainers with kibblewhite .500 springs, Viton seals, APE guides, and WebCams 122/125 grind cams. Larry did the port work. He is a genius!!!!!!!