The search for an engine... Opinions please

[AMA714]

After looking at way too many beat or just unknown engines, I have decided that I am just going to look for a complete CR500 to buy for my donor. I have a pristine 2008 CRF250 sitting in the garage waiting to get torn apart, so its time I get a 500 and get this project started.

I was hoping to get the newest engine I could, but I think Im headed in the direction of just getting the cleanest complete bike. This way Ill at least get to fire it up and ride it before laying out money on someone's roached engine.

I have done a lot of searches on engines and have seen multiple threads on old style and new style cases/cyl etc... but is there any year that really stands out? What do most guys look for? 91 and up??

Thanks to Danny and Bob for all of the suggestions, I am going to do the conversion based off Bob's Gen 4..

Zach

[pstoffers]

I have a almost new 01 500 motor it has less then 5hrs on it from new. Its out of a bike that HONDA put together not SH's wanna-be Honda mechanic. I'll take $3,000 for it carb and ignition

[AlisoBob]

Its out of a bike that HONDA put together

[hoofarted]

You'll be happiest with Paul's - almost new and 01 = WIN

But anything 93+ is good.

[AlisoBob]

You dont want someone else's headache......

[100hp honda]

After looking at way too many beat or just unknown engines, I have decided that I am just going to look for a complete CR500 to buy for my donor.
Zach

cool. thats what i been saying since day one. foolish to buy a motor that cant be started, riden, shifted... from a unknown source. 9 out 10 times a complete bike is way better deal also. stoufers engine might be good. was saying alot of craigslist/ebay stuff is junk.

[87CR500Rider]

After looking at way too many beat or just unknown engines, I have decided that I am just going to look for a complete CR500 to buy for my donor.
Zach

cool. thats what i been saying since day one. foolish to buy a motor that cant be started, riden, shifted... from a unknown source. 9 out 10 times a complete bike is way better deal also. stoufers engine might be good. was saying alot of craigslist/ebay stuff is junk.

Throw in the shoddy packing and buying a loose engine is even more of a gamble. My spare 87' engine was shipped with the shifter still attached which went through the ignition cover. If I was looking again, it would be hard to pass up that fresh, complete engine for $3,000. Honda put it together, it's the newest you can get and it's ready to go.

[Mik329]

You dont want someone else's headache......

exactly- I have two of those sitting in my garage, one I parted out some and the other I had to do a complete rebuild with crank bearing and tranny parts. I'd buy Pauls if I were you.

[AlisoBob]

My " Honda Built" shortblock just had its 13th birthday.

Its friggin' indestructable.

[Roostius_Maximus]

I've bought a pile of partial ones and tried to part out what i dont need, always end up buying just that last piece i need to finish another thats almost complete, then i start on the next hahahaha

Theres not many engines like that arround

[nmdesertrider]

You dont want someone else's headache......

That's true to a point- if you have a competent mechanic split the motor and go entirely through it you can have a bulletproof motor- my 85 is testament to that.

[AMA714]

On my way to look at a clean 1990. I have not ridden a 500 since 1987 when I ice raced an 86 CR 500 up in Canada. Looking forward to it.

I have heard a lot of you mention that if the thing has too much vibration in the steelie chassis that it is probably crank related. I hope I can feel that--lol Any other suggestions or things I should look out for on the 500?

[Roostius_Maximus]

case damage, pry marks at the base of the jug or cases.

[AlisoBob]

No coolant in rads, "wraped up" chain damage to cases ahead of countershaft sprocket, clutch drag or chatter... the usual stuff

[Nodge]

Ive got a headache I could sell somebody if they need one!

[AMA714]

No need to take the bike for a spin. When I get there they are dragging it down the street trying to get it going... I smile, say hi and tell them to stick it. Bike was clapped, cleaned up nice but underneath the new plastic it was rough..... NEXT

[AMA714]

OK... Im off to Houston this weekend to look at a complete 89. Rossty, ill send you pictures of the roller if I bring it home. Also, I found an 87 thats in good shape inside, but where the hoses attach to the water pump housing it severely corroded. Can these spigots be changed?

[Roostius_Maximus]

that requires a new case, its magnesium and the waterpump will be rotten, 140$ i think, also the rear bushing is smaller than 89 and would need to be machined, outlet on the cylinder is different and its a longer reed housing which can contact some of the 89+ style pipes

[87CR500Rider]

that requires a new case, its magnesium and the waterpump will be rotten, 140$ i think, also the rear bushing is smaller than 89 and would need to be machined, outlet on the cylinder is different and its a longer reed housing which can contact some of the 89+ style pipes

I think around $140 is correct. Getting the bushings bored isn't a big deal.

[AMA714]

Sweet jesus, I finally got a good engine!! Now, next question for you hoons... What pipe? PC platinum or the FMF Gnarly.

Which one and why

[Mad Dog]

Ah oh,

[lewisclan]

[2strokeforever]

i only ever tried the pc, but the best way would to get both and decide for yourself, i wish i did, cause now i need to get both cause my pc is completly mangled

[87CR500Rider]

Stock

[AlisoBob]

Stock

Stock sucks... So much so that I have started a crusade to rid the planet of them.

Contact me with any info leading to their capture.