GPz550 Head Install - Camshaft Timing and Valve Clearances

It's been a while hasn't it? Well, no time to dilly dally, we're back on the Kawasaki GPZ550 project: This time we are installing a freshly rebuilt head on top of the Wiseco 615cc big bore kit. Not much to say really; we drop the head into place, torque it down, and install the camshafts.
Dual-Overhead Camshafts makes the install process a little more complicated than say, a SOHC CB750 or a pushrod BMW or Harley. It involves counting the cam-chain links in between marks on the two cams before tightening them down. That's, of course, after installing the shim-under-bucket mechanisms that dictate valve clearance. If you get it wrong the first time, that means you'll be pulling off the camshafts and replacing the shims with the correct size, so be sure to take good notes.
An important thing to note with this motorcycle is that the valve cover has to be torqued down before installing the camchain tensioner, as seen in this footage. Don't say I didn't warn you!
Next time, we'll be installing some real trick carburetors: Keihin FCR race carbs so be sure to subscribe if you're interested in learning more.
Want to see more of the Custom BMW R90/6 Project? Check out the playlist here:
• BMW R90/6 Custom build
I'm on Instagram @roodlum / roodlum
Parts made right here in Rochester, NY are available here:
shop.themotoworks.com/

[@MarkDLongo]

Really enjoying this and learning, thanks!

[@ps3shakes123]

Cool little bike. 👍

[@TeamVeroBeach]

Great work! What was your ring gap in the previous video? Also, is there a trick or technique used for getting the tensioner block back into the cylinder? Thanks!

[@roodlum]

Hi I know this is a crazy late reply, but I did go looking to see if I had the ring gaps written down anywhere. I didn't find it, but I will say that Wiseco will give you a formula to work it out for each ring. Typically, the bore size multiplied by a provided constant. Hope that helps.

[@MarkDLongo]

Hey there! Did you rebuild the head or send it out? Looking for recommendations for someone to rebuild mine...

[@ale22X]

Ciao, sei riuscito a completarla ?