900ss complete rebuild>swap into M750

[Rudemouthsky]

Ok guys, so I bought an old crusty engine from eBay. It's a 900ss from a 1991. My plan is to have the engine completely refreshed by Northern Ohio Ducati before I install it myself.

here is a link to the engine I purchased.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/360580090484?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

According to the seller: complete gearbox is included, engine has V heads, and engine came from a running bike.

What I have already: FCR41 carbs from Chris Kelly, new timing belts, 5.5" M900 rear wheel, new tyres.

Basically I'm curious as to what an engine rebuild will entail and performance upgrades I should be considering while the engine is opened up. And what about suspension upgrades? I'd rather not spend more than $1500. Also, any guess on what I should expect to spend on parts+labor for a project such as this?

thank you.

[greenmonster]

You do need 900 headers.
I'd add hicomps and maybe an Ignitec.

[brad black]

as in $1500 for the total engine work?  have you told the person opening it that?  that wouldn't even cover the labour if i was doing it.

[Rudemouthsky]

as in $1500 for the total engine work?  have you told the person opening it that?  that wouldn't even cover the labour if i was doing it.

I don't think I gave that impression? I don't tell pros what they should charge, ever.

[Speeddog]

Just to give you an idea of how quick the parts can add up....
With the two main crank bearings and a clutch plate set, you're over $500 already.

[brad black]

I don't think I gave that impression? I don't tell pros what they should charge, ever.

my question was, is $1500 the entire budget for the job?  don't worry, i get people who would expect an engine rebuild, hot up and change from $1500.  i was just curious (well, concerned) as to whether or not you might get a wtf shock at the end.

[Rudemouthsky]

Thanks Brad.

My question really was blithe. I have no idea what I'm getting into and it shows.

I guess, to rephrase the question: I don't feel confident splitting the cases of this engine. I would like to hire a pro to do some work on it before I install it. What would be feasible with a $1500 budget? Im hoping for a few years of reliable service. I know the studs and oil galley plug should be looked at. Beyond that, it may not even be worth throwing much $ at it. TBH I regret impulsively buying the thing.

[Ddan]

IMO, splitting the cases just for a look-see is unnecessary.  For fairly cheap money you can do the high-comps, the studs if they need it, put on the FCRs and be good to go.  If, when you get the motor you see a bunch of metal in the oil or some other indication that you need to get deeper into it, that's a different story. 

[brad black]

really the first thing to check is the big end plug.  it it's loose, it's split and fix.  if not, happy days.  if it is, you can decide how much you do while it's split.  all bottom end bearings?  balance crank (i generally put this pretty low on the priority list, but an early 900 can benefit as some were quite coarse)?  gears do wear, so you'd need to check them all.

if you spilt it and it needs bearings, etc, your budget is at least 50% short.  probably more.

do studs if they're stainless.

if you want it to go well then high comps and port heads if budget allows.  i'd definitely get the seats cut, valves faced and guides k-lined if required while you have the heads off.  getting to them once the engine is in is an out again.

yes, the cost blows out quickly.  it gets very uneconomic very quickly.  but if you want it done a certain way with certain bits there's only one way to do that.  you can't buy it complete, and if you don't want it all s/h you have to make it new.

if it's not going to be a keeper on sell the motor and look for something else.