L9 Modified Engine internals

[skl90]

Hi people.

I was wondering, I have recently had a problem with my ZXR400 L9 because prior to buying it, I've found out that a cam follower has snapped and someone has tried to glue it back together which has caused heavy wear to the camshafts (so i've been told by a mechanic). I've found camshafts to replace but they are from an earlier L model, L4 I think.

My question is, I've read on the internet that the L9 has modified engine internals, now I'm not exactly sure what those are, is there anyone who actually knows what this means in terms of what has changed? Would camshafts from earlier models do the job?

[bendog66]

Yes cams from any model will fit, although I think the earlier ones (pre '94 iirc) had a slightly different lobe profile which produced slightly more power, so obviously it'd need clearances doing

[skl90]

Another question, would an L1 engine fit into a L9 bike?

[bendog66]

yes

[CaNsA]

I was chatting with Martin about cams n stuff a while back.

UK spec L1 cams have the same grind as SP cams just not adjustable
With the UK spec cams and a full system you'll be in the mid - high 60's

[rmkd177]

Hi people.

I was wondering, I have recently had a problem with my ZXR400 L9 because prior to buying it, I've found out that a cam follower has snapped and someone has tried to glue it back together which has caused heavy wear to the camshafts (so i've been told by a mechanic). I've found camshafts to replace but they are from an earlier L model, L4 I think.

My question is, I've read on the internet that the L9 has modified engine internals, now I'm not exactly sure what those are, is there anyone who actually knows what this means in terms of what has changed? Would camshafts from earlier models do the job?

Any cams from the zx4 right through to the last zxr400 will fit. Unfortunatly the model you dropped on an L4 (if it was an import) had some very poor reforming cams and to be avoided if you have the choice...incidently this model also had lower compression and 30mm carbs. Dont everyone shout at once! as some L4's will have had transplants and some misidentified...but generally im talking.
The L1 cams arnt the same profile as the Sp thats definitly wrong...some zx4 cams are tho (non adjustable)
As for more power with L1 cams and a full system...dont get your hopes up..Micron and Scorpion systems are PP.
A zx4 cam and a beet system would improve things alot if your engine was in good order and fueling correctly. you may see mid 60's. If you are struggling to find cams or followers or need them fitting give me a shout.

[banner001]

Hi people.

I was wondering, I have recently had a problem with my ZXR400 L9 because prior to buying it, I've found out that a cam follower has snapped and someone has tried to glue it back together which has caused heavy wear to the camshafts (so i've been told by a mechanic). I've found camshafts to replace but they are from an earlier L model, L4 I think.

My question is, I've read on the internet that the L9 has modified engine internals, now I'm not exactly sure what those are, is there anyone who actually knows what this means in terms of what has changed? Would camshafts from earlier models do the job?

Any cams from the zx4 right through to the last zxr400 will fit. Unfortunatly the model you dropped on an L4 (if it was an import) had some very poor reforming cams and to be avoided if you have the choice...incidently this model also had lower compression and 30mm carbs. Dont everyone shout at once! as some L4's will have had transplants and some misidentified...but generally im talking.
The L1 cams arnt the same profile as the Sp thats definitly wrong...some zx4 cams are tho (non adjustable)
As for more power with L1 cams and a full system...dont get your hopes up..Micron and Scorpion systems are PP.
A zx4 cam and a beet system would improve things alot if your engine was in good order and fueling correctly. you may see mid 60's. If you are struggling to find cams or followers or need them fitting give me a shout.

listen to the man, cant fault his work!

[Tirpitz]

Hi people.

I was wondering, I have recently had a problem with my ZXR400 L9 because prior to buying it, I've found out that a cam follower has snapped and someone has tried to glue it back together which has caused heavy wear to the camshafts (so i've been told by a mechanic). I've found camshafts to replace but they are from an earlier L model, L4 I think.

My question is, I've read on the internet that the L9 has modified engine internals, now I'm not exactly sure what those are, is there anyone who actually knows what this means in terms of what has changed? Would camshafts from earlier models do the job?

Any cams from the zx4 right through to the last zxr400 will fit. Unfortunatly the model you dropped on an L4 (if it was an import) had some very poor reforming cams and to be avoided if you have the choice...incidently this model also had lower compression and 30mm carbs. Dont everyone shout at once! as some L4's will have had transplants and some misidentified...but generally im talking.
The L1 cams arnt the same profile as the Sp thats definitly wrong...some zx4 cams are tho (non adjustable)
As for more power with L1 cams and a full system...dont get your hopes up..Micron and Scorpion systems are PP.
A zx4 cam and a beet system would improve things alot if your engine was in good order and fueling correctly. you may see mid 60's. If you are struggling to find cams or followers or need them fitting give me a shout.

I'm very loathe to argue with you Roger as you've probably forgotten more about ZXR400s than I'll ever know but I think you are mistaken in your statements about the L4. I have an L4 which I have owned from new, so is definitely not misidentified and nor has it had any transplants. I have the L4 owners manual booklet in front of me which came with the bike and this shows the carbs to be CVKD32 - so not 30mm. Compression is 12.1:1 which I don't believe is lower than earlier models. With a A16 road legal can on standard headers and no engine work at all my bike put out 62hp on the Dynobike dyno at Malton with spot on fuelling. You are probably quite correct in your statement in respect of one of the L models but I suggest that the L4 is not the one - maybe the L5?

[rmkd177]

Please read thoroughly before having a 'pop'.....Quote " (if it was an import)" !!!

[Neosophist]

Hi people.

I was wondering, I have recently had a problem with my ZXR400 L9 because prior to buying it, I've found out that a cam follower has snapped and someone has tried to glue it back together which has caused heavy wear to the camshafts (so i've been told by a mechanic). I've found camshafts to replace but they are from an earlier L model, L4 I think.

My question is, I've read on the internet that the L9 has modified engine internals, now I'm not exactly sure what those are, is there anyone who actually knows what this means in terms of what has changed? Would camshafts from earlier models do the job?

Any cams from the zx4 right through to the last zxr400 will fit. Unfortunatly the model you dropped on an L4 (if it was an import) had some very poor reforming cams and to be avoided if you have the choice...incidently this model also had lower compression and 30mm carbs. Dont everyone shout at once! as some L4's will have had transplants and some misidentified...but generally im talking.
The L1 cams arnt the same profile as the Sp thats definitly wrong...some zx4 cams are tho (non adjustable)
As for more power with L1 cams and a full system...dont get your hopes up..Micron and Scorpion systems are PP.
A zx4 cam and a beet system would improve things alot if your engine was in good order and fueling correctly. you may see mid 60's. If you are struggling to find cams or followers or need them fitting give me a shout.

Sorry I should clear that up, the exhaust profile is the same as the SP cams. The intake is closer to the SP profile too but not exactly the same, still more than the JDM cams though,

Japan 59PS (CVK-D30)
L1/L2/L3/L4/L4A/L5: IN 256 EX 256

UK 65PS (CVK-D32)
L1/L2/L3/L4/L4A/L5: IN 268 EX 265

SP (M) UK Bikes 59PS Japan Bikes are 6PS down but all spec's are the same - CDI retarded ?
M3/M4: IN 280 EX 265

SP(M) All same power at 59PS
M1/M2: IN 280 EX 265

This info came from Mori-Man who took it out of the Kawasaki parts book.