Engine ID and interchange

[toomany]

I've got what I believe to be is an 87 Kx500 (Vin JKAKXVC11GA001759), the numbers on the engine are, KX500BEC05938.

I'm looking for a new cylinder (actually the sleeve would suffice), and a head. Searching around ebay, I've found a few heads, some say they only fit certain year bikes. I think one said, "Only fits 89-90" another said some other year. Will the head from a later year bike swap onto my jug? What about swapping a later jug on (or sleeve)? I've found a couple kits that include the sleeve, pistion and gaskets for a decent price. From my understanding, the 87's used a piston with one less ring than the later years, and the newer one will swap in without any problems, am I correct here?

If I can't use a later sleeve, it's not too big a deal, as I've found a place to get the correct 87 one. My main concern is with the cylinder head (I didn't get one with the bike...said it was to far damaged).

And just for my own interest, what all swaps between the years? And what years were the major changes made? I've searched the forums....but haven't found the answers I'm looking for.

Thanks

[flyin9]

according to your VIN your bike should be an 86 ill post a chart i was given to ID years of bikes
look for the 10th nimber/letter in the ID and match it with to the given number/letter
1980-A   1991-M
1981-B   1992-N
1982-C   1993-P
1983-D   1994-R
1984-E   1995-S
1985-F   1996-T
1986-G   1997-V
1987-H   1998-W
1988-I    1999-X
1989-J    2000-Y
1990-L    2001-1 and so on with the numbers
I think that 2010 will start over with the letter A so 2010-A
i think that this information is correct
jared

[dean350b]

1986-1988 Cylinders are interchangable. Look for one that is complete with the KIPS valves, covers, head studs, etc. If not, someone in the FOR SALE section of this site has a set of KIPS valves. These are VERY hard to find, grab them when you can.

Try NOT to run a sleeve in a cylinder. The factory Nikasil cylinders are best.

If you need the valve bushings and a valve actuator rack-shaft, I have spares.

1986-1988 heads have different part numbers, but are basically the same.

Without buying a bike with a cylinder, you will have to buy may different parts, KIPS cover, seal housing, stop bolt, reed cage, etc. Way too many parts to expect to find new OEM. Much of this stuff is no longer avialable.

I would look for a parts bike on Craigslist, etc. or it will get expensive quick.

Use a 1989-up piston, works great, Dennis Kirk sells Pro-X and Wiseco sets.

Use 1986-1988 gasket set.

You can use a 1989-up FMF Gnarley pipe with minor adjustments.

You should try to find a late model KX500 (2001+ ??) Kiehin PWK carburetor, it fits perfect and runs better than the 1986 Mikuni.

[toomany]

Thanks for the help.

I found a guy localy who has a cylinder head. I have everything for the bike but the head. And the nuts for it.

How far over can (if at all) the stock cylinder be bored over without replating? If I do need a replate, can anyone recomend a good place to get it done?

[toomany]

Once again, thanks for the help.

I ended up buying a complete 92 motor, couple of jugs a few heads and two pipes. From someone getting out of the sport.

[KX5Zuki]

Once again, thanks for the help.

I ended up buying a complete 92 motor, couple of jugs a few heads and two pipes. From someone getting out of the sport.

Nice, just build the '92 motor. Could you see if the rear, front and bottom mounts are in the same place as your older '86 motor? I dont care about the upper mount, just the lower ones. I pretty much want to see if I can drop a newer motor into this frame I am working on later down the road. Thanks

[dean350b]

If you want to sell the CDI box from your 1987, I would like it. PM me.

[toomany]

Nice, just build the '92 motor. Could you see if the rear, front and bottom mounts are in the same place as your older '86 motor? I dont care about the upper mount, just the lower ones. I pretty much want to see if I can drop a newer motor into this frame I am working on later down the road. Thanks

I'll take a look to see if they are the same the next time I'm out there. I'm hoping they are, if they aren't it shouldn't be to hard to fab up some new mounts.