Looking through e-bay and seeing all the different engine bits for sale just got me thinking. Would it be possible to make an engine from bits using 916 cases, 999r pistons, 998r con rods and whatever barrels/heads would fit? Just curious if something like that is possible.
I believe that a lot of parts are interchangeable between the desmoquattro and the air cooled engines. Some things may need a tweak but with a bit of work you could build a frankenengine.
Oh yes it's VERY possible. I've seen some surprising results from bitza engines too. Over 160hp from a 749 anyone? Just ask CJS Chris as between him and Louigi Moto monsters are made.
I was thinking that. As far as I know the engines, desmo at least, were similar apart from barrel sizes and some other bits obviously. But not impossible to-do differences. Thanks for that 1037. You've now given me the idea of looking into what weird combination of engines I can make a singular engine out of, on top of building the whole bike from scratch... To be honest, it wouldn't be done for a performance advantage. More of a "ooo that bit's cheap and it'll work" point of view, but with bits like the 999r pistons and 996r con rods. And if it defeats me I can always sell the bits again
Rich at louigi moto pretty much knows off the top of is head what works and what really doesn't. He's saved me a fortune by telling me what not to buy so might be worth trying, or at least calling before spending.
He does indeed. I was sitting with Rich recently in the tea room at Louigi having a brew, discussing the tuning work on my SF and chatting about bike engines in general and he reeled off a list of the component parts he'd use if he was building his ideal race engine. There were scarcely two parts from the same model or year. He didn't need to think about it, he knew instantly which would work with what. My bike is finished. I'm picking it up on Saturday. He said they're very pleased with the results they've produced, they enjoyed doing it and they'd like to feature the bike on the website. Can't wait to get my hands on it. Rich and Chris just love a good project. Give them an engine, the funds and free rein to do what they do best and they're in their element. They are definitely the boys to speak to before you buy a single nut or bolt.
Thanks for that info guys. Shall get in touch and see what the options are. I'm gonna go for a 1098 engine, but will see what fits and if they're worth fitting.
