79 Invader 440

[Interceptor398]

I checked a few cylinders and they also have a stamp in the same place.  I have no idea what they represent but it would be good to figure out.

[invaderpat]

I made the call yesterday to the original owner "InvaderTom" He did recall "some' details of the go fast kit. He said he sent his cylinders to a "Kawasaki motorcycle" shop in Michigan for the porting (so I guess they really are ported). He said they returned them with the pipes. At this time and for many years, the prev. owner ran a very respected competition and racing engine shop in downtown Indianapolis. At one time they did all the machine work on the turbo Buicks that John Menard ran at Indy! He couldn't remeber the details of where he sent them, but said his son may. He said he'll dig into it!    On another note, steering arms. With the engine out, Im cleaning up the belly pan. A lot of oil and trash from 40 years! I noticed the rh steering arm appears to be bent down. The tie rod bolt has dug into the pan and gone all the way through. For the life of me I can't see how that heavy piece could be bent. But it sure is dug all the way through the pan.

[Interceptor398]

Must have hit something solid??  I have an 80 Intruder with a bent spindle but it drives fine.

[invaderpat]

I'm starting to think I'm figuring out the old sled. As to the tie rod bolt cutting into the belly pan, I figured out that the tie rod is supposed to be on the top side of the steering arm! Everything is as free as a breeze now. Then I asked myself, "Why would it be changed from the way its supposed to be, being reversed?"I think I have the answer. Looking at one of the pipes, it looks like a crease (under all the rust!) about where it would be close to the arm. Looking more carefully at the pan, I think it was notched out for clearance. Does anyone out there know if this might be the case (pipe interference?)

[gixxer6]

My kit pipes fit right on without modification to the steering.  The only thing I needed to do was cut additional holes in the pan for the exhaust exits. 

[invaderpat]

Thanks. Good to know. Another mystery. Who knows what else we'll find as it goes back together.

[invaderpat]

HELLO AGAIN! We had "snow last nite in the midwest. So, we decided we better get back to putting the old girl back together. Just kidding, but not about the snow. I have attached some pictures of the cyls. after we ran a brand new flex hone thru them. They look good, except. One has some scrathes that loook uglier after we honed them. We remeasured the cyls. and they are still right on the money for the tight side of spec. Looking for expert "opinions. Thanks

[mswyka]

Opinion, for what it is worth.  We have enough sleds that if these were the only cylinders that we had, I would probably run them - understanding that if i had a problem there are other sleds that we can pull out.  But, if I only had one sled I would not want to start with cylinders with scratches like these.  I would either look for  other cylinders, sleeve or re-plate.

[invaderpat]

 Well, I haven't given up yet! Do you think a flex hone might smooth them out if we keep at it? Probably nothing to lose at this point.

[mswyka]

We are headed out of town, but when we get back in a week or so, if you would like, we can check to see if we have any decent cylinders.

[invaderpat]

Don't go to any trouble, but if you have some on hand, send me a picture.      Thanks

[Interceptor398]

Opinion, for what it is worth.  We have enough sleds that if these were the only cylinders that we had, I would probably run them - understanding that if i had a problem there are other sleds that we can pull out.  But, if I only had one sled I would not want to start with cylinders with scratches like these.  I would either look for  other cylinders, sleeve or re-plate.

I will second this advice.