81 GPz550/82-83 Gpz550 Engine differences
- PtownSLUG
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
-

Registered
- Posts: 31
- Thanks: 2
81 GPz550/82-83 Gpz550 Engine differences
08 Aug 2017 15:14
I have an '81 that's my daily and an '82 in the shed that's become a parts bike. Obviously the are different models but they have a lot of the same parts. Just wondering what the differences are with the engine as they look slightly different but not by much. I'm mainly interested in the valve cover, head and block compatibility. Any info would be greatly appreciated!
81 GPz 550
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Daftrusty
-
- Offline
- User
-

Registered
- Posts: 379
- Thanks: 212
Re: 81 GPz550/82-83 Gpz550 Engine differences
08 Aug 2017 16:13 - 08 Aug 2017 17:26
The main differences are in the cylinder head.
The 81 head has rounded fins and cam towers and a mechanical tachometer driven off the exhaust cam.
The 82 has angled fins and cam towers. Meaning the valve covers are not interchangeable. The 82 is a electronic tachometer so there head is not machined to accept the tachometer drive mechanism.
The cams are the same grind, only the 82 has no tach drive gear machined in it.
The cylinder blocks are only cosmetically different with rounded or angled fins.
I believe the rest of the motors are identical between the two years, but I'm sure other members will remember any other differences.
The 81 head has rounded fins and cam towers and a mechanical tachometer driven off the exhaust cam.
The 82 has angled fins and cam towers. Meaning the valve covers are not interchangeable. The 82 is a electronic tachometer so there head is not machined to accept the tachometer drive mechanism.
The cams are the same grind, only the 82 has no tach drive gear machined in it.
The cylinder blocks are only cosmetically different with rounded or angled fins.
I believe the rest of the motors are identical between the two years, but I'm sure other members will remember any other differences.
1990 zr550
kz750e
650/750 6-speed Transmission Swap
kz750e
650/750 6-speed Transmission Swap
Last edit: 08 Aug 2017 17:26 by Daftrusty.
The following user(s) said Thank You: PtownSLUG
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Nessism
-
- Offline
- Sustaining Member
-

Registered
- Posts: 8205
- Thanks: 3577
Re: 81 GPz550/82-83 Gpz550 Engine differences
08 Aug 2017 16:40
The later engine used bigger carbs. Did Kawasaki increase the intake ports to match?
Ed
Carb O-ring Kits : www.kzrider.com/forum/14-vendor-forum/62...rburetor-o-ring-kits
www.kzrider.com/forum/faq-wiki/618026-new-owner-things-to-know
1981 KZ750E2
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/604901...z750e-project-thread
Carb O-ring Kits : www.kzrider.com/forum/14-vendor-forum/62...rburetor-o-ring-kits
www.kzrider.com/forum/faq-wiki/618026-new-owner-things-to-know
1981 KZ750E2
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/604901...z750e-project-thread
The following user(s) said Thank You: PtownSLUG
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- PtownSLUG
-
Topic Author
- Offline
- User
-

Registered
- Posts: 31
- Thanks: 2
Re: 81 GPz550/82-83 Gpz550 Engine differences
08 Aug 2017 22:29
Cool. Thanks guys. That answers my question.
81 GPz 550
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Moderators: Street Fighter LTD
