ID a GS1000SZ engine?

[Guest]

I went to look at an engine today - seller claims it is from an 82 Katana.

Very clean, damage free and (supposedly) low mileage engine - and the price is right. The pad above the clutch cover is stamped GS10X- and the cc rating on the front of the cylinder shows 998. It's visually identical to the engine in my 82 Kat, with one exception; the valve cover has provision for a mechanical tach (it is not blocked off like the one on my Kat).

Could it be from some other Suzuki model?

Any way to know for sure it's a GS1000SZ engine?

[gs scott]

GS10X- is correct.
998 cc is correct.
The valve cover tach connection has a plug that can be removed, and simply might be missing. A check of the dealer fiche says the part is still available (and the gasket that goes with it.)

As far as I know, the 82 Kat is the only 1000cc air cooled 16 valve motor ever made. And of course, inside is where the special stuff is...that's where you confirm it is a Kat engine (con rods, reinforced cases..same for 82 1100 Kats, but GS110X- for them)

[steve murdoch]

Ray was recently mentioning about early Kat engines having a 20 bolt valve cover.
My post clearly shows my lack of knowledge about Kats.

[pontiacstogo]

GS10X- is correct.
998 cc is correct.
The valve cover tach connection has a plug that can be removed, and simply might be missing. A check of the dealer fiche says the part is still available (and the gasket that goes with it.)

Excellent - many thanks. I've had a basket case Kat sitting around for several years. I might finally be able to turn it into an actual motorcycle...

[Johnny Drummond]

Hi mate, according to the haynes manual (an english version of the clymer repair manuals) the frame numbers for the '81-'84 GSX1100SZ kat begins GS10X 500001.So if the engine has GS10X you have a Kat engine.Johnny

[pontiacstogo]

I went back to look at this engine again today - definitely a Kat engine based on the information everyone gave me (many thanks).

I found some damage that I didn't see on the initial inspection - scrape and small missing chunk of case at the bottom of the points cover area. Engine turns over freely and there are no other damaged areas that I can see. The points cover is awol but everything else seems to be there.

Is $500 a fair price for this thing?

[Ghostgs1]

Sounds a bit high, but dpends on condition and how bad you want it. Ray

[Suzuki mad]

At $500 I winced with some damage to the engine. Does it come with carbs? Its down to what you want to pay at the end of the day.

[gs scott]

Hi,
Not sure if you picked up the engine yet or not - but a couple things to think about.

1. $500 isn't unreasonable for a GSX engine in good shape.
2. When was the last time you saw a Katana engine for sale?