Hello gang,


Was lucky enough (that's sarcasm) to install one of those $45 Chinese top-end kits in my neighbors LT80 (I had suggested using Mr. Moore, but my neighbor's a cheapo...what can I say)...anyway, I've done my fair share of 2-stroke top ends and this was by far the worse - here's why:


1) Ring Gap - probably the most overlooked procedure when installing new piston/rings is to verify ring gap - and in this case it most certainly would have caused issues...basically there was little/none and ring expansion would have caused some problems - no doubt. Because the ring gap was so tight it took considerably time to file them down to spec (even on the tight end of spec). I mean lets face it - there is a decent size range and this was the first time I had to file rings down (yuk)


2) Machining -


a) The pins in the piston are too shallow - now I understand why folks are jamming them into the cylinder because with the ring pins so shallow you could force the jug down with the ring over the pin - not good.


b) Also, the stud holes were off about 1/16 on the front (but curiously not the rear) 2 holes...the stock jug slid on fine...the Chinese one needed some convincing...which made the installation that more challenging. I had to bring the piston to BDC, tab the cylinder down the studs, then rotate the crank while compressing the rings while making sure the pin was in the gap to get the piston into the cylinder...painful and time consuming as it took several attempts and lots of patience.


c) Porting - not nearly as aggressive as a stocker - I showed my neighbor the difference and he asked what that meant. I'm pretty sure that means a bit less on the top, but Mr. Moore could confirm my suspicions.


So...did it run? Of course it did, fired up on third pull...my builds always run


In all seriousness, while the price point is VERY attractive, if doing this yourself with minimal experience I'd HIGHLY suggest to use OEM & Jack Moore and have your build go far smoother with far less chance for a redu.


This is not a matter of opinion, but rather direct experience on 2 LT80 builds done more or less back-to-back. My Moore prepped motor went together like butter...the pain/suffering on that Chinese kit (plus the inferior porting), well...at least you know what you MIGHT be in for...


Hope this helps someone...my pain & suffering usually does

 

In bulk, those kits are $13 bucks.
When someone explains how you expect to get a quality cylinder kit for 13 bucks, let me know.
I've installed them but I will not port another. The metal is junk.

 

Hi
How can you visually tell a Chinese cylinder from an OEM one?
I’m thinking about buying an OEM cylinder on eBay to have it bored out, but I’d like to avoid ending up with a cheap Chinese one