Author Topic: 1976 CB550F - making it good, one step at a time (Read 120991 times)

bwaller · « **Reply #300 on:** August 14, 2015, 05:00:45 PM »

How do the plugs look? In this case if you're concerned about the A/F graph, you are a tad rich, not lean. A 1/2 jet size would be worth a try, but do a plug chop. Usually with WOT jetting, keep increasing the mainjet until it gets lazy (rich)then go a size smaller. In your case with increased vacuum it could make sense using a smaller main than you used previously.

flatlander · « **Reply #301 on:** August 15, 2015, 08:56:40 AM »

Quote from: Stev-o on August 14, 2015, 04:56:42 PM

Palinka shots? .....Ha!! She musta hava learaned how to drank in Hungary!!

http://welovebudapest.com/budapest.and.hungary/19.signs.you.learned.to.drink.in.hungary

shure thing she did!
i love the smell of palinka in the morning

flatlander · « **Reply #302 on:** August 15, 2015, 09:02:28 AM »

Quote from: bwaller on August 14, 2015, 05:00:45 PM

How do the plugs look? In this case if you're concerned about the A/F graph, you are a tad rich, not lean. A 1/2 jet size would be worth a try, but do a plug chop. Usually with WOT jetting, keep increasing the mainjet until it gets lazy (rich)then go a size smaller. In your case with increased vacuum it could make sense using a smaller main than you used previously.

the funny thing is, i would have expected to go larger not smaller with the main jet. obviously i can't claim to be a carburation expert!
first thing i'll get a fresh air filter before i continue.

flatlander · « **Reply #303 on:** August 17, 2015, 11:42:10 AM »

gentlemen, thank you for your patience.
here's the full laundry list of what's going on at this point:

pistons: wiseco 59mm 10:1 CR
cylinder top decked -0.004in

MLS head gasket 0.030in

head:
mike rieck porting stage 2+
-0.004in decked
serdi cut valve seats
+1mm intake valves
tapered guides
kibblewhite valves/springs/ti retainers

camshaft: megacycle hardweld 126-00
hardweld rockers

intake manifolds matched to ports

carbs: stock 069A
currently stock jetting: 38 slow, 98 main, needle clip 2nd position

original airbox, currently with stock airfilter

exhaust: original 4-into-1

ignition: boyer-bransden micro power

relay mod: battery to coils
AGM battery

clutch fully rebuilt from OEM parts

front brake:
dual OEM discs/calipers
slingshot steel braided lines
speed bleed nipples

fork rebuilt with wilbers progressive springs and seals
t-kat forkbrace

conical headset bearings

new wheel bearings

swingarm bushings replaced with roller bearings

all rubber parts replaced with OEM (where available)

then all sorts of other little things to get it in shape, that are mentioned on the previous pages.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #304 on:** August 17, 2015, 12:18:19 PM »

That's quite an investment!

flatlander · « **Reply #305 on:** August 17, 2015, 12:45:40 PM »

that's not even all. there's also the tank and side covers that got painted, the usual bits and pieces like tires, chains, sprockets, etc...
spread over 2 years the spending is somewhat less noticeable.
actually it feels like i spent more time than money and i was also enjoying both the wrenching and riding it in-between the changes so it's all good

you'd hardly notice anything when looking at it as it's still almost completely stock and original on the outside but the handling is much more sure-footed and the engine performance is a blast

calj737 · « **Reply #306 on:** August 17, 2015, 03:01:08 PM »

That's a pretty interesting configuration thru the valve train to produce that much HP. Stock carbs, basically a stock+ cam, but O/S valves and Wiseco 59s. Seems Mike's cooked up a very nice recipe for strong performance from an otherwise sturdy stock motor.

Makes me giggle with anticipation for the dyno graphs on my 500 motor!! (stage 3, 1mm O/S, Mega 126-20 and CR-26s fueling the same 59s).

Stev-o · « **Reply #307 on:** August 17, 2015, 03:13:22 PM »

Quote from: CB750 Cafe Racer Fan on August 17, 2015, 12:18:19 PM

That's quite an investment!

+1 and sounds like you did it right, I commend you!

Now all you need is the MotoGP pipe to let that Baby really breath. Although I really like the looks of the sexy stock swooping exhaust, it is awfully restrictive and quiet.

flatlander · « **Reply #308 on:** August 17, 2015, 10:40:16 PM »

cal:
i was torn whether i should use bigger pistons and/or the 126-20 cam. but mike talked me into using the 59mm to keep the engine as strong as possible (reliability/longevity was one of my requirements as the bike will do some touring), and the -00 cam to produce more compression, to create the torque monster that it is now.
indeed, it will be very interesting to see how yours differs. you'll have a setup that i nearly went for, minus the carbs. i'm sure you'll have more topend - how mid-range compares is what i'll want to see.

stev-o:
thanks for the compliment. it's not all me, though. there's a lot of mike's knowledge in there!
you are right about the stock exhaust. performance wise it makes no sense. i do want to keep it for the looks, however. it's nothing rational but you don't see them very often any more and this one is well preserved, i'm somehow sentimentally attached to it.

calj737 · « **Reply #309 on:** August 18, 2015, 05:21:13 AM »

I have a spare 550 motor I'm rebuilding for another bike. After seeing your results, I'm following suit on it. I'll leave the 500 as is for comparison sakes though. But stock carbs and the head work and cam look to be a great recipe.

RAFster122s · « **Reply #310 on:** August 18, 2015, 07:16:48 PM »

Was on the wise co site and it listed the single piston kit for $180.
Is that correct? 4x $180 for a complete set?
That's with a plain steel piston pin, not chromed. Not sure what advantage a chrome pin would have.
David

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #311 on:** August 18, 2015, 09:18:05 PM »

Cycle X sells the Wiseco piston kit with a head gasket PLUS a complete engine gasket kit for $549

Dynoman sells the Wiseco piston kit with a head gasket only for $569

flatlander · « **Reply #312 on:** August 18, 2015, 11:18:17 PM »

the price on the wiseco site is for 1 piston. as don says, cycle x has the best price (but does not always have them in stock) then dynoman.

flatlander · « **Reply #313 on:** August 19, 2015, 02:30:28 PM »

Quote from: calj737 on August 18, 2015, 05:21:13 AM

I have a spare 550 motor I'm rebuilding for another bike. After seeing your results, I'm following suit on it. I'll leave the 500 as is for comparison sakes though. But stock carbs and the head work and cam look to be a great recipe.

glad someone else give this a go. i think the result is great except if you need that very last bit of topend power. i look forward to seeing what comes out of both of those engines you work on.

SF · « **Reply #314 on:** September 04, 2015, 01:02:34 PM »

Great build

Restoration Fan · « **Reply #315 on:** September 11, 2015, 04:34:48 AM »

Quote from: flatlander on August 03, 2015, 01:09:16 PM

yes the nut is gone!
i looked with a light but didn't see it. i'll need to take off the cover and hope for the best. i really hope it didn't go far

OK, that officially sucks. Sorry to hear that.

flatlander · « **Reply #316 on:** September 13, 2015, 05:10:19 AM »

resto fan, the nut resurfaced in the meantime and all is good, turned out to be pretty lucky. thanks for your concern!

i'm back from a few weeks in greece where i did my very best to inject money into their ailing economy. man, if anyone wants to see an insane number of honda cubs still being used in everyday life, their villages are practically swamped with them.

after i settle back into normal life i'll pick up the next things:
- get the a/f mix a bit closer to 13 (where you make the most power according to the experts in http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150562.0.html)
- now that i see how much torque i got i think i can retard the cam a bit, to get a little more topend
- replace the damaged valve spring retainer (not sure this is necessary but i'd rather do it for peace of mind)
- find and fix that tiny oil leak on the left side

also, thanks a lot for all the interest shown on here and by people in PMs. seems like this thread inspired a few people to go down similar routes with their engine mods which is nice to know. it will be great to see what results you all get.

flatlander · « **Reply #317 on:** September 26, 2015, 07:29:21 AM »

yesterday i took the bike to one of our offices, about 1.5hrs riding on the highway. i got into a really strong downpour, and was also going pretty fast. after a while i had some misfires.

this was the strongest rain i've had on the bike since the rebuilt so kind of a good test... but getting through 3 lanes of traffic over to the hard shoulder with a sputtering, slowing down engine still took some nerves.

anyway, i suspected the coils and lifted off the tank. indeed, after drying off its electrical connections and waiting for the rain to stop, the bike ran again like nothing ever happend.
guess the bike doesn't like bad weather. that's not too good in this wet and chilly country!

the HT wire connections at the front seem pretty well protected with the rubber boots but the connections on the back are less so. i suppose i can try packing them in dielectric grease to keep away humidity.
see how that goes. otherwise i migh have to fabricate some kind of cover to protect them better.

calj737 · « **Reply #318 on:** September 26, 2015, 08:53:35 AM »

Reverse the mounting direction: electrical at the back and plug
Boots forward. The way you have them water will be directed at the internals of each end. Make sense?

Stev-o · « **Reply #319 on:** September 26, 2015, 08:57:17 AM »

And/or heat shrink.

flatlander · « **Reply #320 on:** September 26, 2015, 01:00:36 PM »

cal, makes sense - only that's how i have it already. the electrical connections do point towards the back but seems like in extreme conditions enough moisture gets pushed back there to disturb them.
or did i misunderstand?

i thought i might need to make a hood over them but stev-o's suggestion of heat shrink sounds easier.

calj737 · « **Reply #321 on:** September 26, 2015, 01:04:23 PM »

My mistake. Thought I was looking at left side coil.

flatlander · « **Reply #322 on:** September 26, 2015, 01:17:00 PM »

the picture is right side, starboard

flatlander · « **Reply #323 on:** September 28, 2015, 12:44:48 PM »

it was time to clean the bike of the workshop and road crud, and make some pictures

seanbarney41 · « **Reply #324 on:** September 28, 2015, 02:13:56 PM »

absolutely not a god damn thing wrong with that bike...beautiful

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Author Topic: 1976 CB550F - making it good, one step at a time (Read 120991 times)