 Stacka's Future Pwr Improvements
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Firstly. apologies for the long read on this one, but for anyone who was interested, you needed the background info first. So, some of you may remember me asking about cams as a means of improving performance for my Speedie (05) 865cc. Now I'm not in a position just yet to do the improvements, but I do want to figure out the best options so as to have a goal to work towards. So thinking Thunderbike over in New Zealand had a good reputation and perhaps may have been cheaper in terms of freight, I emailed them with some questions asking what they could do and this is their response: Quote:
.... I'm interested in putting in your cams and maybe some head work and if it’s a good idea without boring out, perhaps higher compression pistons.
At this stage I’d appreciate if you could give me some guidance on what the process would be and costs involved etc .... (other non important stuff deleted)
Hi John, Thanks for your interest in Thunderbike Products and apologies for the delay getting back to you. First things first, I sold our last set of 270 cams just before your email arrived and I expect it will be around 3 months before we have more made. The pricing issue you noticed was a glitch in the website program that calculates the overseas pricing, it has been sorted out now, thanks for bringing it up. There are a few options when it comes to head work to compliment the cams. We do have a set of Wiseco high compression pistons in stock here, they cost about NZ$1000 for the pair. If you didn't want to ship your head these could be a good option for you. If you don't mind shipping your head to us we can do a port and flow, 3 angle valve seat cut and skim the head to raise the compression. While the head is here we can also shim the new cams to suit so that all you have to worry about is unbolting and bolting it all back up. We need the head, exhaust gaskets and inlet manifolds to do the work and the original cams, valves and associated hardware if you want us to do the valve clearances. Otherwise you can save some labour cost by removing the valves before shipping. To do that you'd be looking at around NZ$2000 for the head work, includingthe labour to strip, clean, rebuild and shim to suit, all machining costs, valve stem seals and shims as required and shipping back to you. Not including the cost of the cams and your freight cost to get the head here. The work usually takes 3-4 weeks so you can plan on being headless for 4-6 weeks including shipping time. If you want to go ahead with some work I can quote on an individual basis to suit your requirements.
Anyway, I did email them back asking if they could give me a more thorough breakdown of how much I would be up for and some questions regarding what my role would be.
Well, that was early last week and haven't had a reply back yet but from how it reads to me, it looks like it would cost nearly $4K given, the head work was quoted as $2k, the high compression pistons $1k and the cams approx' $1k.
Now that doesn't include me shipping the head and cams over, (I assume they wanted my cams).
Also, I would still have to change over the pistons myself and do the disassembly / assembly myself wouldn't I?
Anyway, I wouldn't pretend to be a guru on the more major mechanical side but I reckon I'd be able to do my part but $4K plus for them to do their stuff does seem a bit steep costs wise.
So, I'd really appreciate what any of the guys who had done this already think and possible to give me some advice if it's thought this "approx' quote" sounded reasonable or not?
Maybe it's a good quote but I have heard many stories of guys on here doing it for much less so I do need honest and frank advice advice on this one so I can continue getting closer to having it done properly but without over spending the budget.
cheers stacka 
Last edited by Stacka; 04/09/2011 10:24 PM.
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That sounds like an awful lot of money to me, however, I'm not familiar with the exchange rate down there for comparison. What kind of head work does 2 grand buy? Bigger valves or just the port/polish work? Are these "high compression" Wiseco pistons any different than what is supplied with say, bonnevilleperformance's Wiseco pistons? Because they are NOT higher compression than stock. How about those cams? That seems like a higher price than I could get them for, last I looked it was around $700 for a set. Plus you have to do all the assembly? Tell you what Stack, you find those same parts here, have them sent to me and I'll ship them on the cheap down to you. Only thing I'll do is take the cams to a machine shop with mine and have them match them first. 
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Hey Dave, that was quick mate. I tidied up the post a bit and by that time you'd already responded.  Well, to be honest with you Dave I don't have a lot of trust in many auto shops where I haven't first got to know them. So my first impressions was, I couldn't justify that sort of money I wouldn't have thought. If it was the going rate or there abouts well, maybe I'd wear it but one thing I won't do is waste money cos I didn't spend some time talking to you guys and looking at all my options both here in Aus, in NZ and OS like where you guys live. You talk about exchange rate. Well, at the moment the Aussie dollar is going gang busters. In fact a couple of years ago, $1USD was equivalent to about 72cents Aus. Now we are geting $1.04 USD for each one of ours. As far as NZ, $1.00 AUD = $1.34934 NZD, so what does that say??? I mentioned also that I emailed them back and said I'd be talking to my BA.Com buddies and I get a sneaking suspicion maybe they thought I was some doomby without a clue, I hope not cos I had only heard good stuff about them from Pat (Dinqua) but I believe he was talking about their professionalism. Well we know their pipe's reputation goes way back so their no reason to think their R&D in other performance areas would be any different. It simply get's down to the price and trust I'm I'm getting the best job done for the money paid. Of course, these days the competition for toy money which is as we know the first to suffer the chop in a tight budget is stronger than ever so who would know. Conversely though, it also means blokes with half a brain will make sure every cent is earnt.  Regarding the high compression pistons. All I know is they are saying they are i.e. Quote:
Wiseco high compression pistons in stock here, they cost about NZ$1000 for the pair
.
Also, the head work was:
Quote:
port and flow, 3 angle valve seat cut and skim the head to raise the compression. While the head is here we can also shim the new cams to suit so that all you have to worry about is unbolting and bolting it all back up. We need the head, exhaust gaskets and inlet manifolds to do the work and the original cams, valves and associated hardware if you want us to do the valve clearances. Otherwise you can save some labour cost by removing the valves before shipping.
So they definitely know what they are doing, I've got no doubt about that and it was never the issue. My inquiries were always related to expense and determining what the best improvements they thought I could get.
Anyway, I was really hoping you or one of my other Yanky mates would offer to be a means of getting U.S. parts or some other way of reducing the costs. I really do appreciate that generous offer Dave and it'll go into the melting post as my options become clearer.
One question though Dave just to confirm. Do you agree a set of quality cams, high compression pistons and some good head work is mainly what I need to do to get my numbers up?
From what I've read, yeah there are some less expensive extra options but these bigger options are the main way for me to add that little bit more oomph we all love.
Thanks again for your reply.
stacka
Last edited by Stacka; 04/10/2011 7:35 PM.
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I can only speak on my own experiences, and I didn't use any of these vendors, but it looks like britishcustoms has the same headwork for $900, plus cost of valves http://www.british-customs.com/british-customs-cylinder-head-update.htmlbonnevilleperformance does the same with valves for $1500 http://bonnevilleperformance.com/HIPERFHEAD.htmcams for $700, although I don't know much about them http://www.british-customs.com/stage-i-street-cams.htmlTP USA has the head work with +2mm intake valves for $985 and also the high compression pistons for your 865 WITH cams for another $970 looking at just under 2 grand for everything you're looking to get without actually boring your cylinders. Honestly, this would be the way I would go if I was looking to do it. Don't let things like "stripped and cleaned" and "rebuild" make it sound like Thunderbike will do anything more than any other shop, it's pretty standard practice, and they will all do that. 5 angle valve job is better than 3 angle. http://www.triumphperformanceusa.com/ind...products_id=393http://www.triumphperformanceusa.com/ind...;products_id=39I think the product cost will outweigh the shipping savings personally, and you could get more for your money from Triumph Performance USA
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Quote:
TP USA has the head work with +2mm intake valves for $985 and also the high compression pistons for your 865 WITH cams for another $970 looking at just under 2 grand for everything you're looking to get without actually boring your cylinders. Honestly, this would be the way I would go if I was looking to do it. Don't let things like "stripped and cleaned" and "rebuild" make it sound like Thunderbike will do anything more than any other shop, it's pretty standard practice, and they will all do that. 5 angle valve job is better than 3 angle. http://www.triumphperformanceusa.com/ind...products_id=393 http://www.triumphperformanceusa.com/ind...;products_id=39
I think the product cost will outweigh the shipping savings personally, and you could get more for your money from Triumph Performance USA
Stacka,
I'd have to agree with Dave on this one. I haven't purchased any of these mods but I have researched them for some time. I was going to make the same recommendation. It gives you the biggest bang for the buck for an 865 engine. You've done everything and more over the 904 mod but are only 39ccs less. Any cam work will be an improvement over stock, the increased valve area and flow of the heads is a bonus and the increased compression of 10.8 vs the "supposed" 10.5 of the Wiesco kit is better. You aren't sleeving your cylinders also.
Also agree that savings should positively offset the exchange and shipping costs.
12 Rocket Roadster 03 Bonneville America 69 BSA Firebird Scrambler 73 Yamaha TX 750
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Yep, looking at those links you provided Dave ( thanks mate), and Greg thinking likewise, I doubt whether even with freight costs I could do much better than that. My only complaint would be down time but that's just one of those things but also those baste*ds showing the flat sliders on the same links. Grrr  Ok, so being new to this level of mechanical work ( re-shimming has been the most complicated I've done) can you tell me how hard it would be to do the wrenching work it myself or would it be best to get a good mechanic? Anyway, now I've got a definite direction as a really good option, I now just need to email them about freight costs both ways as well as find out time frames and what my role would be and I'd have an excellent starting point. So thanks heaps Dave and also Greg for your opinions. 
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If you do the cams alone you are still far ahead & that will serve you well if you decide to do more mods in the future. You simply can't go wrong with a good set of performance cams for an 865 motor.
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Did I miss it, I didn't see any talk about changing Carb,s. You would need some fcr39, so another 700 to 900 more
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Quote:
If you do the cams alone you are still far ahead & that will serve you well if you decide to do more mods in the future. You simply can't go wrong with a good set of performance cams for an 865 motor.
which makes the kit that comes with cams and high compression pistons even more appealing
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Stack, maybe if you talked to Carlos at TPUSA, you could work a deal with them to pay an upfront core charge for a new head, and you could send yours back when you swap out and get the core charge back. Just a thought, because that's how I did it with bonnevilleperformance, Bill let me send my stock cylinders back after I installed the new bored and sleeved ones he sent. It would eliminate a lot of down time.
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Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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Hey Dave, I'm hearing ya re: Quote:
Stack, maybe if you talked to Carlos at TPUSA, you could work a deal with them to pay an upfront core charge for a new head, and you could send yours back when you swap out and get the core charge back.
I reckon that idea, if Carlos agrees to it, would be perfect. Ya See, where I live I can ride virtually all year. Sure it gets cold to a point but not really anything like what some over your way have to go through. I mean, the idea of "hibernating" my bike is just foreign.
In fact, me and a group of fellow BA.Com members from our East Aus side have already organised a ride to meet each other for a weekend right in the middle of our winter. So not really knowing how long I'd be off the road is the one sticking point in this grand plan of mine that's for sure.
So yeah, I just need a little bit of time to digest the possibility this thing may just actually work. I guess I'm in a bit of shock cos I thought it would take much longer research time to find a quality company offering everything at a sensible price. Top idea Dave. Thanks for that.
stacka 
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Quote:
If you do the cams alone you are still far ahead & that will serve you well if you decide to do more mods in the future. You simply can't go wrong with a good set of performance cams for an 865 motor.
I would certainly agree with the above statement, the stock 865 cams are pretty lame, almost any other cam will noticably pep up these bikes.
FWTW - it cost me about 2000 USD in parts to build my motor and that was me doing all the machine work and wrenching. Adding the FCRs later on was another chunck of change.
Horsepowers, they may be fun but they ain't free!
05 speedmaster - 1100cc, 11:1 racing pistons, Carillo rods, thunderbike cams, ported and polished head, 2mm over intake and exhaust valves, Barnett kevlar clutch, scepter pipes, oversize manifolds, 45mm HSR's, TTP stage 4 firestarter
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How about a phased project...so do cam, then carbs, then head work and finally pistons...that way you may find a point along the project you like and have no need to go to the next step..
I have heard the cam/carb is enough for a lot of people
Forgot to add in the Pie man CDI or a re-programmed CDI
Last edited by SDKimo; 04/11/2011 12:05 PM.
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That sounds about right Micah from what I can see. I will also have to add a few hundred in freight to my final amount. The only thing going my way for a change is the dollar exchange rate. For once in decades ( since we went to decimal currency I believe in 66) it costs us less to buy over your way ie. $1USD = $1.05AUD. So that'll help pay a little bit towards my freight slug. I have to remind everyone though that I don't intend on starting this project just yet. I'm doing the preliminary research so I feel comfortable I'm getting the best value for money in terms of quality work at a realistic price. There's way to many sharks out there praying on the ignorant. Case in point, Thunderbike. I never received a reply to my last email after they gave me a basic quote and then I told them I'd be chatting with my forum buddies and doing comparisons from their competitors. It's no wonder though cos either they thought I'd just fork out the bickies to them as I mentioned I'd heard they'd had a good reputation, or because they offered free freight back to Aus I'd assume they'd be the cheapest. Turns out with the invaluable info from blokes like Dave (Roadworthy) and other generous members helping me, my comparisons show TP-USA are streets ahead of them, British Customs. and an Aussie disributor that just purchases OS stuff. One thing I will have to be aware when ordering though will be the cap of $1K here in Ausbwhere any order above that amount draws a pretty hefty sales tax. Meaning I'll have to stage my purchases for that anomaly. Anyway, before these changes I've got some electrical changes to work on and a couple of "secret" projects I've been talking a lot about but I'm not any closer to starting. Of coarse that'll drain the piggy bank etc etc. I'm just relieved I've got a Plan for the future cos before I was confused as you know what. stack 
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Hi Jim, I understand your point but I'm not built that way, namely I'll be probably buying the cams, pistons and head at the same time with only the carbs being the extravagant part IMHO. The other bits all go hand in hand I reckon and anyway, I don't like doing stuff in half measures really and would prefer to do the lot for max thrill factor. 
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"with only the carbs being the extravagant part IMHO.".......... remember a motor it is an "air" pump, so with out carbs you will be restricting the inlet side of things...I would move carbs up in the list before pistons..
Last edited by SDKimo; 04/12/2011 9:47 AM.
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Stacka - I added carbs, cams, headwork, 904 and igniter to see what price comes up from TPUSA... $4113.00 (US). or $3932.89 (AUD) Seems like youd get more for your dollar from a US vendor. Heck, with the savings maybe you could have TPUSA source a motor for you, build/tune/break it in and ship it to you. That would probably cost you more $$ BUT youd have that stocker if needed and then technically could go with a bigger bike kit.
Or you could support the locals and follow your plan.
Either way...cant wait to hear how it goes.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
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Tell you what....you buy it, have it built and shipped to me. Ill run it in for you and then ship it to you with a value of $500. That will get you a run in motor ready to go and no hefty sales tax...  Anything for a BA brother! 
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
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It's fine Jim. Regardless of what order is a priority, I'll be getting the carbs at the same time anyway. Remember, I'm not the half measures bloke  Point taken though 
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As you blokes say "Heck you're a good BA Brother Zdenko" In Aus speak I'd call you a champion if you just arranged the lot by sending me the finished head, carbs and high compression pistons and I send you $500USD once I've put it together and run it in. How does that sound? Sort of the same thing isn't it 
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I don't know if I missed it somewhere in the thread, but you can buy HC 865cc pistons direct from Wiseco.
FrankW
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Thanks Frank, nothing's in concrete mate and it's still early days. I'll obviously be using the cheapest but best parts I can access, and listening to whoever has got the info that'll help me minimise the costs.
cheers stacka
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Fine....I wont help you then! 
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
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Hi all again, FYI, I received an email from Thunderbike with the costs they would charge and the work they would do. It was good of Thunderbike to take the time to outline the details for me. I do appreciate it from them. At the moment I'll take note of the costs until Carlos who has returned email to me, can give me a breakdown once I get time to ask him for a quote. In saying that, I've already noticed there are possible differences to what I've heard TPUSA would do ie: No high compression pistons from Thunderbike for example. Yeah I know, the wisco's say they are but they aren't. They are the same compression as what I've currently got as Dave (roadworthy) pointed out to me. I also Notice that Thunderbike do a 3 angle valve seat cut whilst TPUSA do a 5. Little things like that make a difference, especially the "real" higher compression pistons as many of you guys already know. Anyway, I thought I'd mention until I get back to Carlos and then his reply. Unfortunately as I've said, I have a few other priorities to get through before I can precede with this and of course I'm not going to rush this one. Even if I do want it all done yesterday.  So unless something untoward happens, like the prices change dramatically or something, this thing is going ahead. It's just a matter of who, what and when. cheers stacka 
Last edited by Stacka; 04/14/2011 11:55 PM.
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Well guys, it's been a little while since my last. I've been a bit Pre-occupied with other priorities but at the same time I've been emailing Carlos from TPUSA about him doing some work for me. In the first instance he doesn't recommend me doing the 865cc kit cos of the K's I've done. So this looks like the best options: From Zdenko Quote:
Stacka - I added carbs, cams, headwork, 904 and igniter to see what price comes up from TPUSA... $4113.00 (US). or $3932.89 (AUD
Certainly a lot of coin and some would say, why not just buy a bigger bike?
Well I've given that a lot of thought too but you know, I've been down this track more than once before but I just know I'd regret it. Hey, even without any performance enhancements, I still wouldn't trade my bike so how's it going to feel to have my bike done up.
My missus is all for it too as she's only too aware how short life can be and she just knows how much fun and enjoyment I get from my bike Ferdie.
Anyways, I said to Carlos I'd run it by you guys and especially Dave cos he's the bloke who put me onto Carlos, ( who I might add seems like a really descent bloke ) in the first place.
The only other factors that need to be worked out is, could stacka do the wrenching himself of disassembly and reassembly??? 
I'd love the satisfaction of being able to say I did the whatever Carlos didn't do, but without going through the workshop manual, maybe it's just a bit out of my league without first seeing it done by someone else.
So I do need some honest opinions and guidance from others who have done much the same thing to their bike.
Thanks in advance to anyone who has opinions. This is big step to take so I don't want to stuff it.
stacka
Yeah, so like I said to Carlos I'd really appreciate anyone's thoughts both good and bad ( if there is any ).
One last thing, provided nothing untoward happens, I'd probably be looking around August before sending my Head and Cams over cos I've got an important ride happening in August that I'm not missing. Also, I forgot to mention but Carlos said once he's got my parts, the turn around is only about a week. How good is that. 
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Stacka, have you factored shipping into the equation. With that kind of parts shipment it would have to be carefully thought out, and also insured. EDIT: Cams, Head, Barrels (Jugs), Igniter, At Australian dealer prices. = over AU$7000  From experience believe me it won't be cheap (or reasonable) 
Last edited by FrankW; 05/02/2011 3:27 AM.
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Thanks Frank for your opinion and suggestions. I appreciate it cos more heads (people's  ) are always better than just mine I can tell you. As you are aware, my considering using TPUSA to do the power mods wouldn't be, lets say, standard practice. Most here in Aus would be doing everything here I suggest, but I don't mind taking my time to research alternative strategies if it means better bang (literally  ) for my buck. Of course, most here in Aus would be thinking of buying the kits / parts etc here and also having the machining done here. I also haven't discounted the possibility of doing it this way yet either. I am taking my time, gathering information, and using whatever info I find to evaluate my best options. So yes, I've been talking online to Carlos, who I'm confident is an expert technician, but I still need time to gather more info. As you rightfully put it, shipping will be one of the biggest issues I can see so far, when it comes to cost and also insurance. Mind you, we do have the changing dollar on our side at the moment don't we (for a change  ). Anyway, you may not be aware but Eddy from FES is what I consider a good mate of mine. We are always in contact with each other using skype and talk more about other stuff than bikes half the time. I've already asked him if he would mind being the person who carlos sends the bought items and also the head to, so Eddy can on send. Of course, Eddy being such a nice bloke said to me "for you John - anything". I also have complete confidence in Eddy's ability to minimise shipping costs for me cos in fact, that is how we got to know each other in the first place. The vendor I used before him for some reason cost me, and I'm not kidding you here, almost double in freight. Don't ask me why. I did ask the question to the previous vendor twice with this concern and was guaranteed shipping was always being kept as low as possible. Unfortunately, saying it didn't make it happen. The other factor is import tax to Aus. Anything over $1000AUD attracts sales tax so the process will need to be staged to prevent as much if any of that happening happening and therefore adding extra costs. Like I said, I'm still gathering info and comparing costs, but I also can't stress enough. cost is one thing but quality is another. It may even mean the costs are comparable but certainly, finding someone in the small pond where I live who has the runs on the board aint easy, if indeed possible. It's an experience thing which imho speaks more than words. So I'm still doing my homework and will come up with how later. cheers stacka ps: we can natter about it at Ozbam which should be fun. 
Last edited by Stacka; 05/03/2011 9:43 PM.
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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I live in the sun downunder
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FrankW
Ex Speedmaster rider, went to the Dark Side now riding an America.
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 Re: Stacka's Future Pwr Improvements
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Nay, I say. Actually, now that I think about it: Quote:
For all you guys over the Pacific, VB is the worst beer ever brewed.
Try to convince Pat (Dinqua) to believe whether your Outrageous and Blasphemous comment has any merit. He's one of those from the other side of the pacific.
Anyway, you have to have grown up in Aus with convict forebears (remember those that were sent here by the poms as punishment ) to really understand the discerning taste for the uniquely and individually chosen and hand picked hops and secret brewing process. Only then will you appreciate the true fundamentals that come from centuries (ok, decades then) of refinement before being allowed the privilege of degrading the famous icon known as VB.
Unless of course your a yuppy, and who listens to them anyway 
Anyway Franky boy, what do you drink? Please please don't say xxxx as you'll only confirm your sad tastes lol.
Actually, don't answer anything, you've already disgraced yourself enough.
Last edited by Stacka; 05/04/2011 8:02 AM.
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 Re: Stacka's Future Pwr Improvements
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Well both VB and XXXX are brewed from Aussies version of the Mississippi river water - and I reckon they're both rubbish based on said water supply. Tassie, on the other hand, has some fairly decent brews and water purity (so does NZ but I've probably made enough enemies with my first salvo so we'll pretend I didn't start comparing brews across the ditch). 
Cheers, Richard ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 09 America, Staintune Pipes, K&N, Breathe, Hagon Nitros, AI & O2 removed, tune 20184 (modified), MTX-L a/f gauge
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 Re: Stacka's Future Pwr Improvements
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OK - no-one's taken the bait. Perhaps I overstepped the mark with my OT remarks. Sorry Stacka (for both infringements). If it helps I really think there is no such thing as a bad beer (although I think that Belgian Stella Artois is almost undrinkable - for the first 15 anyway).  Oops sorry there I go again offending someones beer that they hold near and dear.
Cheers, Richard ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 09 America, Staintune Pipes, K&N, Breathe, Hagon Nitros, AI & O2 removed, tune 20184 (modified), MTX-L a/f gauge
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 Re: Stacka's Future Pwr Improvements
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I live in the sun downunder
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I live in the sun downunder
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Quote:
OK - no-one's taken the bait. Perhaps I overstepped the mark with my OT remarks. Sorry Stacka (for both infringements). If it helps I really think there is no such thing as a bad beer (although I think that Belgian Stella Artois is almost undrinkable - for the first 15 anyway).  Oops sorry there I go again offending someones beer that they hold near and dear.
Richard, why take the bait. I knew if I left it long enough you would have to come back.
I suppose you drank Stella out of a bottle. 
I've drunk it in numerous countries in Europe (on tap) and it beats VB hands down. 
How this improves Stacka"s performance on his Speedy I don't know. 
There again with Stacka being a VB drimker who Cares. 
FrankW
Ex Speedmaster rider, went to the Dark Side now riding an America.
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Ok Frank, whilst I appreciate your amusing ( I think  ) but somewhat  little joy ride from our discussions on power mods to ones relating to beers of choice:wyp (or should that be WTF), maybe it's time to wander back to whist we came  So, I vaguely remember asking the question or at least referring to one about just how hard was it for someone to tackle the dismantle and reassemble phase? I should add I don't have a problem paying a suitably qualified and experienced mechanic to do this part of the project but if there was a possibility I could undertake this phase myself, then I can only imagine how much more rewarding the project would be. So if there is anyone who has gone down this path themselves and can let me know what they found both good and bad, I'd really appreciate their feedback. Cheers stacka.
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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Quote:
Ok Frank, whilst I appreciate your amusing ( I think ) but somewhat little joy ride from our discussions on power mods to ones relating to beers of choice:wyp (or should that be WTF), maybe it's time to wander back to whist we came 
So, I vaguely remember asking the question or at least referring to one about just how hard was it for someone to tackle the dismantle and reassemble phase?
I should add I don't have a problem paying a suitably qualified and experienced mechanic to do this part of the project but if there was a possibility I could undertake this phase myself, then I can only imagine how much more rewarding the project would be.
So if there is anyone who has gone down this path themselves and can let me know what they found both good and bad, I'd really appreciate their feedback.
Cheers stacka.
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Stacka, I dont kow if its ever been posted here but i know that searching triumphrat.net you wilk find a coupke threads re: engine builds with pics...lots of pics. One that comes to kind is by sweatmachine... He built his bonnie up real nice.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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 Re: Stacka's Future Pwr Improvements
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I live in the sun downunder
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I live in the sun downunder
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Stacka, taking the head and barrels (jugs) off is quite easy as long as you have the right tools.  Splitting the engine cases is a different matter altogether.
FrankW
Ex Speedmaster rider, went to the Dark Side now riding an America.
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Thanks Frank and also Zdenko for the tip on ratchet having a thread or two about engine stripping with pics which is even better. I'll have a wander over their way and see what I find. 
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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it is not all that difficult a job to tear down the motor. I would strongly recommend getting the Hayes manual and read thru it. also Dinqua's web site is very good on the tear down. On the reassemble I would make a few changes his cam chain guide procedure (but minor stuff)but it will get you thru the whole thing (make sure to have beers as indicated). Take your time, be organized, label everything, if it is going to be apart for a long time, take pictures and make notes so you don't forget what you were doing. the ratnet has a number of well documented motor threads, some very good 'what not to do' examples there, all good reads.
05 speedmaster - 1100cc, 11:1 racing pistons, Carillo rods, thunderbike cams, ported and polished head, 2mm over intake and exhaust valves, Barnett kevlar clutch, scepter pipes, oversize manifolds, 45mm HSR's, TTP stage 4 firestarter
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Nice one Micah  One thing I do have on my side is time. I've got a fair few projects to get through before I seriously look at the mods but that will also give me time to research say at work in the down time. I've got the Haynes manual and so far I haven't run into to much difficulty doing any of my maintenance including shims which was probably the one where I needed to keep my wits about me. The thing is, I get a lot out of doing stuff where I once thought I wasn't capable. It was more about low confidence levels from growing up but I think I can do most stuff now with my hands if I put my mind to it. I guess the only factor with my doing it myself would be time having my bike off the road, when I could have someone else do it. In saying that, I don't always trust many mechanics out there any more. Certainly not the ones where I live which is predominantly a public service town (capital of Australia). The tradies here of which there aren't nearly enough, virtually run rings round many of the almost useless excuses for manhood who drive 4WD's but can't change a flat tyre. Sickening. The end result is the tradies charge too much, don't have any pride and are only in it for the dollar. This is why the only time my bike get's itself inside a workshop is when the tyres are getting changed and even then they stuff things ie. the speedo cable has been broken twice at the wheel hub by the same bloke  , and he's probably one of the better ones. So maybe now people on here might be starting to get an idea why this stacka bloke wants to hire someone OS who only works on bikes like ours  . Mind you I would consider trying to see if my Bribie Island buddies new of any mob in Brissie but breaking in rings doing highway riding isn't the best I don't think. Anyway, like I said I've got time on my hands to look at this one so hopefully not too much can go wrong. Micah, you are spot on mate when you talk about taking my time, being organised, taking pics, laying out, a couple of sherbets as req'd etc. Thanks for the tips guys. I appreciate constructive comments very much. 
Staintune Pipes, K&N Pods, 45 pilots, TBS needles and 145 mains.
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