Big Block Cylinder Block and Custom JE Pistons

[fj1289]

Big Block cylinder block and pistons.  85mm bore = 1447cc!
Custom JE pistons special ordered by Paul Gast (FastbyGast.com)

Engine was used for drag racing - ran VERY strong.  New piston style is much lighter and better performing than the old style heavy 1380 pistons that normally are found with these big blocks. 

Removed from a strong running engine when the motorcycle was rebuilt for land speed racing - for a 1350cc engine class. 

Includes base gasket and copper base gasket. 

You will need to bore your cases for the cylinder sleeves. 

$900 or best offer.  Selling to pay for more mods to the racebike.

[Pat Conlon]

Chris, is that an APE block? Looks like one of their "no name" gorilla blocks.

Do you think you could run that on the street?

85mm pistons make for one beefy tostada!

[fj1289]

Chris, is that an APE block? Looks like one of their "no name" gorilla blocks.

Do you think you could run that on the street?

85mm pistons make for one beefy tostada!

Pat, I don't know who made it — but it does look like the gorilla blocks.  It is a very solid and well machined block.   The modern style pistons are also very light (295 grams) and are very responsive and like to rev - unlike the pistons in the old big block kits.  They were very heavy and really "dulled" how the engine behaved  - that's why we went through the time and effort to make head castings, send them to JE, and get modern pistons made. 

I have run it on the street when it was a 1380.   You'd want to avoid any marginal cooling situations like stop and go traffic - it would be a great "big stick" weekend bike or street and track bike.  Or a money maker if you are into the street scene.  

With the ported head, big cams and big carbs it was very beefy!  

[giantkiller]

Can you get turbo pistons from JE. For the 1380. Or larger. And do you remember what it costs.

[giantkiller]

I have the Wisco and ape block. Doesn't look like either. Because if I remember right. (Both in storage) Yours has more cooling fins than either. Better for street running. If it wasn't for this stupid house project. I would jump all over over this deal.

[Keihin39]

Hi I am pretty sure that is an APE gorilla block I have the same one on my 1380 motor,

[fj1289]

Can you get turbo pistons from JE. For the 1380. Or larger. And do you remember what it costs.

Pretty sure you can order pistons with changes suitable for a serious turbo build.   I also have the build sheet from JE.   I'm sure with that as a starting point it would be easy to specify the necessary changes.  With the world of CNC machining now, I think it is easier to specify changes like that than in the past. 

I don't remember the costs - it was done in conjuction with a fully race prepped head and cams thru Fast by Gast.  It was a "welcome back from Iraq" present to myself!

[Indiana jones]

Would it be difficult to acquire the correct head and base gaskets in the future should they be needed?
I'm just beginning my quest to buy parts to build a Harris F1 street/race bike.

[JMR]

Would it be difficult to acquire the correct head and base gaskets in the future should they be needed?
I'm just beginning my quest to buy parts to build a Harris F1 street/race bike.

Cometic will make anything you need.

[fj1289]

Would it be difficult to acquire the correct head and base gaskets in the future should they be needed?
I'm just beginning my quest to buy parts to build a Harris F1 street/race bike.

Cometic will make anything you need.

JMR - could cosmetic do a custom MLS gasket?

These copper baskets are reusable - may need to be annealed.  Fastbygast.com can source new gaskets if you have trouble finding them. 

[fj1289]

cosmetic...... f'n auto correct!  They need a guy setting for it that knows parts names and stuff

[JMR]

 Yes ...custom MLS. Do it all the time for vintage roadrace bikes.

[fj1289]

Yes ...custom MLS. Do it all the time for vintage roadrace bikes.

Too cool - that would be the way to go!

[Granite]

Did this ever sell?

[fj1289]

No - still available.  You can PM if you prefer.