GS Big Block

[Guest]

I have a 1980 gs1100L 16 valve. My motor is in need of some attention though. It is burning oil and I can see slight smoke coming from my pod filters, this may be mostly due to old valve stem seals. Over the winter I am either going to replace the valve stem seals, or go with a big block setup.

In keeping this a street bike, is running a big block feasible? I just bought some brand new sticky Pirelli Night Dragons, but I don't know that they are necessarily going to hold traction with the added ~50-75hp of a big block. People with experience, what are your thoughts? I would like the bike to be able to keep up with newer 1L sport bikes, but at the same time be practical to ride with a passenger. I'd like to keep the stock wheels, swingarm and fork. I will definitely stiffen the suspension though.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[rapidray]

If you are in the US, call me at 714--356-7845 & I will answer your questions & suggest your BEST way to go. I build GSs (& have been since 1977) & build everything from stock to over 600 HP. I know how to make big street engines make good, RELIABLE horsepower. Ray.

[blowerbike]

you WILL NOT get 50-75 HP from just a big block.
plus a big block will run hot in every day normal use.
you need to have VERY DEEP pockets to continue....

[yoshisakan]

you WILL NOT get 50-75 HP from just a big block.
plus a big block will run hot in every day normal use.
you need to have VERY DEEP pockets to continue....

I would not just slap a big block on there with a stock head. I'd definitely build the head too. I don't think 50-75hp is unattainable from adding 400ccs of displacement and better flowing heads. I'm not about to water cool it though, how about an oil cooler?

[Big T]

Call Ray, he builds big blocks

It'll be cheaper to buy a used modern bike with more HP, tho

[rapidray]

180 RELIABLE HP is easy but DOES require some specifics to do so. Ray.

[blowerbike]

big bore and big block are 2 different things folks............

[rapidray]

I have 13 big blocks in stock, from 1260-1570. I would recommend 1327-1400 for the street. Ray.

[blowerbike]

what about sneaking 1400 liners in an 1150 block.
there is a couple of those around here that john done.
he bought the used pistons from me and cut the domes to a street happy compression.

[mr wu]

So then how would you cool it down ?????

[mr wu]

what about sneaking 1400 liners in an 1150 block.
there is a couple of those around here that john done.
he bought the used pistons from me and cut the domes to a street happy compression.

Interesting....I didn't know that you could go that big in a stock block
Hmmmmmm...
Rethinking everything now....Dammit

[blowerbike]

So then how would you cool it down ?????

with a water hose?????
WTF are you talking about

[mr wu]

I have 13 big blocks in stock, from 1260-1570. I would recommend 1327-1400 for the street. Ray.

Ray I was thinking of you today.....So you are saying 1500 is no good...1327-1400 is the max for the street ????

Just when I decided on which way I was going you guy's come here and throw me a few knuckle curv's.....

[mr wu]

with a water hose?????
WTF are you talking about

I meant keep it from running hot on the street....

[rapidray]

I use big GSXR, curved oil coolers, top end oilers, & 750 pump gears. I also do some internal work to the cases to improve flow. Improving the flow increases the cooling also. Ray.