Hi Guys, been through every post on the forum since I got my first ATV 2 weeks ago. '87 LT230S. Runs great! But smokes real bad. My son in-law has 2 Honda 300ex's. One an '04 and the other a '98 that we just overbored. And the only way he gets away from me is on the top end. Lookin to rebuild. Would like opinions on Overbore vs Big Bore with a stage 1 cam. Worried about heat with Big Bore and stock cooling fins. Will be doing a few " things " to the head. What about a 28mm carb? Necessary? May widen the stance a little, but like the wheel base,it's so nimble. What about exhaust? Lookin for reliability and fun on the trails with maybe a little juice. Been a mechanic most of my life but just got exposed to ATV's.

Thanks,
mmzuki

 

hey,i can pick up a lt 250s in need of an engine job, for $150. how much better is the250 than the 230 cause i could just swap my motor for the broken one right?

 

isn't the 250 a 2 stroke?

 

no the 250s is the successor to the 230s, you are thinking of the 250r

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: quadsport230

hey,i can pick up a lt 250s in need of an engine job, for $150. how much better is the250 than the 230 cause i could just swap my motor for the broken one right?</end quote></div>

The 250 is light years better than the 230 in every way! I'm spending $1000's just to make my 230 a 250.

 

Randy, You say " Many ". I'm new to ATV's. Can you name a few. Just bought a Big Bore and exhaust for my 3 week old 230. Lookin for more tips.

Thanks

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: MMZUKI

Hi Guys, been through every post on the forum since I got my first ATV 2 weeks ago. '87 LT230S. Runs great! But smokes real bad. My son in-law has 2 Honda 300ex's. One an '04 and the other a '98 that we just overbored. And the only way he gets away from me is on the top end. </end quote></div>

That's because the carbs on the newer quads leave a lot to be desired.... and the new ones are HEAVY!


<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Lookin to rebuild. Would like opinions on Overbore vs Big Bore with a stage 1 cam. Worried about heat with Big Bore and stock cooling fins. </end quote></div>

That's a well founded concern you have there. Its up to you... I'm going big bore myself. Its only a little bit more money. The thing you must be sure of; however, is that your rod is in good condition. There have already been 2 guys post pics on this thread with a rod sticking thru the case! One had a big bore, the other just a standard bore. Not only will the rod fly apart, but a loose rod will wear your new bore job out in less than a year. So, you'll probably need to send your crank off for a new rod. The cost is $130. Let me know if you need details.


<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Will be doing a few " things " to the head. What about a 28mm carb? Necessary?</end quote></div>

Its a good thing to have. I can notice a power increase above the stock 26mm. Whether a 32 is better, I have yet to try and see. If you do get the TM28, better post back for how to tune the dog-gone thing! Its a pain.

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>May widen the stance a little, but like the wheel base,it's so nimble.</end quote></div>

That will change once you widen it. Better plan on +4 on the swingarm. Shoot for 46 or 47 inches on the a-arms and slightly less for the back axle. 20 inch tires on back and 23's in front. Its an excellent combo! Also, redrill and saw off the top rear shock mount so the rear sets down 1 extra inch. Makes going down hills less nerve wrecking and doesn't affect going up hills. Also, cornering is easier.

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>What about exhaust? </end quote></div>

Leave it stock, but remove the bolts from the bottom of the muffler.

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Lookin for reliability and fun on the trails with maybe a little juice. Been a mechanic most of my life but just got exposed to ATV's. </end quote></div>

The 230 will need a lot of re-engineering.... So, be prepared. However, its has a lot going for it in the "fun" department and I guess that's what keeps us all going.

Priority #1 is re-engineer the swingarm bearings (or at the very least put new bearings in)! Also, get a new chain. A cheap chain is good, but a new one is a must! Also, be sure you have a good case-saver and consider getting a spring-loaded chain tensioner. About 90% of all 230s have cracked case from the chain coming off! 99% have bad swingarm bearings... which causes the chain to come off and crack the case.

Oh, while we're on the subject of chains, everybody seems to agree the 13/39 sprockets with 20 inch rear tires is a decent combo. (actually, I favor a 13/38, but can't find a 38, so I run 14/41... which is a bit too high still). 4th gear is the big problem with the 230. The 1989 and 1990 250s corrected the bad 4th gear. In the 230 the jump between 3rd and 4th is too great. The 250 is better.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: MMZUKI

Randy, You say " Many ". I'm new to ATV's. Can you name a few. Just bought a Big Bore and exhaust for my 3 week old 230. Lookin for more tips.



Thanks</end quote></div>

You mean the 230 and 250 differences???

The 250 has better shocks, wider stance, longer rod, a straight exhaust port, bigger intake valve, wider swingarm (better bearings), better clutch (extra disk), ummm,,,, I don't know,,, the list goes on and on. Basically, its like suzuki polled all the 230 owners and addressed their concerns in the 250s. The 250 is about everything you'd want to do to your 230.... almost.

 

I do love a challenge! Already errored. Guy I got " MMZUKI " from must have ran the street alot. Tires had 0 tread. Put 22" on the back last week. I read the thread on using a piece of an old swing arm to lengthen. Is that " THE WAY "? You mentioned better bearing setup. Got ideas or pics? I also like to reinvent things.

Thanks Again.

 

Also when I get the big bore ready I was going to put a new rod on my crank, and all new bearings. Good idea? You mentioned sending the crank off. Why? I see another error. My new cobra pipe will also be here tomorrow.