1979 GS1000 Turbo Build

[Kitten Tooth]

I used to have an account here way back when. In the days of being 14 and having my 1982 GS300L. Its been years since I sold that bike and got a KZ1000 but i FINALLY got myself another Suzuki to work on. I want to build a drag bike and turbocharging is all i've been reading about lately. I have at my disposal 2 engines out of 1979 GS1000s. Not sure exactly what model they are (S, L, etc.). Both are missing some parts and one supposedly has bent valves. I intend to split the cases and do a complete rebuild on one, using the other for spare parts. My turbo of choice is a T04E. It will be drawing through an S&S Super E carb and blowing into a plenum that I intend to make myself. I tracked down some forged pistons through GSZone. Ill have the crank welded and the gearbox back cut. I also intend to use a lockup clutch. Im shooting for way more than 12psi of boost.

My questions are: How strong are the stock rods? Where can I find forged rods should the stock ones not be strong enough? What is the purpose of an outboard starter? I see those alot on the old drag bikes and never understood why. Will a 16 valve GS1100 head fit my GS1000?

I don't have either frame that the motors came out of.. What i do have is a 1976 KZ400 rolling chassis. Ill do mock up and see how well the engine sits in there and brace things up as necessary. This build is all from scratch and I can't wait to get started. Ill be more than happy to record the whole build on here too. Any help is very much appreciated.

Thanks guys,
KT

 

[rapidray]

The 16 valve head will NOT fit the 8 valve engines. You will be LOTS better off if you use a 16 valve 1100 or 1150 engine. Loads of hot rod parts for them where the 8 valve not so much. You will be happy you switched!! I race and build them if you want to know how to make them live.
Ray.

 

[Guest]

A 1000 or 1100 in a 450 frame, plus a turbo. Now that's stuffing. Not sure how well that's going to work, I would think the narrow down tubes of the 450 frame would be in the same location as the header down pipes. Is this going to be a street bike or strictly track?

 

[GregT]

Well the KZ400 was a bit overbuilt and heavy for a 400....But I wouldn't use it for a big turbo. Narrow rear fork will be a problem amongst other things.

I agree with Ray - find a 16V engine. Much better for a turbo IMO.