I am looking at buying a Quadzilla basket case. It has a new engine (fresh rebuild with $750 in reciepts into it).

I don't mind the basket case part since i want to rebuild it from the ground up anyway. What I really need is to know what to look for to verifiy what year quad it is. I want an 88 or newer. If it is an 87 I am not interested since the majority of parts do not seem to be made for the 87 model year. Also the other years have some interchangeability of parts.

This is the serial number off the frame JSAAM11A5H2105391 at least that is what it looks like. Can anyone tell me where else to look on the parts and which numbers indicate what .

THanks!

 

88-90 front upper a arm looks like a v 2 mount points . 2 bolts
87 upper a arm triangle 1 long bar on top 1 bolt .

engine 88 7 head studs
87 6 head studs

eaisest way to tell .

 

In the frame's serial #:

H is a 1987
J is a 1988
K is a 1989
L is a 1990

 

Most parts between all quadzillas are interchangeable. Also, the motor of the 87 is suppose to be the most powerful, however only having 6 head studs. But as long as the compression isn't too high. your fine.

 

I run high compression and NOS and the stock head stud's,as long as everything is flat where they meet (head to jug)you should'nt blow head gasket's.

 

Zuke

Is yours a 87 or a later modle

 

SO is the 87 just as good as the later years? I was reading that they made a few changes to the 88 and later ones and not all parts are interchangeable. An 87 is a specific parts quad. as in the 87 has parts that will NOT interchange with an 88. I also see alot of aftermarket stuff listed as 88 - 90.

My concern is that it will make parts harder to get and make it harder to upgrade. What are your comments. I still like the idea of having a Quadzilla and taking the time to build it right.

Thanks for all the comments. And it looks like it is an 87 with all matching parts so far.

This is basically the vision i have for it.

Awesome Quadzilla Build Up

 

Ice, the biggest issue I've seen with the aftermarket goodies, is the reed cage goodies... the 88+ shares the same cage as the 250's so the manufacturers produce products for them... but nobody seems to make anything for the '87. Not that it's a big issue, as I run the stock cage/petals as they don't have any flow issues anyway.

Otherwise, I wouldn't even hesitate to get an '87... in fact, that's the only year I'll buy.

Oh, one other recomendation: The ultimate qz rebuild that you posted...Mr dune used Tudors perf. to do portwork, etc. on the motor itself.... Buyer beware! You might do a little search on here and see what others have to say about them before letting them do any work for you...
I've had a very limited dealing with him, and he's not a very pleasant guy to work with... very pompus attitude.

Just be careful who you use if you don't plan on doing your motor work yourself.

My $.02

 

Thanks to All

I think I have convinced myself to get it. I just liked the overall design of that quad. I dont plan on porting or anything until i up the handling and get used to it first. I just really liked alot of the mods they did and how it turned out,. I am gonna give the parts a once over again tonight and more than likely take it and then it will be time to rebuild it!