Topic: Going to do top end rebuild.

[Wes]

Im sick of waiting for my engine to unlock, and I want to do this right so, im going to take my engine out and rebuild the top end. Sounds like fun. Do any of you know where to get rings/gaskets for cheap. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[clarkjh]

Wes

I know how you feel, I planned on doing my top end this winter.  Last week seen the white smoke coming from the exhaust and desided to rebuild the topend before I broke something.  My kit was over $100 Canadian, but I ordered it from the local Honda dealer.  Good luck on your rebuild.

“I’m pullen for ya”
          Red Green

[Wes]

Do you have the part number off your top end kit? Is it standard or overbore? Did it come with gaskets?

[clarkjh]

I don't have the part number.

It should be in tomorrow, when it comes in I will post the # and what I got for contents.

James

[Wes]

Okay thanks alot.

[Wes]

Has anybody had any proplems using the 555 kit for a 500 on a 550?

[bryanj]

That Kit is exactly the same as a 2nd oversize (0.50mm) rebuild kit for the 550. You will still need a "top" gasket kit for all the other gaskets/"O" rings

[Tim.]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-CB500-Four-BIG-BORE-555cc-Performance-Rebuild-Kit_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35595QQitemZ4565066962QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

I have this exact kit, bought from the same seller installed on my 1976 CB550F.  It was put in 800 miles and 1 month ago and is running strong.

The pistons are ART branded - OEM maker for Honda so all is good.  0.5mm overbore on the 550.

They raised the price $20 after I got mine, but you should be able to get it for $100 + shipping.  A relative bargain for 4 pistons, 4 ring sets, 4 pins, a head gasket (nice one too) and 4 sets of clips.  The rings alone are $30 a set from Honda, and the pistons can't be bought new from Honda anyhow.

I wouldn't hesitate to get this kit for a 550, so long as you can get away with a 0.5mm overbore.

[Tim.]

Have your valves gone over too.  I found a local machine shop (specializes in valves) and they worked over my cylinder head.  Seated all the valves, replaced a couple of guides and blasted / painted the thing too.  I paid them CAD$150 cash for the job.

This is the after pic of the valves:

[Einyodeler]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-CB500-Four-BIG-BORE-555cc-Performance-Rebuild-Kit_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35595QQitemZ4565066962QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

I have this exact kit, bought from the same seller installed on my 1976 CB550F.  It was put in 800 miles and 1 month ago and is running strong.

The pistons are ART branded - OEM maker for Honda so all is good.  0.5mm overbore on the 550.


I wouldn't hesitate to get this kit for a 550, so long as you can get away with a 0.5mm overbore.

I am running the same kit on my 500 daily rider,it too sat open to the elements before I got it.
12,000 + miles on it so far this year and it runs like a raped ape. 

[Wes]

Has anyone used the 605 kit?

[Tim.]

I am running the same kit on my 500 daily rider,it too sat open to the elements before I got it.
12,000 + miles on it so far this year and it runs like a raped ape. 

So you're running at the full 3.0mm overbore?  Does it run hot at all?  I wasn't sure if cutting that much of the cylinder sleeve out would be a problem or not.

[bryanj]

The 605 kit is MUCH more expensive to fit, Liners changed then bored, top crankcase bored to take bigger liners so its a full strip not just top end

[Tim.]

The 605 kit on a 550 would only be a 2-3 mm overbore, like the 555 kit on a 500.  So, the new sleeves aren't needed.  However, I'd stick within the 0.25 - 1.0mm overbore options originally offerred by Honda myself.