Performance Rebuilding

[ZX11D]

I`m getting ready for a tear down of my 1997 ZX11. I was thinking about having some engine work done as this motor although running "OK" burns a little oil and is down a bit on power. I was thinking a Weisko Big Bore kit might be just the trick. I`m thinking this is probably beyond my expertise although I think I might attempt removing the motor. Anyone have any suggestions on this. Is it better to leave the motor intact? I don`t want to spend more than a grand on parts,labor, and machining because I can get one already rebuilt and tested/warranty for a couple bucks more. Any ideas guys would be helpfull. thanks

[union]

a big bore kit will cost you more then a 1000 to complete. Youll have to send out the cases to get bored and coated. Probably at least 600 for that alone.

What was wrong with the standard pistons when they were new? I would just put in new stock pistons and rings and do a valve job. There still might be extra work you will have to do. Depending on the shape of the cylinders you might still have to send it out to get recoated. Valves if they are needed could be some money too. When I did my R6 the valves were around 60 each. At 4 per cylinder the costs goes up fast. Luckily I only needed to replace two.

[butcher bergs]

Hone, re-ring, lap the valves, new valve guide seals and be done with it.

If you don't wanna spend more than a grand on parts and labor you'd probably be better off just leaving the engine as it is.

Remember that, while some parts individually might look cheap enough on paper, everything is x4. Regardless of the Big Bore kit, the crank bearings alone will probably run you $200-ish, hone is probably $80-ish, gaskets in the neighborhood of $125, spark plugs $80-ish...

Add all that up we've spent half of your intended budget and that's not even all of the necessities.

[Paul_E_D]

Hi-comp pistons will make a nice difference everywhere on that motor...

[tsorfas]

Spend your money on something you will enjoy more IMO

[ɹǝʍoןandɹǝʍoן]

if it's a two-layer head gasket just split it for higher comp
I personally in your case would stick with oem parts and just a fresh rebuild.

[Pigman]

Waste of $$$$$$$..but thats just me

[Vintage Biker]

How many miles are on the bike and how much oil is it using
in 1,000 miles? Is it smoking constantly or just when letting
off the throttle?

I've owned / modified 3 of these bikes. I installed an 80mm
big bore kit I had made by Wiseco back in '94, along with
other high-performance parts.

You can leave the engine in the frame for what you want to do.

[SSearchVT]

Before doing anything get a compression and leak down test done. Down on power could be anything from worn internals to a loose throttle cable. Oil burning could be badly worn rings and cylinder to a leaking valve seal.