couple of engine questions for the project bike...

[ERM83]

which engine is the best in your collective opinion?? I THOUGHT I read that the '78 was the strongest, but then think I read that the '80 with a '79 head/cams was good for performance??? I'm trying to make a preemptive strike on research for this build...it's going to take a LOT of research, but I wanted to start with the power plant. I'm NOT NOT NOT cutting into the frame...NO WAY. Making a trip home (Pennsylvania) in June, so I'm not starting on the build until then. Need to save for the trip!

Also, anyone ever used a battery eliminator / kick only kit (mike's xs)?? I want to lightweight the bike as much as possible. I had another thread about this, so I have an idea as to how to strip some weight.

As always, THANK YOU ALL for the advice, and setting me straight!!

Eric

[DiverRay]

The '78 IS the strongest engine for a few reasons. The total advance is greater, and although the engine was designed to run on REGULAR GAS, it still made good HP for the time. The '80 up engines have slightly larger valves, and a slightly bigger dome on the pistons to make up for the larger head.
IMHO, best engine is the '78 with an RC Engineering big bore kit. They need to run PREMIUM GAS, because of the raised compression, and go like stink!! I know of one bike locally that has that engine in it, and it's FAST, even if it is a '79! The other way to get more HP is with a turbo, but that takes a LOT of engineering so you don't blow the engine.
If you want to mix, just get a set of '80 jugs with good pistons and rings, and put that in a '78 engine with the cams and advance.