Topic: Advice please! CB400F... How much of a project do I want/need?

[takeitdk]

I'm ready to complete a top end rebuild (+0.75).  Everything is ready to go but now I'm staring at two camchain parts boxes.  One has a split camchain and a master link... the other an endless camchain and a TTR horseshoe.  My initial thought was to do the top end rebuild and service/refreshen the camchain components while I'm in there.  Project done.  Save the endless chain and horsehoe for a future spare engine.

But now I'm wondering if I should go all the way and split the cases to get the endless chain in there and replace the horseshoe with the TTR one I have along with the top end rebuild. 

Other things I'm thinking about:
1.  At this time, nothing wrong (bad rattling) with the camchain but I have no history on it from previous owners.
2.  I don't run the bike very hard.  If I did, I'd be more in favor of the endless route.
3.  I have a spare bottom end but have not done the autopsy yet on it.  If I did do a bottom end rebuild, then I'd take care of a bunch of stuff while I was in there.  That means more time and potentially more cost.
4.  I keep reading articles advising NOT to use split chains. 

My bike needs the top end rebuild... that's for certain.  I just don't know how much deeper I should go if I don't need to.  I've been waffling on this for a while now.

Any opinions?  Thanks.

[camelman]

Splitting the cases is actually pretty easy, especially if you have the top end off already. I recommend doing it now so you don't worry down the road. Chain stretch will have an impact on engine power, so you will see minor power improvement. The bottom ends are pretty bullet proof, so no real worry down there.

If you happen to snap any bottom end bolts during removal, then shoot me an e-mail. I bought some spares because I broke some a while back. If you happen to break any, then take the case to a welder to have him weld the broken piece back on. The heat from welding will loosen the remaining section of bolt and it will easily unscrew.