JoelC707
New Member
In some cases it's things that should have been fixed from the start, and we are going to pressure Don into fixing before we make our next order sometime in the Fall or so. There's another, more recent discovery that needs to be changed, the clutch plate. It's pressed together but that's all that's holding it and we've already had one come apart on us (luckily it was a demo motor we were testing) and several were fairly loose out of the box. We've started tack welding them together and everything seems to be happier that way.
As for the upgraded bolts, we happen to be lucky, there is a Fastenal store behind us in the office complex where we are. They may not be the cheapest in the world but still. We've got upgraded bolts/studs for every spot on the motor. So far we've only replaced them on a few in-house motors and they look GOOD actually. They're allen head as phillips and flat can wear out, phillips especially. they're also the highest grade we could get. The factory grade is metric 4.8, the new ones are 10.9 or 12.9 depending on the size. Yes, we are still using 6mm head studs but in our experience if they pull out, it is the head side that gives problems, not the bottom end. That tells us the block itself is stronger than the stud and higher grade components should be the answer. Besides, if we had to drill and tap larger holes the price would probably more than double simply because of all the labor involved.
I'm going to be listing some "upgraded" models on ebay soon and see how well they do. The price will be higher obviously but there will be other thing done to it as well that we feel should have been "standard". We're considering several "models". We'll still offer the motor as is with no changes done to it for those that want to shop on price alone. We'll offer the modified version for those that want a better kit right from the start. And we're considering a DIY version, where we send you a bolt kit with the motor kit and you change them out yourself. I know there is already a place you can get your own bolt kits so people seem to be OK with this option.
We're working on getting other upgraded parts as well, such as different air filters, larger carbs, velocity stacks, boost bottles, etc. We should know more about these options in about two weeks or so.
Joel
