Originally Posted by ludeboom
i hardly think the rods will be your main concern with the rev limit. the head, especially a SOHC head is going to have trouble getting the job done. you will probably pop a spring before 8000, maybe lower.
~boom
Ooops, good catch on that. I saw the headwork and just kinda filled in springs and cams myself I guess.
I'd still be tempted to swap the rods because with all the port work, he won't need to open the engine again to install new valve springs and cams.
Originally Posted by lingerbw
6 or 7K would be plenty for me! What exactly happens when you "pop" a spring? Thanks for your replies, too, boom. I really appreciate you guys taking me to school before I do this.
Usually you'll just float a valve. That happens when your engine is spinning too fast and the spring isn't stiff enough to pull the valve back up before the piston comes up. Usually results in bent valves at best or total destruction of the engine at worst. (Piston trashes valve, valve head falls off, puts a hole in piston, then kablooie.)
Originally Posted by lingerbw
I have, and will follow the instructions in, the Helm manual, but is there anything complicated about pulling the pistons? I've never been inside the bottom end of a motor before, but it seems like I would just pull the pan, unbolt the rods, turn the crank (or just push the pistons up), and voila, out come the pistons. Is it that easy?
I think the Helms suggests pushing the pistons and rods out with the handle of a hammer.