xman
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Push it to the X-treme!
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Post by xman on Jan 19, 2006 16:39:31 GMT -6
Since I have slightly more free time and the forums could use a little more reading material I've decided to document my upcoming project. Operation X-tra Power. This came about unintentionally when I managed to crack the aluminum stud mount on the head of my 350. No choice now but to take the motor out so of course visions of grandeur began to dance in my head. I'll be adding photos of the process once I begin. We all got to see Jamie's Raptor Rebuild project so I though I'd share mine. Here's the game plan: Remove the top end and get the crack fixed. Add Wiseco 10.5:1 Compression Piston Kit Maybe a bore job but I'm waiting to see its condition. Probably new valve springs possibly valves Reassemble and wala! This combined with my new Aluminum Cobra Full Exhaust kit a UNI Filter and a Rejetted carb should add the "tra" to the X's power giving me "X-tra" Power ;D Of course if money was no object I'd be adding a Powroll 393 Big Bore Kit with the 430 Stroker crank and running on 110 octane That would probably quiet down those Raptor types while simutaneously putting me on a stretcher ;D Plans are already moving forward and teardown begins Jan. 28th, :DSTAY TUNED!
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Post by Weck on Jan 19, 2006 23:00:09 GMT -6
Unless you already have a shop in mind Jackson Performance in Silvis can weld up the head for you and re-machine / tap the hole. I had a 10.5 piston in my 350x and it was a special joy to kick over so be prepared for that. You might consider a strict Little Debbie snack food diet to bolster the downward force of your right leg.
I would second the valve train freshening too. I had a friend that rode a cam'd up 350x and it dropped a valve that wedged between the piston and cylinder wall thus wrecking the whole motor. He sold it to Brenny's as is for 600 bucks and it was at least a 1600 dollar bike.
As you probably know if you have the motor open don't cut any corners to get it back together quick.
Tell your wife these mods are for safety reasons. I hope that works.
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xman
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Post by xman on Jan 20, 2006 9:34:14 GMT -6
You've nailed my thinking right on the head Weck. Since I gotta tear into it I plan to take my time and really do things right. Since Uncle Sam took too much of my money last year he'll be sending some back so I plan to use that to help cushion extra expenses.
When you had your 10.5 piston did you notice any power difference, and I am assuming it was just as reliable as before the rebuild. I'm not sure what to expect so I'm kinda curious.
As for the kicking I am currently doing one legged 500lb squats to prepare my right leg, and I'll start the little debbie diet tomorrow. ;D However the hardest kicking will be done by the 350 when it kicks some major ATV ass when its finished ;D ;D
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Post by Weck on Jan 20, 2006 10:45:44 GMT -6
I did not put the piston in it I bought it like that. My only validation is that it kicked harder than a stock 350x, and yes the compression release worked fine. Before upgrading to a Yamaha quad, my 350 had a UNI Filter w/ modified air box lid, DG Chrome Power Pipe, and the piston. I am pretty sure it was the stock cam. It ran great but I did not jet it up for the pipe when changing from the standard cobra steel pipe to the DG. I think I should have because the chrome pipes "blue'd" real quick. I did not have it long so hopefully no long term effects happened from running a little lean. Anyway, I would say go for the new piston it can only help. I used to ride with a guy that had my same setup except for a web cam also. He is the one that broke a valve. Again, this bike was bought this way. His bike was moderately faster than mine but only on the top end. It was more difficult to start though. Later Jamie
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rookie
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I need MORE COWBELL!!!!!
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Post by rookie on Jan 20, 2006 22:20:07 GMT -6
I think I'll weigh in with my latest project too. It concerns replacing the old broken headlights and grille with Euro lamps and billet insert on my '97 Exploder (intentional).
First my wife hit a deer, which started the thought process. Then I ordered the parts off of ebay, which saved me a ton of money.
.......................wait a minute, wrong message board. Sorry. Never mind.
(It does look much cooler though!!)
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Post by captainrod on Jan 24, 2006 21:58:19 GMT -6
Sorry to hear about your bad luck rook.
It must be tough driving a Ford Exploder
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xman
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Post by xman on Jan 30, 2006 9:34:41 GMT -6
:)The teardown began over this past weekend and everything went smoothly. Everything came apart nicely without any more damages. The internals all looked shiny new with only the expected wear that comes from 20+ years of service. You can still see the cross hatching in the cylinder wall and we tested the gaps on the piston & cylinder wall clearance as well as ring gap width and they were both a little over the service manuals recommended service limits. So its definately time for a freshing up but no major overhauling will be required Now the top end is off to get the crack fixed and have everything checked over to determine just what should and should'nt be replaced. I got some pics of the process so far I'll try to post them tonight.
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xman
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Post by xman on Jan 30, 2006 19:30:14 GMT -6
Here's some pics from phase 1 of Operation x-tra Power gettin ready to start My new pipe I just put on before I took it right back off Its all power baby Call now to lose 350cc's in under a DAY Chief Mechanic Nate wishing he had one of these for his Raptor in the background OFF WITH IT'S HEAD! Lookin Good Once I remove the eyeball from my cylinder it should run tons better And finally the cause of this whole darn mess Stay tuned for phase 2 of Operation X-tra Power coming soon!
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Post by Weck on Jan 31, 2006 6:53:44 GMT -6
That's a really nice post, I was hoping for an update before to long. So are you buying a new head or having that one welded up? Port & polish while its off?
That's pretty impressive that Nate is still smiling holding that motor up like that.
So what all are you doing to her, while it's apart, or is that top secret?
Good Luck!!!
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xman
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Post by xman on Jan 31, 2006 9:26:22 GMT -6
Ahhh my dear Weck be patient all will be revealed in good time. Truth be told I'm not 100% sure what I will all end up doing in the end. Right now I am waiting for the full prognosis of her health from the professionals. My final decisions will be made after I receive her bill of health. But I already have several things in mind that I plan to do. Yes I plan to have the head welded if all goes well. Honda no longer sells the heads and even if they did they were about $500 Plus from what I've seen available on ebay lately mine looks pretty good! My goal is to have everything completed and fire her up before the end of Feb...we'll see
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Post by Weck on Jan 31, 2006 17:35:15 GMT -6
At least you can ride that Polaris snowmobile while the 350x is down...
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xman
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Post by xman on Feb 8, 2006 11:54:21 GMT -6
[glow=red,2,300]UPDATE[/glow]
A bit a stall in progress lately but so far things are still semi on schedule.
The UP side - things are progressing and everything is definately repairable.
The DOWN side - cost has quickly exceeded my original estimates and I may be forced to sacrafice more power for practicality.
I hope to start the rebuild within the next couple weeks.
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Post by Weck on Feb 8, 2006 18:52:56 GMT -6
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xman
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Post by xman on Feb 8, 2006 21:57:58 GMT -6
Trust me I'm not one for regrets, and the plastic is on standby
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ubnpast
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Post by ubnpast on Feb 13, 2006 20:43:23 GMT -6
How's the build coming?
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