Seeking Ancient Wisdom

VF500F....will '86 heads work on an '85 engine?

 

From everything I have read, the answer is yes. What nifty idea do you have in mind creaky?

 

I get all kinds of ideas, some good, some not so good. I am considering the possibility of leaving the original '85 engine in the frame and installing the '86 heads on it. Opinions welcomed.

 

I thought there were differences in the head gaskets between the two years. Seems like someone said there were extra holes in the 84-85 ones. Not sure if it makes a difference or not but thought I'd mention it.

 

There are differences in the gasket patterns but not in the water jackets.

More info can be found here:

http://vfrworld.com/forums/1st-2nd-generation-1983-1989/31074-scan-em-if-you-got-em-vf500f-head-gasket-patterns.html

 

You did not say WHY you wish to do this?? If it were me I would simply pull the engine and install a small block chevy engine. If you are somhow attempting to get more HP just go buy a new CBR1000 and don't destroy an old precious bike. That is my ancient wisdom for which I qualify as I am 70. Just my 2cebt.
Mike

 

I am considering doing this because the '86 heads have significant mechanical improvements over the '85 heads. Please note that I replied without making any supercilious remarks.

 

This is an interesting upgrade and one well worth investigating.

There are several improvements on the '86 engine including: a larger oil pump, deeper oil pan, larger radiator and coolant hoses and of course the align bored cam journals on the revised heads.

Switching out to one or all of the above is in best spirit of bike mechanics and something that should be welcome here, IMO.

 

Sory if I got off subject with my remarks, no damage intended. Will an entire later model engine bolt in? Maybe that would be an easier and cheaper soultion. You could get a later model engine go through it and still have your original engine intact.
Mike

 

Sory if I got off subject with my remarks, no damage intended. Will an entire later model engine bolt in? Maybe that would be an easier and cheaper soultion. You could get a later model engine go through it and still have your original engine intact.
Mike

 

My '85 engine runs very well, but I would like to upgrade the reliability factor as I plan to keep this bike for some long time. I do have a complete good running '86 engine from a bike that I bought for salvage. Engine removal and replacement requires quite a bit of time and effort, so I was considering swapping just the heads as that can be accomplished without removing the engine from the frame. However...........it makes a lot of sense to put the '86 engine on the bench, tear it down, inspect, do a valve job, replace any worn parts such as rings, bearings, CCT, etc. I won't be doing any of this until the riding season is over so I have plenty of time to decide which way to go.

 

One thought on this would be to swap the heads, oil pump and pan as a first step. You could then fiddle with the rest of the '86 engine as a side project.

 

Good thought....I'll add that to the option list.

 

I haven't switched over to the '86 oil pump and pan yet, though I have gathered up all the parts.

If you are up from some more reading on this topic more intel can be found here:

http://vfrworld.com/forums/1st-2nd-generation-1983-1989/30152-86-oil-pump-conversion-84-85-vf500f.html