Fin repair - dual carb head

[Fast 58 BSA]

In my quest for building the ultimate a10 I acquired the much talked about dual carb alloy head some time ago. It is in desparate need of som fin repair, though. I found this guy on EBay offering fin repair (see link). Anyone have any experience with his repair services? Or better yet, can anyone recommend a skilled shop for this type of work? I am based in Norway, but can ship the piece to UK or Europe. Any ideas of typical cost for this repair? On large fin and two smaller pieces broken off.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BSA-cylinder-head-repaired-/320880179898?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item4ab5f2faba#ht_802wt_922

[Rocket Racer]

You really should be looking for a good local alloy welder. Talk to your local clubs, doesnt need to be BSAOC, any vintage, racing or car club for a reference.

Personally I would not consider shipping offshore.

I run a twin port head on my racer. Don't know if it makes 1 iota of difference but suspect it may be better over 5000rpm but it certainly looks very bling with a pair of amal 10TT9 carbies wink2

[Fast 58 BSA]

Rocket Racer,
A local welder would absolutely be the best. I'll do some checking with the local clubs.  Yes, there is definitely a bling factor with the dual carb head (I got the 67-1106), performancewise I am not sure about any serious gains. I will be running monoblocs, 357 cam, lightened valvetrain, and 9,5:1 pistons. Not a racer, but hopefully a modest powergain over the meager 34 hp in the standard version

[Rocket Racer]

You're going to need some decent fuel to avoid knocking on 9.5:1, might even pay to run a race gas blend. - manual timing advance would be useful.
A mate runs a 357 in his single carb iron motor on the road with flattops (7:1) and its very smooth. My race bikes on 8:1 and very tractable, runs through to 7500 effortlessly.
What size monoblocks? would pay not to oversize as you end up losing air/gas velocity. Nothing wrong with small ports.
But very hard to put metal back once someones opened the ports up. 

Might even pay to ring round some local engine reconditioners to see if they can recommend an alloy welder who might work with an old engine.
 

[Fast 58 BSA]

You don't think 9,5:1 pistons would be ok on premium gas (98 octane)? The forged omegas are they 9:1? Pistons aren't bought yet, so any tips are very welcome . I have a matched pair 389/689, 1 1/8". That's just over 28,5mm bore size. Pretty big, but I think they should work ok, given the right jetting and some careful port matching....

[Rocket Racer]

9:1 was as high as BSA fitted to the final RGS models and late super rockets. The earlier 40hp road rockets got by with 8:1 and a single 27mm carb.
High compression tends to make engines fussier. You may be fine with 9.5:1, but wouldnt be my first choice.
A pair of 28.5mm carbs will be ample for road use.
Having previously raced a norton; Paul Dunstalls norton tuning guide quotes the maximum carb size for a 650ss racer as 30mm (twin carbs).
I'm not familiar with the Omega's, but would certainly be looking to keep my pistons light, as adding reciprocating weight doesn't make an engine smooth. If you ever get your hands on some 2nd hand genuine BSA 8:1 pistons you will notice how light they are. May be worth considering radiusing the pistons on the sides to lighten
Did you mention what o/s you are looking for?

[Fast 58 BSA]

Yeah, weight is an issue. I do not know how much the omegas weigh compared to oems. Cylinder is bored .40. The bores look fine, no scoring. Just a little light honing would probably suffice.

 Btw, do you have any thoughts on manifold length? There are manifolds available, but I am considering having some made up for a better fit. Longer manifold increases gas velocity, no? How much low end power does one sacrifice with longer manifold? Is it well worth to have a balance pipe between them?

[Rocket Racer]

My initial thought would be to get some wiseco's from Cake Street Classics.
Personally I wont touch JP pistons with a barge pole. Don't have an opinion on GPM, Mondial or Omega.
I always keep my eyes open for old stock at swap meets. Quite often find bare genuine BSA pistons- either 8:1 (top looks a bit like a shallow volcano). or 9:1 (which have round top).

http://www.a7a10.net/forum/index.php?topic=2313.0

[Fast 58 BSA]

Thanks for the valuable info. If I can figure how to attach some images, I'll post some of the head

[Fast 58 BSA]

Hi all,
Here are finally some pics of the patient; the 67-1106. Aquired it on ebay a few years back. In need of some serious TLC. Will be rebuilt with 1.5" intake valves, race springs, ported w/dual 1 1/8 matched 389/689 monoblocs. BTW, any good suggestions for removing seized sparkplugs?

[Rocket Racer]

Just a word of caution, those early heads (and that looks like the 500 head) weren't designed for 1.5" valves.
I big valved my own race twin port head (a previous owner had ported it to 30mm ) and although with a plasticene build had clearance, in practice I had valve clipping issues and had to have the exhaust seats reduced so I could fit smaller exhaust valves. (I bent several valves)
I don't have the measurements to hand but recall my big inlets were more like 1.454 rather than 1.5"
I would suggest you run it with smaller valves and keep the ports on the small side if a road motor.
Opening up ports reduces flow at lower throttle settings. Big ports are for race motors where the throttle is wide open all the time...
Sort out the fins,
make sure your valves, collets, guides and springs fit.
But once you start opening up ports and valve sizes, its very hard to put the metal back and you may find it goes very well without the big valves.

[Fast 58 BSA]

Could be that I am wrong , but looking at the head and measuring the chamber diameter (70mm) it should be for the 650? Also referenced this site http://atlanticgreen.com/a10dph.htm where my head has the cast in 67-1106, not stamped 6 over number 2 as per converted A7 heads. Then again, I am wrong more often than I am right , so some extra checking is probably in order. Flow is another issue, though and maybe SR intake valve is good enough? I am not planning on any massive porting, primarily blending the port openings to match custom manifolds and lightly massaging the inlet tracts. Decisions, decisions....I'd like to hear more pros and cons regarding the big valve conversion. Perhaps start another thread for that....

First thing first, fins must be repaired

[trevinoz]

Your head is a 650 type.
It is most likely a late production head for the "speed kit" offered in the U.S. as there doesn't appear to be a date code cast near the number.
Probably the way to get the seized plugs out is a lot of heat on the plug and patience. If you destry the thread, it can be repaired. Don't forget to lubricate as you go.

  Trev.

[Rocket Racer]

apologies, didnt pay enough attention, nor check the casting numbers. yes 650...

Nothing wrong with small valves, or small ports, or small carbs.

[bonny]

apologies, didnt pay enough attention, nor check the casting numbers. yes 650...

Nothing wrong with small valves, or small ports, or small carbs.

Didn't the british industry go a bit overboard with valve and port sizes ? i know triumph 650's for instance had a much larger port and valve size in their late 60's machines compared to the models from the late 50's, but weren't nearly as fast, i have been told this is down to overporting/valving.