KawasakiTrax Community
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Macs80hp440 on February 05, 2014, 08:30:58 AM
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As I am new to Kawasaki in 2013, and as I learn more about the brand and models- I was researching any entry level modifications folks might do to an Invader. And, I found that 1979 offered a "power up kit" from the dealer that allowed an Invader to be modified to dual pipes. I guess it included a different cylinder.
My question: Who has found these models? Any guesses how many of these kits were sold? How much hp gain was made with the added weight of the second pipe? And, are there any kits still available?
Anyway- I found this info at this John Deere link and thought I'd ask the folks who would know.
http://www.jdsleds.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=13638&p=97131
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kawhead is the resident expert on the "Git Kit", he was a dealer back in the day and installed the kits. I have a set of the kit pipes, and got the porting dimensions to modify the cylinders from kawhead. But I haven't gotten around to doing it (mainly because of the lack of someone to do the porting work for me reasonably).
I recently noticed a set of the kit pipes on eBay. Looks like the auction ended...I'm not sure if they sold or the time ran out... http://www.ebay.com/itm/301082771805?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/301082771805?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)
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kaw claimed only a 3 hp gain for the pipes without porting...with porting they really ripped,i have a set of pipes too, also have the porting issue
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kaw claimed only a 3 hp gain for the pipes without porting...with porting they really ripped,i have a set of pipes too, also have the porting issue
The hp gain is one thing, I suppose there was a torque or "seat of pants" change also...? At only 3hp that is about break even with the added weight.
405lb dry weight and stock 72hp is about 0.178 weight to power ratio.
With added pipe (15lb?) dry weight 420lb and 75hp is 0.179 weight to power ratio.
I know the torque would change with porting, but maybe the pipe alone also did something to torque?
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Did you allow for the weight of the stock pipe being removed? I think there is little reason to add pipes without the porting.
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right, the pipes were not much of a gain without porting
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I recently bought another 79 440 invader that hasn't been run in about 25 years. Opening the hood I see several modifications. Twin pipes (not Aaen's). Gutted Airbus with extra holes. Cooling holes in belly pan. Comet clutch.
So my question is how do you tell power up kit pipes from LTD style pipes?
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Adding a picture. I have noticed my fastening springs are position vertical and I saw a picture of an 1980 4/6 it showed the springs more horizontal. Any thoughts?
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Yup, those are kit pipes. I can tell by the sleeve style coupler. All other Kawi twin pipes have a ball/bell style coupler. Great find!
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Thanks for the information. That confirms my analysis. I am going to make this one a rider as it is in good condition. I squirted gas in the carbs and it popped right away. 120 lbs compression. I strongly feel it was ported too. When I tear into the engine. I will verify. The Kawasaki dealer in this town (Holland Automotive) had a shop do porting on the sleds he put pipes on. Steve used to dial them in nice. Here is a picture of the gutted airbox with extra holes.
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Ok, I came across something today that I haven’t seen before. Here is a set of pipes on an Invader that have the bell shaped flange. So they can’t be git kit pipes right? All of the kit pipes have the sleeve style coupler. But they’re not 4/6 pipes, they have too many springs, 4/6 pipes only have 2. They aren’t Ltd or Interceptor pipes, they have two piece flanges, these have the one piece flange.
What are they?