As my project is gathering momentum I need an engine builder, although I have rebuilt various engines, primarily rd 350lc, YPVS and couple of 4 strokes, I haven't the time or inclination to do my 900 motor, combined with the desmo system I would rather pay someone else to do it. I had a quote from my local ducati service centre of £2500 plus, this is dropping the motor of and refitting it and setting it up myself which I am more than happy to do, so is just for a rebuild of the stand alone motor. This seems a tad expensive, and although I know he has an amazing reputation seems a touch OTT so anyone recommend a duke specialist. Im in the east midlands.
Blue printed but not having a 944 or hi comp or fcr's . If that's the kind of price I may save for the above first then get it all done at once
Depends what your after really??? A blue-printed motor will be smoother and more reliable (Maybe a couple more ponies) But £2500 seems like a massive amount!!! For little gain. CJS RACING Ducati Cylinder Heads Tuning Gas Flow Dyno ECU Custom Mapping Bristol Bath Louigi Moto // Ducati Specialists Especially seeing as your removing and refitting the engine yourself.
i did a fair bit of ringing round earlier in the year and i found that labour wise you looking at about £800-1100 + vat and parts for a full strip and blue print of a 4V engine. as your engine is a 2 valve you should be able to get it done for less. the parts cost can easily rack up though, bearings, seals gaskets shims etc etc all cost money a complete set of bearings, gaskets and seals for my bike is over £700+ , i spent over £400 on a bunch of 749R shims and 2 sparkplugs alone!! (ok your engine is much simpler than mine) but these costs can easily be a shock I live in london and went all the way to bristol to get my engine built by Louigi Moto. i would highly recommend them. They may not be the cheapest out there but the level of expertise and knowledge they have in house between the 3 of them is really impressive. Louigi are also massive enthusiasts at what they do and value their reputation all of which engenders trust in my book. i thought long and hard before going ahead with my build and decided that if i'm going to part with lots of cash then i'd rather know the Job has been done right, rather than trying to save a few hundred quid in the short term, and have the engine not perform as well as expected or even worse fail due to poor assembly. You could also talk to BSD in Peterborough if thats any closer to you. Mark Brewin definitely knows whats he is doing, is very straight up to deal with and charges reasonable money. i considered having my lump built there but as my engine is a bit of a custom hot rod creation, louigi were the only choice
Ducati John, he did my 748R engine, he knows his stuff and stripped the engine in front of me so that we both knew exactly what was required.
Have seen a fair number of engines come out of Louigi with a 2k plus bill but most have needed a faor amount of parts. Plus he is THE ONLY ONE afaik that will guarantee a race spec engine he built as long as no one else opens it. I also know plenty who have had them done elsewhere (big name dealers included), blown it up then forked another £££££ out to do it again
