VF1000F 84 engine swap for VF1000F 85

I have an opportunity to get a good VF1000F 85 engine and would like to know if I will have any problem installing it in my VF1000F 84 (both are Canadian versions, like me). Need to change the cam chains of my 106000 kms engine and though a 30000 kms 85 engine is a better deal.

I could not find any 85 part manual to know if they are compatible. I think mounting points are not a problem but I found that the Carburetor ID for the two years are different (vf1000f.com). Anyone did this swap or know which parts of 85 are required with the engine (CDI?, carbs?). Thanks.

 

engine swap

I'm kind of in the same boat as you. The 85 gear driven cam engines are wider and different than the 84 chain cam engines. It is not a direct fit. The rear valve cover will sqeeze tight against the frame and you will no longer be able to remove the valve cover with the engine in the frame. Also there is 2 more engine mount points on the front heads that are not on the F frame. You will need to weld those engine mounts to your frame. :crazy: The advantages of putting an 85 motor in, is it is a more reliable motor and more horse power. The disadvantage is it is 40 lbs heavier and all the work involved to get it to work. And yes, you will have to use a CDI from an 85 motor and adapt the wiring harness to work, plus do some minor mods to get the radiator hose points to fit. the 84 has the frame cooling system on the left the 85 on the right. It is doable, but not easy.

 

Also, the carbs have different part numbers but look the same to me.

 

just as I was about to take the plunge and do the swap, i found a local guy on craigslist selling an 84 with a good motor no title, so as fate would have it I am just keeping it the same. I am however going to modify the extra 84 frame I will now have to fit the R motor. I know down the road I will need to do this, as the gear driven cam motor is a better design and easier to come by.

 

The F frame has some clearance issues, but it can be done. One of the biggest concerns would be that once in place the R engine would not be able to have the rear cam cover removed. Do a valve adjustment before it goes in the frame!

Good luck!

 

Is there anyway for the frame to b modified?

 

Yes, Tom has done this before. It took a lot of work though. I'd say it would be easier to just plan on an engine removal at each valve adjustment interval. Over the life of the bike I think you would be ahead of the game that way!

 

It seems I just created another thread 1000R in 1000F Thanks you all my American friend for your reply but my question was more for my Canadian or European friends. I am talking about an engine from a 1000F 85, not a 1000R (was not a typo). Yes we had a VF1000F 85 model in Canada and it was a chain driven cam. I think it was also sold in Europe and I know it was not in the US. Thanks again.