crate motor fixes.....350Xperts!

[350Kris]

Ok, I've heard that a NOS "crate" motor will need some tuning before being able to run right. I have an 86 350X motor. Here is what I'm thinking I'll need to do....

New seals all around
Ball hone the cylinder just to clean it up (remove surface rust)
New rings?...what do you think?
New clutch springs.......what about plates?

Performance wise....
I think I'll drop in a better cam while I'm in there....any suggestions on brand/model? My big thing is reliability and longevity. Most people never surpass the performance potential of a stock trike anyway, so I don't want to go crazy. I'll keep the stock bore and compression (and the stock piston).

What about better rockers?....do they exist?

I plan to run a K&N and a Supertrapp....maybe a better carb (suggestions on that?). Thanks for the help guys!

[Tri-ZNate]

for better cams, valve springs, and rocker arms check out http://webcamshafts.com/.

[mike from long island]

hey bruce talk to 200xman he put that brand new 350x motor in his 350x. i havent seen a problem yet. i dont think he went to the lengths you want to go. sounds like a waste to me. but its your $$$$ :lol:

[350Kris]

What do you think I'm over-doing?.....the cam?.....or replacing the seals....or...?

[Blown 331]

If it were me I wouldn't do anything to it, I'd just run it. If you want more power then I'd do the cam but I wouldn't worry about seals or rings or taking the motor apart what so ever other than the cam.

[ScottZJ]

Change out the entire clutch as it wont last 1-2 good hard rides. I had a clutch system out of a new motor and since they have been sitting around for that long, they dont seem to last. And since you will already be into the engine changing springs and seals, I would go ahead and do it.

[Blown 331]

Huh, I've started up motorcycles that have been sitting for over 20 years and they were fine, didn't do anything to them.

[ScottZJ]

Well having it start up isnt a big deal at all. Most motors that been sitting up would start pretty good as long as the cases werent open to the elements. But when I clutch has been sitting for 20 years never been used, the fibers tend to break down faster since they been soakin in oil with no heat transfer or anything. This was just my understand, as it happened to me. Even my shop mechanice stated the same thing.

[Blown 331]

Well having it start up isnt a big deal at all. Most motors that been sitting up would start pretty good as long as the cases werent open to the elements. But when I clutch has been sitting for 20 years never been used, the fibers tend to break down faster since they been soakin in oil with no heat transfer or anything. This was just my understand, as it happened to me. Even my shop mechanice stated the same thing.

I've never heard of that or thought about it but it does make sense now that I think about it and I have replaced 3 clutches lately on bikes that have been sitting for an unknown amount of time, I figured they were just worn but I guess it could have been what you are saying.

[200xman]

I bought a 350x crate motor for my 350X that came with the carb still attached. I put a carb kit in the carb since the fuel today is a lot different than in 86, changed the oil and rode it. The original clutch didn't last long so you might as well change it before you put the motor in. The only thing special I did before I started it was to put a little oil in the cylinder and I put 1 quart in through the valve caps so the head was plenty lubricated. Kicked it over a bunch of times with the plug out to prime the oil system and I was good to go. Change the oil after about 10 hours and adjust the valves and you should get another 20 years out of it. If you are replacing a motor you will see a big difference in the shifting, kickstart, ease of starting. It was the best thing I could have done for my bike and it makes for interesting conversation when I show people the sawzall marks on some of the coooling fins from when it was cut out in 86.

[Rex Karz]

I have a crate motor in my '85

[Blown 331]

I just bought a 350X and it came with a spare motor. All the mounts and exhaust are cut. Huh.