| Author | Message | ||
     Berkshire |
Erik, clearance between the stock head fins and the thermo-stuff on the fuel tank seems pretty tight - did you have any trouble getting the tank on, or with rubbing when running? Any trouble with heat buildup from reduced airflow, or heat transfer to fuel tank? Did you make a mount for the rear link to bolt on near the intake port, or is the casting not thick enough to D&T there? or running without the rear link? | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
No problems. It clears the tank and without any excessive heat buildup anywhere. I used a piece of angle iron (3/4"or 1") to relocate the XB mount back around to the Blast location. 7000+miles and its held without even a hint of stress fracture. I had planned a much nicer link set up, but there really isnt much room between the XB mount and the tank (and the bracket was really easy to make). You can drill and tap the XB head(where the XL breather hole goes-I believe) and run a piece from the engine mount hole around to the drilled breather hole for a stiffer set up-but that hasnt proved necessary. I wouldnt drill and tap the head unless I was really sure it could handle the stress and wouldnt compromise any oil galleries. I'm assuming you already know about the minor front mounting bracket hole elongation. I know of at least one person not running (or he wasnt when I asked him) the center link. With a more radical engine, he said he didnt notice it being gone. Some (all?) tuber Buells also run a rear link (FYI). | ||
| Buellistic |
XL1200R head is a RETRO-FIT ??? | ||
| Berkshire |
Erik - yep, it's the rear mount I'm wondering about - the front mount seems pretty straightforward. I'm planning to ride with some XB9's in a few days, so maybe I'll get a close look at the back of a front XB head then. So far I haven't seen any for sale cheap, but I'll keep looking. Reworking the p3 head to accept XB valves & springs (or something reasonably close) seems very do-able... but i REALLY like the XB chamber! LaFayette - you mean the dual-plug head? I didn't think any H-D front heads had a place for the p3 front mount? | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
XB head  Sorry, but I dont have a picture of the fabricated mount. | ||
| Berkshire |
thanks - looks like a sturdy attachment point! I checked out some new sportys and they all had a screw-in plug there - I'm guessing CA bikes have some kind of smog hose connected there? The XL12ooR heads seem to have the same front mount points, but I haven't had any luck finding one (or an XB head) in the bargain bin... | ||
| Buuueller |
Speaking of "bargain bins", I have a quick question. First off the Blast is at the dealer due to a warranty replacement of a broken engine mount bolt in the front of the head. They couldnt drill it out so they are ordering a new head to install. Although I dont have money to spend on it, is there anything I should be taking advantage of while the head is off? Cam install, port/polish, use an XB9 head? (Hence the bargain bin remark) Im doubtfull the dealer would be interested in doing the work but... I will take the beast home in pieces if I can take advantage of the situation. Any suggestions? | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Briefly: Any modification (certainly installing an XB head) would probably void the warranty and I'm guessing they'll (Buell/HD) will probably just ship a complete head. There is a lot you can do if the head is off. Piston, cams, adj. pushrods, lifters, complete headwork, etc. Depends on what you have to spend. A minimal modification that could be done easily and may not void your warranty is installing high rev valve springs. That will allow you to run higher revs later (with the addition of a new ignition) with the most radical cams available for the stock head (which would be only slightly better than the B50/ProSeries-which bolt in stock anyway). I'm doubting the dealer would be willing to do more than that, but ideally installing a stage 3 head would be best. Talk to the dealer. They're usually more than happy to sell this stuff to the Harley guys. If they know their stuff, they'll know what will fit and may compromise on cost. But you'll have to act quickly before they order the head and your bike goes back together. Do you still want a warranty? Do you have the extra money? | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
PS 'No Rice' might have some ProSeries cams he'll sell you. | ||
| Buuueller |
The warranty runs out in June, so I wouldnt mind rolling the dice that long by voiding it. I ran across this head and piston combo on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/High-Performance-he ads-pistons-for-harley-buells_W0QQitemZ12022542668 5QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item120225426685 Course I would only use the front jug. Its an HD part #116641-96YA for the front. I would have to do the work but, I may be able to get the purchase past the wife that way. | ||
| Buuueller |
BTW, you wouldnt happen to know a part# for the hi-rev springs? There are some real lug nuts working behind the counter at North Dallas Harley. (Message edited by buuueller on February 27, 2008) | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
First: I'm geting on a plane in less than 24hrs for England so my mind isnt completely with the topic or I'd do more research to help! That being said, I think those heads may be a step backwards and you're better spending your money on one worked Blast or stock XB head. Our sponsor, Revolution Performance (or see list of sponsors-main topic page at top), can help you out with anything you need. Ask HD if they'll let you have the old head. Wish I could be more help, but I have a LOT to do. (Message edited by gearheaderiko on February 27, 2008) | ||
| Buuueller |
No problem bro. I know your always willing to help and its much appreciated. Hope your trip goes well. | ||
| Buuueller |
Anyone have any opinion on this? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/High-Performance-he ads-pistons-for-harley-buells_W0QQitemZ12022542668 5QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item120225426685 | ||
| Ezblast |
Yes - don't step back in performance! EZ | ||
| Buuueller |
So, if I understand correctly I would be better off with a port polish and hi rev springs on my Blast head? So far HD has agreed to install the springs for parts cost only, and I think there gonna let me take the head to polish over night. I will be out less than $20. Too bad I dont have a cheap B70 cam available. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
B70's wont fit without modified guides/seals (I think-not focused). 'No Rice' might sell you his B50's/Pro Series. Thats very cool on the springs! Better off with a modified Blast head. | ||
| Buellistic |
radical cam pro files require more spring tension OR in the case of XB valves the larger stem valves !!! (Message edited by buellistic on February 28, 2008) | ||
| Buuueller |
I couldnt find No Rice.... But I will check again. B50 is better than nothing. | ||
| Ezblast |
If your going with better springs - the B70's will be fine - better seals and guides are always recommended though - HD stock stuff is iffy. So, if I understand correctly I would be better off with a port polish and hi rev springs on my Blast head? Yes! EZ | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Go to the Thumper forum archive through Feb 25th for a post by No Rice or do a search under members. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
According to Andrews website, B70's need .570 valve travel clearance. Stock is only .550 according to what I measured. So unless EZ knows someone (?) who is running them with stock valve guides and seals, one or both will need to be changed/modified. I havent looked at the stock seals to see if aftermarket will change the clearance. (Message edited by gearheaderiko on March 02, 2008) | ||
| No_rice |
i will to talk to the gf about the cams. i think we might just be doing those and a pipe for this summer and wait one more season before we do the xb top end. the thing only has 132 miles on it so it would be kind of nice to get some use out of the original parts, lol. | ||
| Reuel |
132 miles? Quick, before it's too late! Ride it break-in style until it's warmed up, say 15 minutes or more, then go WOT every chance you get. That'll seat the rings better. Oops! Wrong topic! Sorry. | ||
| Ezblast |
you'll need better springs at least for the B70 cams and any others besides the B50/Pro-series cam. EZ | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
(well I did mean in addition to the springs) | ||
| Buuueller |
I found No Rice........ | ||
| Berkshire |
I installed XB cams with stock head & valvetrain. I measured about 0.552" intake and 0.545" exhaust lift before retainer/seal contact. Drilled top of guides down a bit and reshaped with dremel, which allowed about 0.585" lift before contact. stock setup:  with seal removed:  forgot to take a pic after modifying top of guide - here it is after reinstalling seal:  | ||
| Berkshire |
Also did some port work - stock ports had a lip around edge of intake seat:  and exhaust:  exhaust port also had a "scab" of cast aluminum:  | ||
| Berkshire |
stock bosses around valve guides seem kinda fat and ill-shaped:   ------------------------------------------------------------ lightweight springs for retainer/seal clearance checking:   |
