Xfile gets a water pumper! (tri-Z)

[Xfile]

Hi 3ww, I finally got a 2 stroke. I have never been a big yamaha fan....but after reading some old mags it looks like kawi and yamaha had the leg room (I need it @6'4''). I picked up this Z of off craigslist about 45 minutes from my house. It is bone stock other than a banshee rear shock, answer bars, and some kick @@s 's. It runs strong and shifts smooth, came with a barrnett clutch kit and new swing arm bearings. It does need some love, no front brakes (gone) ultra hillbilly grab bar needs to go, the seat is crap, the gas tank is wired in because it will not fit with the banshee shock........ Man....it's nice to ride a pinger again! And now the work begins to bring her back to her former glory. I think it's a 1985 1/2, it is still a five speed unless someone put an 85 engine in it. Can someone confirm if they made a black and red Z with a 5 speed? Thanks, Xfile

[MonroeMike]

Congrats on the new bike.

[Bryan Raffa]

85 1/2 were 5 speed build her up! congrats! I had one of them at one time ,,, but opted to tare down for the other 6

[Xfile]

Thanks guys......did the 85 1/2 have the larger forks or was it just an 85 with new paint and black plastic?

[Bryan Raffa]

it was the same as the 85, but the plastic, rim and hub colors

[Xfile]

Thanks for all of the info! I don't know a lot about the Z's but I'll be learning fast. The first thing I will be doing is to get the brakes, suspension, and cosmetics back in order. I most likely won't go into the engine now since it runs strong and money is tight for us like it is for a lot of people now. I will do some bolt-ons such as new reeds, air filter etc.... What are the best low cost mods for a stock Z engine?...I would guess a pipe would be a good start, but I have no idea which pipe works the best with stock porting. Any help or suggestions would be great. Thanks again.

[Mosh]

You dont have many options for a pipe.
DG pipes are everywhere and will add performance over the stock system, plus save wieght and sound much better..
I have have a nice system for sale.
You can find some other old school brands on Ebay, but they are few and far between, and geared more for top end performance.
The Z is a strong low to midrange engine, that doesnt leg out quite as good as a 250R or Tecate. So gaining all the midrange power you can will yeild the most useable power out of a Z engine in my opinion.
Others may not agree with me, but I have owned 3 Z's and that is my experience with them.

Reeds, you can get Boyeson power reeds for about 40 bucks, and will make a improvement.
The uni filters are the best for them.

I would upgrade the water pump and seal right away with a Stainless steel water pump that doesnt fall apart like the stock plastic one.
You can also get a V-force 3 reed cage for the Z.
Actually, for a dependable Z, A pipe with some reeds and filter and re jetted stock carb performs great for low maintennace riding.
Others would recomend a PWK 38 mil carb which is fine, but the 150$ price tag for the carb will not gain all that much more performance for the price.
If you can get a deal on that carb for 75$ then by all means run it.
Grab a Warrior quad rear shock off ebay.
They fit right on the Z and you can put your fuel tank back where it belongs.
I went round and round with a few people years ago that said a Banshee shock fits a Z..
As I said then, and you obviously can tell, Banshee shocks dont work on a Z with the
stock fuel tank.

Just a FYI..
I sell all these aftermarket parts for a Z if you need anything, I usually can beat any other prices.
Drop me a line if you need anything.
I have some new and used parts on my website, but I also have other things not listed and some things are sold out. I need to update the site.

http://www.cosmicquads.com/8455.html
http://www.cosmicquads.com/8401.html

[Xfile]

Thanks Mosh for the information....I'm working on getting some more money together and will Pm you about some parts when I do so.

[Mosh]

Your welcome..
Get that water pump mod done first..That will run about 100 bucks.