Great video! Very detailed and thorough. I'm glad to see people doing stuff like this for the lt500r community. Compared to other quads, lt500r content is in a drought. So this video is very appreciated!! Thank you!
Outstanding overhaul video for the legendary Quadzilla LT500 engine. Judging by all the comments, your contribution to the Quadzuilla community was overdue. I think your commentary and video was outstanding, the best I've seen for any rebuild or any engine. Thank you!
On the Suzuki LT500 you should always have brass inserts machined into the cases. They are really hard on crank bearings. Also the crank should be put into the case that holds the crankshaft the crank from walking back and forth. Just my opinion.
Man you are good at talking in front of camera. Quality stuff, hope you make some money at it. I bought my 88 Zilla new in 87, still have it. Done a lot of zilla engine builds. Some advice. Base gasket likes to leak right below reed valve area, where the case halves meet (I dress mine with blue dye and large knife sharpening stone). You can buy rubberized steal "no-blow" base gaskets pretty cheap. Also I always do a 6 psi for 6 minutes pressure test before tear down, and especially after assembly. The exhaust drum valve will leak (normal), and the reeds love to leak, as well as base gasket. Duncan Racing did my porting (I bought the National Kit). The web page has incredible info (technical section) about building a 500 zilla engine, Kiehin jetting, and loads of useful info. I rode mine stock for 18 years, strong like a diesel. I got the national kit...holy crap, it became a flying carpet, rarely touching the ground....must have been double the hp.
What's up Mike? Just wanted to commend you on your unscripted technical knowledge and mechanical abilities. So uncommon in the millennial age group it seems. Your hands tell the truth and 99% accurate when deciphering who's channel I am going to sub to. I'm 57 and have been wrenching as a professional in aviation, automotive, marine, and of course motorcycles since the age of 15. Its great to watch you work so fluidly through the inherent problems associated with dissimilar metal corrosion to general assembly on motorcycles. You have the gift brother, keep it up!
I don’t just mean for the Zilla all ur videos are extremely beneficial to watch I can’t tell you everything I’ve learned watching your channel man so thanks for them all
Thank you so much your trx250r video helped me alot and I just pick up a 87 Zilla there's not that many videos out there I subbed your channel keep making videos very nice work
Ya man, been wondering about this vid haha. Looks Lee's daunting then I thought. I've had a couple chances to trade off one of my shees for a zilla and I haven't pulled trigger. I may though. I'm subbed to jsr also. He's a quadracer gooroo big time. Builds super clean builds!!! Nice job on the motor bro!!!
Thank you man. Don't be scared to build one of these; they're really not that bad, especially if you leave it on the stock side; biggest thing is surfacing all of your mating surfaces on the Quad Racers. JSR and I may do a collab in the future 🤘
@@MichaelSabo yeah that would deff be whatsup!!! Dude I almost grabbed 2 for 1800. 3 hours from me. Texted pic of cash, got the address and was waiting to hear back on when to leave then he's like oh they sold bro. 2 basket cases but 3 motors, 2 chassis, almost everything there. Damn!!!! I surface all my cases after watching u do it. Deff works!!!!
Hey bud have you ever tried Bel Ray H1R 2stroke oil? It’s also formulated for power valves and ester based. I have been using it in my Banshees for 20 years at 40:1 and have never lost a ring. It’s the best oil I’ve ever used. Also it smells way better then the Klotz. 👍 try it sometime. Also I enjoy your build series. I wish I had the time to do what your able to do. Keep it up
Somebody's bound to make a head sooner or later.In Cota combustion chamber with chromium and call it a Chrome dome.I can't believe nobody's done that yet😊
Any way I can direct message you, after so many years , I finally got my hands on a zilla, she's in good shape but been sitting . I've batled one small issue after the next. Now having clutch issues
Shouldn’t it have more compression then just turning it by hand on the bench ? I feel like you should’ve had a hard time by hand turning that motor on the bench ?
@MichaelSabo Does anybody know if the bottom case of an lt500 1990 is the same as the bottom case of a lt500 1987? I’m looking to swap the right side only and I found a 1990 on eBay(no returns). Just making sure before I make a purchase. Thank you
These are absolutely incredible videos dude, the time and effort you put into making these is insane. I don’t really think I’ll do my own motor work but I’m just truly entertained by all the detail you put into these builds. Keep it up! 👍🏼
What's up Cy! I'm still regretting not taking a rip on your zilla! The oldies are the goodies and nothing but wisdom, experience and stories come with age so it's all good! Thank you for the dome, John didn't tell me where it came from.
@Michael Sabo Hey Mike! Had someone not exploded the chain and destroyed the drive sprocket! I blame John he rode it for all of 5 minutes 😁 lol. Also it's good to be reminded that I'm old from time to time, I easily forget lol. You're welcome on the dome, it was cool to donate to a worthy project!!
I have seen many used pistons work with out problem. The most important thing is to thoroughly inspect it first to be certain that it is in useable condition. It is no different than using any other used engine part
@@outinthebackyard7579 i would never waist my time or money on used engine parts . ive got way too much experience with going cheap biting me in the ass
@@867diesel It is ok to have that option but it doesn’t make it fact. Your engine is full if used parts after the first time it runs. What I am trying to get at is the condition of the used part is everything. If you have a used piston that measured out in spec then there is no problem with using it. Now if you take old beat and abused parts and slap them together that is a different story.
Good build sir! A great guide to anyone building a Zilla. Also, I like to replace the impeller bolt and it's washers anyway. Insures it won't leak. I also use blue loctite on the impeller bolt, and I like it a little tighter than the manual says, to 9 ft-lbs, as I've seen MANY loosen.
Just a fyi out of all the zillas I owned and as a fact, the 87 has a head gasket problem, well it’s actually not the head gasket due to the six stud configuration and the vibration from the engine and how the engine is held in the head stay will lift up on the head and cause it to blow the gasket, so don’t run the head stay
I appreciate the info man! I saw this in some other comments on a few of the build videos for this machine; have you heard about the stud mod? A lot of guys will upgrade to 10mm head studs which is supposed to help.
@@MichaelSabo yes I have but it’s easier to just not run the head stay in my opinion I’d be more worried about the ears on the jug, I did send you a private message on Instagram
Man I just picked up a 1990 quadzilla and I’m so excited to see what’s wrong with it and take the things you teach and put them to work. Your a inspiration to me love the work you do and how clean you build bikes.
Great job on the build and video you don't know the memory's you brought back thanks. These are you best videos of you building something but great job.
Hey Mike, money well spent on the factory manual. Clymer and Haynes manuals suck balls. I just about lose my shit when I come up on a section where is says "This procedure is too advanced for the home mechanic. You should take it to a factory service center." or "This procedure requires tools that the home mechanic wouldn't have. Take it to a factory service center." ARRRRRGGG!!! What a freaken copout! Because they didn't know how to do it, they figured no one else has the tools for it.
so thoworough in a rock n kind of way ITs ALL GOOOOD ! Luv wen u spurt out a little profantity ! Using the tha hand gester of rocknroll ! PEACE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey man! I need some help. I just picked up a 88 LT 250 R quad racer. I need some input on coolant leaking out of the Weep hole at the bottom of the water pump. Unfortunately, on the quadzilla video is the only thing you haven’t rebuild As usual, you are always meticulous and it is a pleasure watching you build this incredible machines 🫡
"THIS QUAD IS OLDER THEN ME" glad to hear, because im as old as this quad and i have no hair left, had you been older than me with that much hair, I would of unsubbed(I'm joking obviously). nice watch man, this is my goto channel whem im eating. better than any TV channel keep them coming, and awesome work BTW! Cheers from Canada.
Hello I really enjoyed your rebuild on this Suzuki! I’m new to this channel. I have a 2006 SUZKI 450. I wanted to drag race on dirt and track. How can I get in contact with you to see about building my bike?
Will 1 if these smoke a 250r or banshee? Or r they all really close? I've only ever ridden built 250r an banshee. I must say 250r was most fun overall quad I've ever had the pleasure of riding. Great video man!! Wish I had ur skills
Thank you for watching my videos! If you're looking for a way to help out my channel, please comment and hit the like button 🤘 you guys ROOOCK!!!
Oh man you had to take everything apart just for the little bracket that had to of sucked!!!
@@joshuajackson8142 it happens sometimes lol; luckily I was able to slip it under the gear and I didn't have to take everything off.
Your da making history with these videos man this shits awesome
@@krudlumpstv7854 I appreciate that man, thank you
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
This video is INCREDIBLE! The Zilla community has needed this for years! So well done! Happy to help man!
Thank you for the feedback man and thank you for supplying some of the parts for the build 👊
Respect to you for saving that motor all that work you did prior to this assembling video..great video as always Mike👍🏻👍🏻
I appreciate that Andrew; thank you!
Great video! Very detailed and thorough. I'm glad to see people doing stuff like this for the lt500r community. Compared to other quads, lt500r content is in a drought. So this video is very appreciated!! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it man and I appreciate the feedback; hopefully this can help the community!
I'm so glad I found this video I have my engine in pieces and a manual but this video is the perfect explanation 👍👍
Outstanding overhaul video for the legendary Quadzilla LT500 engine. Judging by all the comments, your contribution to the Quadzuilla community was overdue. I think your commentary and video was outstanding, the best I've seen for any rebuild or any engine. Thank you!
On the Suzuki LT500 you should always have brass inserts machined into the cases. They are really hard on crank bearings. Also the crank should be put into the case that holds the crankshaft the crank from walking back and forth. Just my opinion.
Just want to say thanks again. This video has helped me multiple times. It’s a great reference/guide. Much appreciated.
Love these kinda Builds..
Glad you like them. thank you Roy!
Man you are good at talking in front of camera. Quality stuff, hope you make some money at it. I bought my 88 Zilla new in 87, still have it. Done a lot of zilla engine builds. Some advice. Base gasket likes to leak right below reed valve area, where the case halves meet (I dress mine with blue dye and large knife sharpening stone). You can buy rubberized steal "no-blow" base gaskets pretty cheap. Also I always do a 6 psi for 6 minutes pressure test before tear down, and especially after assembly. The exhaust drum valve will leak (normal), and the reeds love to leak, as well as base gasket. Duncan Racing did my porting (I bought the National Kit). The web page has incredible info (technical section) about building a 500 zilla engine, Kiehin jetting, and loads of useful info. I rode mine stock for 18 years, strong like a diesel. I got the national kit...holy crap, it became a flying carpet, rarely touching the ground....must have been double the hp.
This video has been helping since posted. I’d love to see a complete resto/mod on a zilla from you!
I'm tearing down an '88 Zilla now. These videos are great! Very helpful and very well done. Keep it up!
What's up Mike? Just wanted to commend you on your unscripted technical knowledge and mechanical abilities. So uncommon in the millennial age group it seems. Your hands tell the truth and 99% accurate when deciphering who's channel I am going to sub to. I'm 57 and have been wrenching as a professional in aviation, automotive, marine, and of course motorcycles since the age of 15. Its great to watch you work so fluidly through the inherent problems associated with dissimilar metal corrosion to general assembly on motorcycles. You have the gift brother, keep it up!
I just picked up one of these and have to basically build it from the ground up. Your videos are extremely helpful thank you!
Zillas are a league if their own. Enjoyed watching the assembly.
I don’t just mean for the Zilla all ur videos are extremely beneficial to watch I can’t tell you everything I’ve learned watching your channel man so thanks for them all
Great video and very detailed.
Thank you for the feedback!
Finally ive been waiting years for a video like this
I hope it can help you 👊🤘
Hell yeah brother!!! I have been waiting for this video!!!
Thank you for watching Ruben!
She’s a beast
Yes sir ,,SABO BUILT
Should do a quad wars with jsr Suzuki vs Honda!!! Great work bro
Thank you Dave! We've actually been discussing this
so sick ! Great addition to the channel !
been watching all your videos the last couple months and i love them! these videos are so informative and are going to help so many people!
That motor has all kinds of gadgets in it for an old school two stroke! I can only imagine how the new ones are with EFI
This might be the perfect video for 2vintage lol. He just blew up his lt500. I think he vapor locked it because he burned through the fuel line
Oh gez, the hybrid one he got? I've toasted a fuel line before lol, unfortunate.
Mr... you are good at this! Amazing vid. Keep up, don't stop.
Phenomenal job Mike!
I comment because youre simply a beast
When did you figure out you missed that retainer? Great video, thank you
We need more zills motor videos! Thank you!
Love this channel ❤️ ❤️
Thank you so much your trx250r video helped me alot and I just pick up a 87 Zilla there's not that many videos out there I subbed your channel keep making videos very nice work
Awesome! I'm glad my videos can help you out 👊
I love your videos
Killer video bro 🔥🔥🔥
Awesome video 👌 keep it up 3:56 dont want to go in dry that was funny lol
Great video man ! You made that look easy
Ya man, been wondering about this vid haha. Looks Lee's daunting then I thought. I've had a couple chances to trade off one of my shees for a zilla and I haven't pulled trigger. I may though. I'm subbed to jsr also. He's a quadracer gooroo big time. Builds super clean builds!!! Nice job on the motor bro!!!
Thank you man. Don't be scared to build one of these; they're really not that bad, especially if you leave it on the stock side; biggest thing is surfacing all of your mating surfaces on the Quad Racers. JSR and I may do a collab in the future 🤘
@@MichaelSabo yeah that would deff be whatsup!!! Dude I almost grabbed 2 for 1800. 3 hours from me. Texted pic of cash, got the address and was waiting to hear back on when to leave then he's like oh they sold bro. 2 basket cases but 3 motors, 2 chassis, almost everything there. Damn!!!! I surface all my cases after watching u do it. Deff works!!!!
Great video!!!!
Enjoyed the stock build of this lt500!! You gunna make any prlerformance builds for lt500s?
Hey bud have you ever tried Bel Ray H1R 2stroke oil? It’s also formulated for power valves and ester based. I have been using it in my Banshees for 20 years at 40:1 and have never lost a ring. It’s the best oil I’ve ever used. Also it smells way better then the Klotz. 👍 try it sometime. Also I enjoy your build series. I wish I had the time to do what your able to do. Keep it up
Please do this on a 99-04 400ex I got one I have to rebuild
I really should do a 400ex; I'll put it on the list!
@@MichaelSabo you got the red one you could do it on
Good stuff!
Somebody's bound to make a head sooner or later.In Cota combustion chamber with chromium and call it a Chrome dome.I can't believe nobody's done that yet😊
You forgot about that shim guide plate for the that bearing inside of the case to still Michael sabo.
Hey Mike did you ever find crank Barings for the Polaris Predator 500?
for next quad wars we need a honda trx300ex vs a Kawasaki lakota sport 300
As always great build Mike .. was curious what happened to the yz125 build ?
Bro you seriously need to do quadzilla vs 250r and definitely trx450r vs yfz450r
Is there any chance you can do a full bike rebuild and engine rebuild on a ktm 85 sx 2006
FYI, there is a gasket that goes between the reed cage and the cylinder
Why does the crank rod slide around soo easily? Is it because you froze the crank before installation?
Does the zilla still run? Can you make more video's off a zilla? 🤩🤩
Can I build a whole engine if I have that book or is it a service book? I am rebuilding a 87 zilla with a 90 engine but i need alot parts 🙈
Countershaft cover lug smashed off should have tigg ed case
Any way I can direct message you, after so many years , I finally got my hands on a zilla, she's in good shape but been sitting . I've batled one small issue after the next. Now having clutch issues
First comment love your channel
Is it A tourche monster engine.,or what man with that head.& Piston setup now?
Nice Video, there are porting Templates for the 500 as well ill see what i can find for ya, ill shoot an email if i find them
Thank you bro; enjoyed what you sent me so far 🤘
Hey mike my banshee fly wheel and stator is uglyyyy looks like a boat anchor now lol how can I clean the fly wheel?
Where did you source you parts?
Shouldn’t it have more compression then just turning it by hand on the bench ? I feel like you should’ve had a hard time by hand turning that motor on the bench ?
@MichaelSabo Does anybody know if the bottom case of an lt500 1990 is the same as the bottom case of a lt500 1987? I’m looking to swap the right side only and I found a 1990 on eBay(no returns). Just making sure before I make a purchase. Thank you
I have a zilla lt500 but where in the hell do you find a crank for it
I want to do my 250R
Quads are more expensive than Harlys this days even used ones why
way to much thrust clearance I would think??
Ay first
👊🤘
It's a dumb but is it a chrome dome....lmao....
These are absolutely incredible videos dude, the time and effort you put into making these is insane. I don’t really think I’ll do my own motor work but I’m just truly entertained by all the detail you put into these builds. Keep it up! 👍🏼
Wow, awesome feedback and compliment man; I'm glad you enjoy these!
Stupid fast needs to make some content with this machine.
Older then dirt? Ouch. Good job kiddo! Also, you are correct, that is a 62cc cool head dome I sent. Glad someone could use it!
What's up Cy! I'm still regretting not taking a rip on your zilla! The oldies are the goodies and nothing but wisdom, experience and stories come with age so it's all good! Thank you for the dome, John didn't tell me where it came from.
@Michael Sabo Hey Mike! Had someone not exploded the chain and destroyed the drive sprocket! I blame John he rode it for all of 5 minutes 😁 lol. Also it's good to be reminded that I'm old from time to time, I easily forget lol. You're welcome on the dome, it was cool to donate to a worthy project!!
a used piston ??? whats the point of rebuilding it if youre using used parts , when you could buy new parts . never run used pistons and risk it all
I agree diesel but this wasn't my quad and the customer did not want to pay for a new piston.
I have seen many used pistons work with out problem. The most important thing is to thoroughly inspect it first to be certain that it is in useable condition. It is no different than using any other used engine part
@@outinthebackyard7579 i would never waist my time or money on used engine parts . ive got way too much experience with going cheap biting me in the ass
@@MichaelSabo the customer gets what they want
@@867diesel It is ok to have that option but it doesn’t make it fact. Your engine is full if used parts after the first time it runs. What I am trying to get at is the condition of the used part is everything. If you have a used piston that measured out in spec then there is no problem with using it. Now if you take old beat and abused parts and slap them together that is a different story.
Nice video 📹, I'm building a project Zilla now!
Thank you man, good luck on your build 👊
Good build sir! A great guide to anyone building a Zilla.
Also, I like to replace the impeller bolt and it's washers anyway. Insures it won't leak. I also use blue loctite on the impeller bolt, and I like it a little tighter than the manual says, to 9 ft-lbs, as I've seen MANY loosen.
Good call man, I cant remember if I put loctite on it but I most likely did.
@@MichaelSabo I'm sure you did. You put it on everything else that required it.
Heck yeah
Just a tip for u Mike after putting the crank in the freezer use wd40 or some type of oil to get rid of condensation, it’ll save it from rusting
That's a good idea man; thank you!
For those of you that don’t know it stands for water displacement down to -40° Fahrenheit
Good job bro way different when I build there is way more cussing lol
Lmao! That's what the editor is for; thank you as always for the feedback Dave!
Awesome video Bro, best engine assembly video yet been waiting for this one. 🤙🏻
Thank you Dennis!
Just a fyi out of all the zillas I owned and as a fact, the 87 has a head gasket problem, well it’s actually not the head gasket due to the six stud configuration and the vibration from the engine and how the engine is held in the head stay will lift up on the head and cause it to blow the gasket, so don’t run the head stay
I appreciate the info man! I saw this in some other comments on a few of the build videos for this machine; have you heard about the stud mod? A lot of guys will upgrade to 10mm head studs which is supposed to help.
@@MichaelSabo yes I have but it’s easier to just not run the head stay in my opinion I’d be more worried about the ears on the jug, I did send you a private message on Instagram
@@fastmachines500r8 I appreciate it man, sorry I missed your message; I get bombarded.
slowzilla lol
suzuki LT500R was my first quad over 20 years ago, my friends called it the 660 killer.
Man I just picked up a 1990 quadzilla and I’m so excited to see what’s wrong with it and take the things you teach and put them to work. Your a inspiration to me love the work you do and how clean you build bikes.
Great job on the build and video you don't know the memory's you brought back thanks. These are you best videos of you building something but great job.
Thank you for the kind words and feedback!
Mike, have you done a review on Suzuki Ltz400.
I've had a few of them in the past but no videos yet
I am building a 1988 zilla and this video has been super helpful. Thank you for making this video.
Hey Mike, money well spent on the factory manual. Clymer and Haynes manuals suck balls. I just about lose my shit when I come up on a section where is says "This procedure is too advanced for the home mechanic. You should take it to a factory service center." or "This procedure requires tools that the home mechanic wouldn't have. Take it to a factory service center." ARRRRRGGG!!! What a freaken copout! Because they didn't know how to do it, they figured no one else has the tools for it.
so thoworough in a rock n kind of way ITs ALL GOOOOD ! Luv wen u spurt out a little profantity ! Using the tha hand gester of rocknroll ! PEACE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dude where did you get spleens from that shits hilarious.....
By the way, it's not called a pancake bearing.It's called a torrington bearing.
Hey man! I need some help. I just picked up a 88 LT 250 R quad racer. I need some input on coolant leaking out of the Weep hole at the bottom of the water pump.
Unfortunately, on the quadzilla video is the only thing you haven’t rebuild
As usual, you are always meticulous and it is a pleasure watching you build this incredible machines 🫡
"THIS QUAD IS OLDER THEN ME" glad to hear, because im as old as this quad and i have no hair left, had you been older than me with that much hair, I would of unsubbed(I'm joking obviously). nice watch man, this is my goto channel whem im eating. better than any TV channel keep them coming, and awesome work BTW! Cheers from Canada.
Hello I really enjoyed your rebuild on this Suzuki! I’m new to this channel. I have a 2006 SUZKI 450. I wanted to drag race on dirt and track. How can I get in contact with you to see about building my bike?
I would still love to see a complete zilla overhaul. And a top quad with all the big dogs.
Will 1 if these smoke a 250r or banshee? Or r they all really close? I've only ever ridden built 250r an banshee. I must say 250r was most fun overall quad I've ever had the pleasure of riding. Great video man!! Wish I had ur skills
Why didnt you finish cleaning the exahst flange it is still filthy. Thats not like you to have ass stuff. You normally clean everything well.
Awesome video. Is there a parts list for gaskets and Orings and miscellaneous parts replaced to do this rebuild on an 87 500? Thanks
loved the vid ! always fun watchin.. been buying tools as well
Keep coming back to this for my LT250R. Very very similar in design 😁
Want to see some mad scientist engineer a 1000cc 2-stroke powerhouse using a couple of these engines.
Where can I get the billet washers that go on the piston pin? greetings from Mexico