500 project

[green pilot]

hi i have a 04 250 frame and want to repower with 500.a 86 engine has come up and i am wondering if they are any good and is there much power difference between the 86 and the 88-04 engine thanks for any help

[BigGreenMachine]

Hold out for a 90-04 KX500 as it has more parts available. I have an 88 and I'm kicking myself for not buying an 90-on.

[hughes]

Hold out for a 90-04 KX500 as it has more parts available. I have an 88 and I'm kicking myself for not buying an 90-on.

What parts you can't get for the 88 model engine? I have not had an issue getting things for my 87 kx500 engine.

[don46]

The 88 has motor parts that are unique to it only. Presently you can not get the KIPS drums, the head gasket is unique to it and sells for $50. I purposely found a 88 cylinder for a project, the KIPS drums were shot, when I tried to order them I was told they are no longer available. As mentioned above I would go with at least an 89 motor, from there on the parts are pretty interchangeable.

[hughes]

Your right about the KIPS. I got lucky and found some spares on e-bay. A top end gasket kit for the 87-88 is less than 50.00 from denniskirk.com. Other engine parts have not changed, top end kits,rod kits,crank bearings,clutch, clutch baskets and hubs, these are some of the high wear items. Newer is always better.

[BigGreenMachine]

That and if I fry a cylinder I have to find the 87/88 cylinder or have it plated ($$$) as opposed to a used ($$) 90-on which is more common.