I am looking for alot of input in this one guys.I Have a dilemma. I have my 87 engine that i could just put a new sleave in to get running again but i just baught an 88 engine that is brand new from the original owner of a 88 lt250r. he scuffed the piston in 89 so instead of buying a piston and honeing it he baught a whole new engine for his. "nice to have that kind of money laying around." So here is my question for you guys that know alot of these machine. Whitch one is the better motor to run with and why? thanks

 

If everything worked the way it should in the real world the 88 motor should have more power than the 87. The reason for this is a better head (squish), better porting (exhaust and slight intake), and the better flowing reed valve. Some people argue about the smaller reed valve but if it is worse why did they use the same on the 500? Both motors (87 & 88+) are good, I doubt you can really notice a difference. If you budget allows rebuild both! It's always good to have a spare!

That's my 2 cents.