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General Category >> The Cafe >> Fitting an LS engine in new frame?
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Message started by faffi on 07/08/18 at 12:30:22

Title: Fitting an LS engine in new frame?
Post by faffi on 07/08/18 at 12:30:22

I have seen a few frames built from scratch, and some modified stock frames. However, what I would love to do, is to fit a Savage engine to a GS400 frame. Why? Because it would give better geometry, much better handling, and (to my eyes, so highly subjective) better looks. With a bit wider rims and tyres, better suspension and brakes, one could end up with a very unique backroad scorcher. And the two in question are also nearly identical from rear axle to swingarm pivot to steering head, meaning the marriage should be doable with one a lower cradle to house the taller engine.

Title: Re: Fitting an LS engine in new frame?
Post by Serowbot on 07/08/18 at 13:17:14

All things are possible to those with a big enough hammer... :-?

Title: Re: Fitting an LS engine in new frame?
Post by LANCER on 07/08/18 at 18:17:23

3325322F37222F34400 wrote:

All things are possible to those with a big enough hammer... :-?

AMEN !

Title: Re: Fitting an LS engine in new frame?
Post by Gary_in_NJ on 07/08/18 at 18:51:44

If you have welding skills, anything is possible. Otherwise it takes money.

Title: Re: Fitting an LS engine in new frame?
Post by faffi on 07/09/18 at 00:12:43

Hm, I wrote a reply yesterday, but must have done something wrong.

Point was that the LS and GS seems to have nearly the same distance from rear axle to swingarm pivot to frame head, the 4 inch difference in wheelbase stemming from the extra rake of the LS. So yes, it would demand welding and other bits, but it should not demand very high skills. I think :-X

Title: Re: Fitting an LS engine in new frame?
Post by Dave on 07/09/18 at 03:33:19

3A3D3A3A355C0 wrote:

So yes, it would demand welding and other bits, but it should not demand very high skills. I think :-X

The LS engine is very tall, I would guess the GS400 engine is several inches shorter in height. In addition to making the engine able to "bolt in".....there are the changes in the belt/chain/pulley/sprockets, the exhaust, the intake....and the wiring and charging system, and the instruments.

While not all of it is rocket science........it all adds up to make a project that takes a lot of hours and fabrication skills.

Title: Re: Fitting an LS engine in new frame?
Post by MMRanch on 07/09/18 at 07:56:49

I have entertained thoughts of putting a GS500 engine in my beloved Savage frame , but would want to keep the belt drive. The GS500 has about 45HP. But now my V-7 has 53HP so … ::)

Show pictures when ya start . :)

Would it be easier to re-work the Savage frame ? :-?

Title: Re: Fitting an LS engine in new frame?
Post by springman on 07/09/18 at 09:30:46

Cool idea. Yes, please show pictures.

Sero, I see we went to the same school. If it doesn't fit, force it!

Title: Re: Fitting an LS engine in new frame?
Post by faffi on 07/09/18 at 13:09:19

If it works, rip it apart and find out why ;D

The LS engine isn't miles taller than the 400 twin. Taller, yes, but watching pictures to scale side by side that seems manageable. By keeping the LS swingarm and bottom of the frame, belt alignments should be retained. Or one could go to a chain final drive.

The best solution for such an amalgam would be to start out with two complete bikes. My current daily rider is a 1982 XV750 Virago with an 1100 Virago engine. I bought a complete running 1100 so that I also got the carbs and electrical system. It should have been a fairly simple job, but turned out to pretty involved. Well worth it, though, for the extra grunt and taller gearing.

Title: Re: Fitting an LS engine in new frame?
Post by springman on 07/09/18 at 14:51:00

That's a good one faffi. I never heard that one before.

Title: Re: Fitting an LS engine in new frame?
Post by Ruttly on 07/09/18 at 21:03:28

I recently got the lower half of a LS frame and in a couple years after all the other projects are done it will be become a Yamazuki SR695. It will be a tuff project getting that bigas$ 650 into a SR500 frame , getting it all under the tank and chain alignment is essential after that it's many many hours of fitting and wiring. But it will be one cool thumper when it's done. In the meanwhile I will keep collecting parts , mainly the exhaust I have most everything but the engine and the electrics. Should weight in at 400 lbs , stock SR is 381 lbs , wanting the rest of the bike to look as stock as possible. Suzuha just doesn't sound right ! ;D