I would actually like to know that as well. Next time I need to go into the engine, I would like to shave the head.

Oldfeller2 wrote on 01/19/08 at 22:24:41:
I’ve been using nitrous on bikes and cars for 20 years and I’m yet to see any damage to clutch or transmission as a result – nitrous has an unfair reputation for damaging things which isn’t deserved at all.  Like anything else, you have to use it sensibly.  If you add a LOT of nitrous, only a fool leaves his clutch standard!

Several hundred pounds for a nitrous system isn’t cheap for a little extra torque compared with £20 to skim the head.  That aside, I don’t want to nitrous this bike – I could put some spare solenoids on it if I wanted to, but I just want a bit more grunt for normal daily use.

I just want the engine to run a little more efficiently, so I’ve ported the head, I’m using free flow air filter, modding the carb and I’m going to skim the head.  I looked at the possibility of welding up the combustion chamber, but that’s not an option of a 4-valve pent roof.
I’m aware that, as with all engines with chain driven overhead cams, there will be an effect on the cam chain and timing – easy answer to the timing is to modify the cam gearwheel so the cam timing can be dialled in.  As for the extra slack in the chain – that’s manageable.

Now, back to the question – can anybody answer how much material can come off the head before the pistons need pocketing for valve clearance?

Has anyone skimmed the top of the barrel.
Clive W  

Demin wrote on 01/20/08 at 05:13:33:
Yes, you can do that and up the compression just as much as you like, but that's going to cost a heap more than a quick skim and I've not seen catalogues full of companies offering high comp piston options for the LS650.  I'd probably go that route if there was a quality piston available at the right price.

KwakNut,
 Not sure if it helps in your search for power, here's a link to photo's I posted of the split lower end.  Fairly low tech engine.  Also has pict's of why I split it.  (to look for metal shavings & clean it....   )

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1185890273/0#0

T Mack

smokin_blue wrote on 01/20/08 at 16:07:16:


I'm quite sure he's made a list and is checking it twice
for nary a savagite will sleep tonight waiting for a special cam chain,
their sidewalks are shoveled and the mail box de-iced,
their wrenches are laid out, and they hope they are not vain,
their head and clutch covers are all shiney and clean,
Some are glad they sprung for a performance cam,
While some wish they could and others say I can barely hang on now,
But I'm sure Lancer would say 'to each his own, and to all a super chain'!

8.5:1 - 9.5:1 should give 3.2% more torque and 8.5:1 - 10.5:1 should give 6% more torque.
Clive W