1982 GPZ cams in 1980 KZ head

I have a 1980 KZ550A1 that I am going to build a Wiseco 615cc motor for. I will be procuring an oil pan/cooler from a 1982 GPZ550, and would also like to put the hotter cams from the GPZ in it. These should be a direct bolt in correct? I know that the heads after 1983 are a bit different as far as port spacing, so I just wanted to be sure.

Should I just look for a complete post '83 head to bolt on?? Do they have bigger valves/better flow or something??



Speed

anybody????

Dude, give it time.

You need to talk to Trav about this, he's got the 615cc with the GPz cams and carbs.

Inthe process of going 615 myself. The only thing stopping me is the aluminium shavings found in the oil pan, Now I'll be rebuilding the bottom end as well. No biggie, just money.

I'd go with the GPs Head and Cams if you can find a complete set on ebay. A complete GPz Engine that you can rebuild would be a good start. You'll have the head to rebuild, and the cams and valves to clean up, but it might be a less expensive way of getting the most from your KZ/GPz.

Check www.buykawasaki.com , and see if any of the part part numbers are the same from your KZ to the GPz, and if so, they're the same.

There are aftermarket cams out there, and Megacycle is just one of them.

A 615 with stock cams might work well with pod filters, stage 3, and header.

APE rebuilt my head(no porting) and machined my cylinders(sleeved), with the 615cc kit, all for around $800.00 plus shipping, and only had to make exhaust guides for it. I don't regret it one bit. I will more than likely be sending them my rods and crank to clean up, and balance for oversized bearings whe I get them out.

Post edited by: CoreyClough, at: 2006/07/13 00:16

Hi Corey.
Man, it sounds like you will have a sweet GPZ when done.
I hope all is well with you.
Jim

Yes Inline, someday it will be a true "Sticker Peeler", but this is Speedbump's Thread.

Thats ok......you guys get caught up

Thanks for the info Corey...I didnt know there were still aftermarket cams available for these motors.

As for buying the whole GPz motor, I already have three regular KZ550 engines. Im not sure there are sufficient differences between motors to warrant buying another one, but thats what I'm trying to find out. I already have an oil cooler setup with cams from an '82 coming. I guess i can plop them in the head and see how theyline up.

I'm gonna go check out Megacycle.

Speed

OK....it looks like Megacycle uses the same part number for all cams in the KZ/GPZ550 from 1980-1985. Each grind has a seperate part number, but they make no distinction between year and kz/gpz.

I consider that a pretty good sign that these will work.

Thanks for the info Corey!!!!

Erik

Post edited by: Speedbump, at: 2006/07/13 11:57

The KZ's had lower compression than the GPz's, but I don't know if the valve size is different, but I do know the stock cams are different.

Good luck, and remember, we're here for you. :woohoo:

i havent looked at aftermarket cams in awhile, but kz 650/750 and gpz 750 are all the same for aftermarket (different grind numbers, but no disdinction between bikes) web and megacycle were the same in that respect, so i think the the slightly smaller bikes would be the same