Topic: StrongPerf CB550 Engine Build - Gentleman's Express Style

[StrongPerf]

Here's how they look! I hope it's a final deal and don't need more piston to valve clearance...

[StrongPerf]

yummy!

[bwaller]

Well done, they look good. Does your piston dome angle match the chamber squish band?

What height above 23mm is the dome?

They should give you a nice pressure bump. 

[cdoggy81]

Very nice!

[StrongPerf]

Well done, they look good. Does your piston dome angle match the chamber squish band?

What height above 23mm is the dome?

They should give you a nice pressure bump. 

Yes, 15 degrees. I will CC (measure) the compression completely in the mock up. Results to follow.

Thanks

[von_Wanderlust]

yummy!

Absolutely!

Thanks muchly for all the pics, I should be doing the same GE mod sometime during this summer time (as in the next couple of months) and this helps a bunch.

[turboguzzi]

cool project, some pointers though

having the matching 15 degs is not enough to create the quench/squish band HM is talking about, you have to check that the piston - head clearance around the squish bad is not more than 1.2mm (in my racer i am down to 0.

if you are running  a hotter cam, the valve cuts dont look deep enough. make sure you check this by bolting everything together with weak springs on the valves and a well degreed cam. shoot for at least 1-1.5mm of valve to piston clearance at the closest point.

I would check compression with a plexiglass plate with the head upside down, its very hard to get all the air out of the CC when motor is assembled. you'll need to substract the pisotn crowwn volume and add the gasket volume but that easy

TG

[bistromath]

Really looking forward to the compression measurements. Let us know when you do them!

[traveler]

Questions:

Where is this Gentlemen's Express article?  I love to read it!

When done, can you tell us what setup to go with?  Once the work has been figured out...it would be nice to just have the work done, and assemble the motor.

Thanks!

~Joe

[Dallaskansan]

Dear Sir,
I have rather large CB 550 engine project on my hands and could use some information.  Cyliners#3 & #4 were rust-welded to the piston rings; froze.  I have the the entire top-end disassembled and have cleaned up what I could and have found that the two cylinders are pitted with rust.  I think it will require overboring the cylinders.  I have heard that 750 pistons in 550 is possible, but can't find specific information on the subject.  Could you please help?

Is is simply a matter of replacing the 550 pistons with the 750 pistons (the wrist to piston crown dimensions are the same?)?  I am doing as much of the work as possible, myself, but have really only done Ford 302's in the past.  This is my first complete rebuild on a bike. 

I apologize for the long reply/question, but am new at the forum gig and how all of this works.

I also apologize if this is taboo for me to ask a question via "reply".   Will try to get better at the forum etiquette.

Many Thanks and Godbless.

[HondaMan]

Well done, they look good. Does your piston dome angle match the chamber squish band?

What height above 23mm is the dome?

They should give you a nice pressure bump. 

Yes, 15 degrees. I will CC (measure) the compression completely in the mock up. Results to follow.

Thanks

Strong:
How did this all turn out? I'm thinking about building one shortly.

[StrongPerf]

Sorry guys. I crashed another bike and had to do an entire build so this took a back seat. I should be back on it soon. HM I sent you a PM.

Thanks

[Flying J]

Anything new on this one?

[Tews19]

Curious what happened to this one? Any updates

[Tews19]

Any updates?

[RAFster122s]

Hey Strong, did you finish your Gentleman's Express engine? Or, was it a casualty of life and other fun distractions...?
Thanks!
David