MAS Tequila

Actually, mine was Ford circle track flat top pistons.

The Chevy slugs worked with a different con rod combination.

Unless you're dropping $4-5000 in your build, this is not an option.

You will need to buy a set of eight custom racing pistons.

After riding my 2016 FLHP, I can tell you definitively that you are not going to surprise the newer bikes.

It's like trying to outrun an LS or Coyote powered vehicle with an old small block, it just ain't gonna happen.

I hate to rain on your parade, but you'll be better off putting in the parts you have plus a MS transmission gearset.

A stock MS is right around 60hp, to get it anywhere near 100 hp will cost an easy $4500+.

My 103 with mild head work and cams dyno'd at 109hp and 134 ft lbs, and the newer designs get there even easier.

Indian is putting a 100hp engine in a Scout nowadays.

Build it, ride it, enjoy it, but keep your goals attainable.

Hi MAS, hope all is good down in FL. I recall you mentioned in other posts about Chevy short block pistons for the 1600? I have the heads/cams/throttle body/injectors/gear set from a 1500 Mean Streak that are going into the VN1600 Classic engine I am tearing down to fix 2nd gear. I am basically a parts swapper kind of home taught mechanic, I have very good understanding of engines, just not the machinist type of background for engines. So would it be reasonable to install Chevy pistons into my engine build to slightly up the compression ratio? Would it be worth the effort, and if so, what would I really gain from it? My 1600 already has all the smog crap gone, it has a Baron intake, V&H True Duals exhaust and a Power Commander. I just want a strong reliable 1600 with enough punch to surprise much larger newer bikes.

Hi. I'd guess you've seen my MS front wheel installation on my 03 Classic. It's functional, and from 10' looks stock, but could be better. I need to make another two set of caliper mounts, two each LH and RH. If you have some sets to sell I'd be interested.

For now, I can ride the bike as is. But I need to position the calipers a bit better; closer to the disc at the removable pin end, and out from the disc more at the fixed pin end. Plus I need to revise the mounts to move each caliper outboard about 5/16" to 3/8". That will be a winter project along with all the other mods I'm planning.
Andy VH

I have a ‘99 Kawasaki VN1500G (Vulcan Nomad). I bought a newer engine to do a complete swap because the plastic oil pump gear in the old one stripped, I kept riding and ruined even more of the engine. It turns out that the new engine is a 2003- 1600cc FI (fuel injected). Im not interested in scrapping or selling the bike (as so many have suggested).

I’m looking for as much information on making the new engine work for my bike. The bike is currently at Church Street Cycles in Pickerington, Ohio, and unfortunately, they just don’t have enough knowledge around this specific bike to complete the job in a timely fashion and cost efficiently.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Hey MAS, will be coming down at Daytona this year, was thinking about picking it up and shipping it when I come down there....
How much?

Sorry, I just replied to a 2 year old message that I never saw until it popped up this morning.

Hi Mate am confused LOL ??????

Steve

Question for you. Because I plan to convert my VN1600 Classic to more of a Nomad and I plan to design/fab my own exhaust/mufflers, would a rear head from the VN88 work on a 03 Classic block? With the rear cylinder exhaust port to the left rear the header routing would be kinda similar to some Harleys for the dual mufflers.