80 GS55E Carburator issues "is it a Frankenstein?"

[Guest]

I am doing a custom GS550E build. I purchased this bike as a literal basket case. I have been working on coming up with a set of carbs to fit this thing and have ran into something strange. The spacing on a set of 550 carbs is wrong. They are about 1/4" narrow. I found a set of carbs from an 850 and the spacing is spot on. The carbs are the same in bore and mikuni model. They are just spaced differently and I assume the jetting will be different. I guess my question is has anyone ran into this before? The engine designation is a GS550. Could someone have changed the cylinder head to a 850? I purchased new intake rubber from an online dealer based in china. Maybe the intake boots are for an 850? I can make this combo work. I am just at a loss as to what the heck I have here. I have fired this engine on an alternative fuel source and it runs good.

[cowboyup3371]

Can we get a picture of the bike and the carb boots on the intake side? I have a feeling your boots might be on the wrong sides as each have a specific side to be on.

[gbs]

I will snap a few pics in the morning. Its at the shop. I can say they are angled to the outside with the vacuum test ports on the bottom. They matched the old boots that I took off. But who's to say they were correct.

[cowboyup3371]

When you do, each boot should have an L or R on the top for left and right.

[gbs]

I don't recall any markings on them at all. I will definitely take a closer look! Thanks! I will get back to you tomorrow.

[gbs]

I looked at the boots again today. I cant find any markings anywhere on the new boots or the old. They all match in size and angle. This engine had a set of 550 carbs on it when I picked it up. It took everything I had in me to pry the darn things off the engine. The old boots are covered in sealant in an old attempt to seal the tears caused by I'm guessing forcing the carbs onto the engine. Here are some of the photos I took if it helps.

IMG_2376.jpg

[gbs]

IMG_2379.jpg550 carb rail too narrow in the middle

[gbs]

IMG_2378.jpgLeft is the 550 Right is 850. The 850 pop right on.

[gbs]

But it is finally turning into a motorcycle!

IMG_2375.jpg

[cowboyup3371]

If they were that hard to remove then you're going to want to replace them and the orings that come with them. I know they are expensive but you really want stock boots from a reputable Suzuki dealer and get new orings from www.cycleorings.com. Those OEM boots will have the markings on that I mentioned and will fit properly for your bike/carbs.


On a side note, what shocks are you putting onto the bike?

[phydeauxmutt]

But it is finally turning into a motorcycle!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]47816[/ATTACH]

I see the picture you posted, but I am still looking for the "motorcycle" that you mentioned.

[Dragon Breath]

Yeah, I was kinda wondering that too.

[gbs]

wow..... well that answers some questions

[roeme]

Yeah, where's the bike?

[gbs]

Wow.... I'm not building it to meet your approval. I'm building it to meet mine.

Thanks for helping me figure out why the intake port spacing doesn't match what it should be.