2003 Virage i Engine question - 700cc single carb

[Policeman]

I got some bad news on my engine from the mechanic. He advised that the rod bearing blew up on the front cylinder and that a rebuild kit will cost me $700 plus labor. Incidentally, I located a 1996 700cc engine that is complete except for the exhaust. It also comes with dual carbs and I currently only have one. Will this engine fit in my 2003 and operate correctly? (assuming that its in good condition) The gentleman is only asking $125 and stated that it ran when it was removed from a damaged hull.

Any suggestions, advice or ideas?

[john zigler]

Yes, it will fit in your 03.

switch over your electrics, and single intake manifold and carb.

[Policeman]

Thank You!

[ThrottleOut]

The only downside to that 96 700 is that it would be the "6350 rpm" engine with 80HP vs the 95 HP your 700 has. The main differences are in the exhaust pipe and cylinders. You can definitely still drop it in and run it but it will be a little bit slower than it was before.

It looks pretty complete, if it still has the starter, stator, flywheel, etc you may be able to make a few bucks off those to pay for the swap. If it still has a good stator I may be interested in that.

[TxVirageTx]

you can run the dual carbs in the virage.the stock 700 wide style flame arrestor probably not gonna clear the resonator on that side.a 800i f/a should fit,might need to cut just a little off it.

[Policeman]

The only downside to that 96 700 is that it would be the "6350 rpm" engine with 80HP vs the 95 HP your 700 has. The main differences are in the exhaust pipe and cylinders. You can definitely still drop it in and run it but it will be a little bit slower than it was before.

I did not realize the HP would be different. What could I do to bring it back up to 95 HP? Would the exhaust manifold on the damaged engine fit this replacement? Would I be better off rebuilding the damaged engine?

Thanks in advance.

Brad

[RLACEMAN]

The horsepower difference is in the cylinders, different porting. By going to the '80' hp motor you will lose about 2-3 mph top speed & a bit slower getting there, if you can live with that $125 is a very good deal for a running motor. You may also be able to use the crankshaft/crankcase assembly from this motor & use the cylinders from your motor if they are not damaged.

[ghostinstallations]

The only downside to that 96 700 is that it would be the "6350 rpm" engine with 80HP vs the 95 HP your 700 has. The main differences are in the exhaust pipe and cylinders. You can definitely still drop it in and run it but it will be a little bit slower than it was before.

I did not realize the HP would be different. What could I do to bring it back up to 95 HP? Would the exhaust manifold on the damaged engine fit this replacement? Would I be better off rebuilding the damaged engine?

Thanks in advance.

Brad

I would pick up the running engine for no matter what you decide as it is a good price.

If it were me, I would use the bottom end of the new engine with your top. It will cost a bit more for the work and gaskets, but then you can inspect the components, and "know" what you have rather than guess.

[Policeman]

Rlaceman - Thanks for the heads up. I think for the 2-3 mph difference, I can grin and bare it.

Ghostinstallations - I think you have the right idea. I am picking up the engine tomorrow and will take a look at it. At the very least, I can use the new engine to run on until I have some time to rebuild the old engine. Then maybe next spring, change out the engine for the rebuilt one and be back to snuff.

The two carbs I can keep around and have as back-ups if one is acting up. They look to be the same carbs that came with the 2000 and 2003 Virage.

[K447]

Please confirm; Is your machine a fuel injected two cylinder Virage i model or is your current engine a carburetor engine?

Fuel injected engines do not have the spark plugs sticking straight up from the top of the engine.

[Policeman]

Please confirm; Is your machine a fuel injected two cylinder Virage i model or is your current engine a carburetor engine?

Fuel injected engines do not have the spark plugs sticking straight up from the top of the engine.

Mine is not fuel injected but carb.

Brad

[K447]

Please confirm; Is your machine a fuel injected two cylinder Virage i model or is your current engine a carburetor engine?

Fuel injected engines do not have the spark plugs sticking straight up from the top of the engine.

Mine is not fuel injected but carb.

Brad

So model is Virage, not Virage i

Carry on

[Policeman]

Please confirm; Is your machine a fuel injected two cylinder Virage i model or is your current engine a carburetor engine?

Fuel injected engines do not have the spark plugs sticking straight up from the top of the engine.

K447 - I obviously am out of my element when it comes to these machines. I am glad you guys know what you are talking about because I would either have to spend a fortune on these or scrap 'em with the troubles I've had.

[ThrottleOut]

I would pick up the running engine for no matter what you decide as it is a good price.

If it were me, I would use the bottom end of the new engine with your top. It will cost a bit more for the work and gaskets, but then you can inspect the components, and "know" what you have rather than guess.

I'm with Brad on this one. Buy that motor, sell off the top-end from the good running motor and the stator to pay for the project and then either re-use the top end from your motor or replace/rebuild it if it's not salvageable. You'd end up with a near-free replacement motor for your ski and having gone through it you'll know exactly what you have.