VintageVmax.com

Just retired this past winter and I am able to find time to do somethings I have been wanting to do for a long time, this is one of them. I always wondered how the Vmax would run if it was a reed valve engine so I decided to build one and find out. I am using two cylinders from a 97 Vmax 600 along with pistons and the head. In order to make the cylinders fit I had to make a plate to raise the cylinders so the ports would not be partially blocked when the piston is at bottom dead center. I also had to cut the piston skirt so the piston would not hit the crank at bottom dead center. The bolt pattern had to be widened as well. The head was the trickiest part as I had to cut it in half and weld in a 25mm piece of aluminum to widen it to fit the cylinders as the 540 has a wider crank then the 600, also I had to weld in a piece of aluminum inside the head so the water would flow around and not just short circuit though the inside of the head that was widened. I plan on finding some 96 600 carbs to start with as well as add booster ports in the intake side of the cylinders. I still have a lot of work to do and figure out so I will continue to post the progress as I get it done.

Fun!

Nice project Jeff, love to see something outside the box.

Unreal, I am impressed, you certainly did not take the easier road and install a 94-96 Vmax 600 !

Have had a little time lately to work on this. I have a little more machine work to do and then I should be ready for a trial assembly. Here are a few more pictures. Added some ports to the intake, polished the exhaust port and increased the boost hole in the piston. Had to widen the head 25mm, and also had to extend the divider inside the head so the coolant wouldn't short circuit though the head and not down the cylinders and up & out the other side. I will keep you posted as I go.

Any updates Jeff? Looking at mine, Perry and I were talking, IF we could spread out the bolts a little wider, we could go to a triple ex port. Might chase that a little further over winter

Still have a little work to do on it, but hope to have running in a couple of weeks. Haven't had a lot of time to work on it lately, buzy with other things. Will update when I get it finished and running.

Finished up the engine and installed it into the sled this weekend. Just need to get a throttle cable and widen the boost bottle. Looks like i will have to use K&N filters as there isn't room for the air box. Will find a new mounting place for the coil as well. Planing on firing it up this coming weekend. Getting excited about getting it running. I will try and get an air box to work, but for now I will run filters.

Got in running this weekend. Started right up and no problems so far. Can't wait to get it on the snow. Check out the video.https://youtu.be/dVK_j1gzgPM

Come on Jeff, find a grass drags out there somewhere, I waiting to hear how it does

Had the sled out last weekend for the first time. I haven't got the carbs or clutching straight yet but so far very pleased. It has a lot more bottom end then I thought and it just keeps on pulling. The jetting is close but still on the rich side, exhaust temps only about 1050 degrees. I know I can add at least 2 grams more weights in the clutch, I will work on it some more this week end.

Did you have to angle the engine more to get the carbs to clear?, I'm putting a 617 in my drag sled chassis and had to change everything up front to get the carbs to clear the tunnel and steering post. Got that close now, waiting for new rear skid to be finished, all wheels no slides.

BTW, made some small changes to my 83 V Max, had new domes made, now has 15.5/1 and I can't pull the rope when its cold LOL, little more port work. Never got it out again during grass season, hopefully going to NSSR race Feb 8th with it.