Topic: '73 500 - Subframe Fabrication

[calj737]

That's good input, Bwaller. Would you describe that experience as being based upon "race prepped" bikes and carboned-up pistons? I wonder if the same would hold true on a street machine? I'm hopeful that the treatment, plus the CR-26 carbs, plus a proper A/F mixture will tend to be more lean, than rich. My focus on huge treatment was to control expansion and provide better protection in a lean state than to overcome heavy carbon fouling.

May have to pull the head after 10k and 20k miles to see how it's holding up. Set a reminder for 2019 and 2023 to see how this comes out! 

In all honesty, it was the recommendation of some blokes I know who do race turbo-equipped motors that turned me onto the reflective coating, especially with higher compression forged pistons. I'll have to inquire with them about their experience with carbon fouling, though I doubt their motors see sufficient long term duty between rebuilds to accumulate that issue.

[MRieck]

No clue, didn't know anything about it. These pistons came from Dynoman via MRieck.

This engine has been treated with thermal coatings everywhere appropriate: head, jugs, oil pan, filter cover, piston domes, inside of exhaust. Doing everything possible during the build to provide the longest lasting cooling and heat control I can. Build it once, build it right, build it forever.

They actually came from CycleX Cal....Dynoman carries JE's. I like the Wiseco better as they run a tighter skirt to wall clearance.
 Looks like the head sitting on my bench is going to a deserving engine.
 Mike

[MRieck]

Yes for certain, the stock chain is not a weak link. I suppose the only advantage to the Tsubaki is the side plates are a little thicker with flat edges so at constant high revs is easier on the tensioner blade.

The blades obviously do get hard but we've all seen some that were like new after thirty five years. It's a good support system for a chain, although ideally the 6mm adjuster screw set-up could be a little more robust.

I tend to be pessimistic about some of the claims out there. However I had Swaintech apply piston crown & skirt coatings on a set. I was impressed with the skirt coating. I replaced the copper head gasket with MLS after 10,000 miles and the coating looked really good. For something so thin (0.0008" I believe) I expected it to be gone frankly.

The crowns become "carboned over" so it takes a bit of faith that a thermal coating works as advertised. BUT after seeing the skirts I think these coatings definitely offer some advantage.

That is exactly what I have found with the PC-9 Swaintech coating Brent. I just pulled the cylinder off my 915 engine and the coating is perfect.

[calj737]

Appreciate the correction, Mike. Actually, wanted to make sure the engine deserved to house your head work!  what's the point of putting money into only 1 aspect instead of a wholistic and balanced approach.

Got any input on cam chains or tensioners other than stock that I should consider? Should I even bother given this a street motor, slightly over-stock? HD studs recommended or unnecessary?

[calj737]

For clarification, the skirt coating is DFL application, yes?

[bwaller]

Yes.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Damn. Now I'll need to save even more money for my 550 build!

[deafcaferacer]

subscribed

[calj737]

The infamous Mr Magic Mike won't send my goodies back, but instead, sends me these pictures to torment me. Oh, the sleepless nights I've had dreaming of this beauty...

Alas, he does do beautiful work that deserves so much credit and acclaim.









Now he's just waiting on my new cam to be ground so he can ship it all out and work his magic on some other lucky motorcycle nut.

Can't wait, Mike, and thanks heaps!

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

The infamous Mr Magic Mike won't send my goodies back, but instead, sends me these pictures to torment me. Oh, the sleepless nights I've had dreaming of this beauty...

Alas, he does do beautiful work that deserves so much credit and acclaim.









Now he's just waiting on my new cam to be ground so he can ship it all out and work his magic on some other lucky motorcycle nut.

Can't wait, Mike, and thanks heaps!

That'll wake up that motor.

[Retro Rocket]

Very Nice Cal....Mikes the man, actually he has a 750 head there to do for me, i need to pull my finger out and sell something so i can get the bloody thing done...

[calj737]

Not to dissuade anyone from using Mike, but geez, all the way from Oz!?! What costs more, the work or the shipping?

I'll say this: whenever I find a contractor or vendor that does exceptional work, I'll stay with them forever. No matter where they are or the cost. Somethings are worth more than money. And thus far, that aptly describes Mike in my opinion.

Don - yup, he forecasted +60 HP depending on cam and carbs. I should be good to go with a wakey-wakey power plant. Add to that, or minus if you will, the subframe and swing arm changes planned, and could see quite a weight reduction too. More HP against lower weight = Fun in my book.

[Retro Rocket]

Not to dissuade anyone from using Mike, but geez, all the way from Oz!?! What costs more, the work or the shipping?

I'll say this: whenever I find a contractor or vendor that does exceptional work, I'll stay with them forever. No matter where they are or the cost. Somethings are worth more than money. And thus far, that aptly describes Mike in my opinion.

Don - yup, he forecasted +60 HP depending on cam and carbs. I should be good to go with a wakey-wakey power plant. Add to that, or minus if you will, the subframe and swing arm changes planned, and could see quite a weight reduction too. More HP against lower weight = Fun in my book.

I already have one of his 1000cc billet blocks with nikasil bores, thats what the heads for, shipping isn't too bad and far less than having the same work done here so its all good...

[calj737]

I imagine that is one extremely pretty piece of mechanical engineering and workmanship. Do spoil us with a pics please, Retro!

I saw the thread a while back about him offering those, but have no situation where it's appropriate. I'm not a vintage racer, or a modern racer, just a moto-nut. Love great work, and don't mind the build cost for a better than stock motor. Especially since I'd like to have this bike stay together for many decades as a Father/Son project. I'm sure he would be happy to have that billet bullet between his legs though...

[Retro Rocket]

I've got 3 bikes to build with a limited budget at the moment and the billet block bike is last on the list, its the keeper though, its also a money pit, but it will all be worth it, a fuel injected, billet block  1000cc beauty with so many mods and custom made stuff it'll make your head spin..?    Mines already spinning from the costs so far... , once the other 2 bikes are built and sold i should hopefully still be able to buy food....   Don't worry, i'll post plenty of pics when the time comes...

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I've got 3 bikes to build with a limited budget at the moment and the billet block bike is last on the list, its the keeper though, its also a money pit, but it will all be worth it, a fuel injected, billet block  1000cc beauty with so many mods and custom made stuff it'll make your head spin..?    Mines already spinning from the costs so far... , once the other 2 bikes are built and sold i should hopefully still be able to buy food....   Don't worry, i'll post plenty of pics when the time comes...

As Mike says of his Stage III port work:
"This head kicks ass…..no disappointments no matter the displacement." 

Retro's billet block, MR Stage III monster is going to "own" all of us.

[Retro Rocket]

I've got 3 bikes to build with a limited budget at the moment and the billet block bike is last on the list, its the keeper though, its also a money pit, but it will all be worth it, a fuel injected, billet block  1000cc beauty with so many mods and custom made stuff it'll make your head spin..?    Mines already spinning from the costs so far... , once the other 2 bikes are built and sold i should hopefully still be able to buy food....   Don't worry, i'll post plenty of pics when the time comes...

As Mike says of his Stage III port work:
"This head kicks ass…..no disappointments no matter the displacement." 

Retro's billet block, MR Stage III monster is going to "own" all of us.

If I ever live long enough to see it built... I need to win the lottery...

[calj737]

Fresh from Godferrey. Intakes are with Magic Mike getting ported and polished. These seem to be the only thing I'd let come between me and Mike's magic. At least, these should fuel his valve train properly.











Some things that become overly obvious to me by choosing this performance direction for this build: carb tuning will be required. A good A/F gauge and vacuum synch set are on the list for purchases. Also, going to have plan for the A/F sensor and integration into the MotoGadget gauge. Fortunately, I am pretty sure the unit I have planned has the interface already onboard.

[Stev-o]

WOW!

[calj737]

Well said by the man of few words. My son actually had the exact reaction when I popped him a pic. I actually used some far more descriptive language not generally appreciated by Father Tighe...

[tweakin]

I love me some JMR headwork and CR's.

[riverfever]

It's like sex in a box. But better.

[calj737]

Better because there are 4 of them!

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Freakin' sweeeet!  Your son has one awesome ride in store. 

Cal, does your Motogadget mini gauge have an option to monitor A/F? 

[calj737]

Regrettably no. I double-checked tonight and came up empty. None of their gauges have them. I'm going to do some research with some other members and figure out what they've done and whether they run a real time gauge or not.