Topic: Thoughts on a used RC 836 kit?

[joe29]

I'm going to open up my motor to put in a new cam chain and APE studs and have been debating on upgrading to an 836.  However, the cost of doing so has been holding me back.  I came across this Russ Collins kit and I'm wondering what you guys think. 

What are the draw backs to installing a used kit?  Opinions on this particular kit?  Or should I just shell out the $ for new stuff?  The guy wants $500.  I'm not sure if it's still available but it looks like a decent deal to me.... 

Here's what he says about it:

This 836 Kit was pulled off a running bike. Originally was going to rebuild entire motor. I have no use for it now.  These 836 pistons are Original RC (Russ Collins) engineering.  Jugs are already bored exactly for these. Needs to be re-honed and will obviously need gaskets.  Includes Hopped up 'RC 295' camshaft.

[Bankerdanny]

If the barrells are in good shape, the bores are clean, the pistons are in good shape, and the cam lobes don't seem to have visible wear, I don't see why you couldn't use it.

[Toxic]

That's 4 BIG "if's".
For $500.00 I would want to inspect it myself.

[Bankerdanny]

I agree. $500 sight unseen would be too big of a risk IMHO

[Silverback]

Those pistons require more clearance on the bore due to piston expansion. Consequently, there is often more wear on the bore and piston when the motor is not warmed up compared to stock pistons or cast. I would ask for the exact bore and piston measurements. If they have been in there for any considerable mileage, there is a good chance that the cylinders are worn beyond usefulness for those pistons and you will need to bore another set of cylinders. If you need new rings, they will cost you! That is, if you can find them. Plus, you do not want to hone a cylinder unless you have new rings. Not sure why the seller would say that you need to hone it unless they were having some sort of blow by issue. Again, very common for these due to the increased wear.

[Retro Rocket]

Better off spending the money on a new Weisco 836 kit.....

[HondaMan]

Better off spending the money on a new Weisco 836 kit.....

For $500, yeah what Retro said. You can get a new kit on eBay for about $570 if you work on the "Best Offer" guys and wait a long time for their shipping, I have recently found.

A used 836 kit requires pistons that have NEVER been seized, and new rings ($33 per piston) from someone, ones that fit the R/C grooves. This might not be the Wiseco rings, which are narrower than some others. Some R/C pistons were Honda 350 twin pistons with flycuts.