Anyone hear any latest news on the Bill Blue 350 kit?

 

He has run his test engine through 3 heat cycles, and is now testing it. So far, it runs great! He will test it for another 100 miles or so and then make them available soon.

 

Baker, Jo Ann & I took the bikes out today rode 110.5 miles we now have 117.0 miles on the 351 kit we run them up to 6,000 RPM after 80 miles, runs great seems to have very good power Will go to the dino shop tomorrow to see when he caan run the bike.
Later

 

Awesome update Bill. I asume the same cylinder swap applies for this kit as well? I will include extra cylinders for mine and my friends with the motor I send you.

 

That's fantastic news! I'm ready to start pulling my cylinder to send you. Just let us know when they will be available.

 

My question is:

Is this new big bore so far out on the edge that it should be considered a race motor?

Is this thing really going to be reliable enough to put 5,000, or 10,000, or 15,000 miles on it? Is it going to be able to sustain several thrashing out on the trail?

i would like to see pictures of the jug with the new sleeve from the top.

 

If I remember from talking to Bill, he had them make the 351 piston as close to the same weight as the 300 piston, and he said there was very little "buzz" in the bars, so the weight must be pretty close. That said, the only issue I could foresee would be cooling, which could be solved with an oil cooler install. That is what they do over here in Japan all the time on big bore bikes. As has been previously stated elsewhere, this bike is the same engine as the 300, and they have been big boring and racing that one for a long time. It should last for several years of hard riding at least, after that I would be ready for a rebuild anyway.

 

The other problem besides cooling maybe due to the increase of circumference is rocking of the piston due to skirt design. i don't foresee these as problems due to compression ratios and stock skirt lengths. I'm sure hes keeping these close to stock. and another point whats $ 400-500 every few years if that is the life expectancy. I have a 340 and alot more compression and a short skirt and after 3,000 miles these are still within spec.
I wouldn't worry about these thing, this little motor is pretty robust and takes mods well I've had mine apart more times then I can count and its real solid.

 

You mentioned at a point in the past that you had some concerns that you were to look into about the Mikuni Carb. Any problems there? (I already have your carb now, can I use it with the 351?.)

 

I installed a water temp guage in the left side radiator to see what the temp goes to so far it has only went to 175 Deg. The sleeve should live for a lot of miles with no problem.
So far the TM33/34 mikuni carb seems to be working well I will find out more Monday afternoon I will be running the bike on the Dino I will post the results.