Hello all,
Is the suzuki GSXR1000 motor, a strong reliable motor when used in a lightweight car? Any other of the GSXR1000 motors better suited ie the later K3 onwards

One more question, which model did they start using the second set of injectors type injection?

Cheers
David

K1 and K2 are essentially identical, auto choke (fast idle) on K2 TB's manual on K1. 16Bit ECU, pintel injectors. K3 and K4 are identical to one another, 32Bit ECU, membrane injectors. Externally, there's one less mounting lug on the K3-4 head than the earlier engines. K5 went twin-rail injectors, but again, externally (as far as getting it in the brick) it's not significantly different (airbox slants with the change in inlet angles over the earlier engines). K5-6 have more power, more revs and are rather good. All engines wire up beautifully.

Reliable? Depends. I'm talking rubbish, as I'm sure everyone will say, but if you take any heed of this, it may help. They are not reliable, they are however, great engines in the car.

If you're going on a track, dry sump it. If you don't No.2 mains and No. 3 crank bearing will turn purple and melt. A *brief* track on road tyres is a grey area, any track on slicks is a dry sump. If you need a dry sump, I have a spare fitted but never used complete Nova setup in as-new condition (obviously). Won't be locost.

Gearboxes are strong.

The clutch and basket won't take too much abuse, they'll slip. The clutch basket will explode if you start tuning. Billet and lock-up clutches are the answer. Not locost.

Early K1-2 survive boring to 1070, stroking to 1143. Later K3-K4 aren't as reliable (internal differences in the block). Carillo rods and single piece valves are essential. Even Carillo rods aren't bombproof (see my avatar). Usual things like heavy crankcase studs are essential. K5's don't take to boring and stroking with reliability.

The GSXR750 is a good engine too, don't dismiss it. My so equipped Westfield upset many far more powerful machinery on the sprint scene

Stick with Yamaha and Honda for reliability.

Honda. Honda. Honda.

Interesting on the reliability front - how would you rate kawasaki in your experience? I must say my 5VY Yam R1 has been rock solid...

Thanks for the very detailed reply motorcycle_mayhem,

I'm particularly interested the reliability of the GSXR1000 in stock form, I wouldn't be tuning them other than a powercomander and free flowing exhaust and filter. Reading your detailed reply would seem to suggest the K2~K4 would probably suit my needs best with some attention to the sump/baffle area.

You say:
Stick with Yamaha and Honda for reliability.

But I think you currently have a thread wanting a new gearbox for your Yamaha R1?

My choice is the GSXR1000 up to K4 or the Yamaha R1 up to 2004 carb 4XV or injection 5JJ/5PW which would be best?

Cheers
David

[Edited on 3/4/12 by Minicooper]

I'd say from personal experience Kawasaki's are built like brick sh*thouses & last forever providing they have oil & water in them!

One thing I forgot to mention is the engine will be in it's correct orientation which I understand can help with oil/sump issues

Cheers
David

You don't need to dry sump a GSXR1000, there's a modified wet sump available from Rilltech Racing in the States well proven in DSR racing over there where they're on slicks with wings etc and pulling up to 2-3g. Paul Rogers is running one in his Contour in RGB.

The Ebay gearbox for the R1 turned out to be exceptionally good, it's going in the engine later today.

The 5VY is pretty much indestructible, it'll take enormous abuse and survive. However, it's possible to always give it far too much... out of all the engines though, these and the Blades have been immensely reliable.

Told you I was talking nonsense though, as BobM says, you don't need a dry sump on a GSXR1000.