GS850 Head interchangeability

[Anonymous]

Can heads off different model GS850s be interchanged?

Before I go and strip the old head off I need to make sure the one I've acquired will fit and that there arent hidden surprises like mismatched oils channels etc.

I've a GS850GX and all I know about the head in question is that it takes 32mm CVs but I don't have a model/year number. I was pretty certain when I bought the thing that it would fit but now the doubts are beginning to set in.

[SqDancerLynn1]

The 79 head is the only one that will not interchange, the cam cover was also changed during the 82 year

[Anonymous]

Thanks Lynn, thats what I thought, but I always start to doubt myself once I've spent the cash!

[shortlid]

Heads on 850

I have a '80 GS850G can I swap the heads with another GS to get some more power? :roll:

[SqDancerLynn1]

NO The 80 model got the bigger intake ports so you are good their.
Maybe change to GS750/1000 carbs (34mm) 850 uses 32mm & GS1000
cams ??

[shortlid]

1000 Cams?

I can drop in GS 1000 cams and get more hp?? What are the GS750 carbs bigger than the GS850? If I did the 34mm carbs and cams what kind of power increases we looking at? Will 16V heads fit on the 8v engine?

[SqDancerLynn1]

The 850 was built as a work horse, the 32 mm carbs used on the 850 give it more low end torque. The 750/1000 are more preformance orentied - bigger carbs for a better top end with some sacrifice in low end power. I'm not sure which cams, I think the one to change is the exhaust cam.
16 valve head will not fit

[shortlid]

Got enough torque need more mid-high power band.

Even with middle of teh road compresion, loaded up with my 216 lbs. my girl 160 lbs. and full saddle bags and hard case on teh back my GS850G has enough low end grunt. Pulls like a tractor, but need more passing and highway power. You think the larger carbs and exhaust cams would help this?

[SqDancerLynn1]

A bigger engine would

[bwringer]

Read my sig for the mongrel engine powering my 1983 GS850GD...

With earlier heads, you just have to remember to get the right valve cover gasket. I just got a silicone valve cover gasket from:

http://realgaskets.com

$25 and I'll never need to buy another.

[bwringer]

The GS850 power question comes up regularly.

The easiest and cheapest way is to simply drop in a GS1000G or GS1100G engine.

[shortlid]

How much more

How much more power does a 1000 or 1100 have over my 850?

[first timer]

planecrazy may have a extra 1100g motor if you are intrested.

-ryan

[shortlid]

Frame changes

Are the frame and rear diff., swingarm the same on the GS850G and the 1100G?

[Mastiff]

I think you also need the shaft from the 1100G if you go that route. I think the 850 shaft doesn't bolt up to the 1100G.