TRX250R.ORG

Workshop => Engine and Bottom End => Topic started by: 2-stroke demon on November 22, 2013, 08:51:23 AM

Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: 2-stroke demon on November 22, 2013, 08:51:23 AM
Met a guy on a Facebook 250r page that has a pilot 400 cylinder/motor... he's offering to put it together & trade for my full ct/pro-x 350 motor.  I have a stock stroke hot rods crank, 86 bottom end with Hinson basket & clutch upgrade done, billet exhaust flange, drag ported cylinder, Rec 90 dome, his motor will be the pilot 400 cylinder that he says has a low to mid port(is going to ask builder again), 84mm Polaris piston, stock head on a set of cases from packard, 88 bottom end with 4 mill crank,  Hinson basket, says I would need to get an inframe pipe to fit the exhaust flange because 250r pipes don't fit?
My questions are, what are the reliability & characteristics of the pilot 400 cylinder? Does there need to be any supportive mods for it? Would my current 40.5 air striker be enough, what pistons do they use, & he says the stock heads are non removable domes but there are aftermarket heads with interchangeable ones, does anyone make heads for them anymore so I could get the correct compression To run Rec 90, or would I have to run race fuel... He mentioned speed chaser heads but said he could not find one. Also who makes pipes for these,  what's the cost range? Thanks for any info guys
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: Pumashine on November 22, 2013, 09:53:39 AM
That is a sweet set up. I started at 83.5 mm on the cylinder. But you can keep boring until 85mm same as a Puma. There is one company on ebay that makes a run of heads every couple of years. Interchangeable domes or have your own cut. There is not much in pipes. You must have it custom built as the exhaust flange is at a complete different angle as the trx. Im running a ESR trx9r modified with a BB stinger.

I thought I saw where Bubba Ramsey was building one for a guy on FB.
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: Wes350x on November 22, 2013, 10:13:49 AM
I had one, had it all rebuilt with a new cylinder and ported by FTZ. It was a monster on torque but I like a more mid-top pulling bike and it was not it. I dynoed it twice on seperate dyno's and got at most like 42-44 hp if I remember. Ended up locking it up and snapping a rod cause the 2nd Dyno guy set it too lean. Anyway, if you want a ton of low stomp pulling power go for it. If not, there are plenty other cylinders that they make now that make however much power you want. Once you mod those bottom ends they can't be used for anything else. I ended up selling the motor to Puma on .net through eBay. You can contact him also on Facebook, his name is Stepane Carrier.
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: 2-stroke demon on November 22, 2013, 11:31:40 AM
I ride trails, want to try some xc, & do a little mx riding... Would this motor suit me? Would my ct whale pipe work well if altered?
I want something that pulls like a freight train through as much of the powerband as possible, what pistons do they run? How's the reliability? I don't want a timebomb
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: Wes350x on November 22, 2013, 11:44:14 AM
Quote from: 2-stroke demon;18095
I want something that pulls like a freight train through as much of the powerband as possible, what pistons do they run? How's the reliability? I don't want a timebomb

That's how it was. Not a big revver if that makes sense but almost like a 4 stroke power.

Mine had an oddysesy piston. Think it came to a 391. I had a 40.5 keihin but went to a Lectron 44 at the end. The Lectron made about 4-5 more horses.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OiLUVbXhoUY&feature=c4-feed-u
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: Pumashine on November 22, 2013, 11:53:47 AM
I'm running the 40.5 kiehen. Mine is using the Polaris 400 piston. Built by Pete Shermberger at Hybrid Engineering in Oregon. Have had no issues bottom mid or top. Pulls like a freight train anywhere.
(http://i41.tinypic.com/14scc4.jpg)
(http://i44.tinypic.com/2holkpd.jpg)
This pic shows the pipe changes angle 2" out of the exhaust flange. I believe you can get Mat Shearer to make you one.
(http://i44.tinypic.com/2rypogp.jpg)
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: 2-stroke demon on November 22, 2013, 12:44:36 PM
Wonder if I could find a cool head for it, Arlen at led just told me they are garbage butv that it depends on how well the cases are done
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: atvmxr on November 22, 2013, 01:25:10 PM
your "full CT/prox 350" doesnt have enough low end?  if it was me, I wouldnt trade
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: Pumashine on November 22, 2013, 02:07:44 PM
Quote from: 2-stroke demon;18103
Arlen at led just told me they are garbage
Yes alot of people do bad work. Practicing, not doing what is needed. From a builders standpoint it is much better to buy off the shelf products that are easily replaceable. If you make a trade do not value the pilot cylinder more than an OEM cylinder...which has no value. In other words the pilot is not worth much.
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: rsss396 on November 22, 2013, 02:32:24 PM
IMO - I would do a 330-370 ESR cylinder probably for the same amount of money in the the long run
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: ledperformance on November 23, 2013, 09:38:41 PM
The modern cylinders will perform much better. A 85 mm bore Puma for example has a better exhaust port design and the transfer lay out is much more effective. I believe it would may more power at every rpm than a Polanda or Pilot cylinder.
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: Pumashine on November 24, 2013, 08:17:47 AM
Quote from: ledperformance;18206
The modern cylinders will perform much better.  I believe it would may more power at every rpm than a Polanda or Pilot cylinder.
Yes, these motor were the alternative before the Puma was available. Pete at Hybrid Engineering did an amazingly lot of port work on my cylinder. Exhaust and transfer area's were modified severely.  In his own words "I have never had a larger pile of aluminum shavings on the floor after this cylinder was finished" It can be made into a strong runner but is not worth doing so anymore. If you just take a pilot cylinder and slap it on, you would not be happy with the end result. But I cannot tell you how much more better this motor works than any pro-x 350 I have ever had.
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: wretched73 on November 24, 2013, 10:12:16 AM
Just looking at what's in your garage Puma makes me what a Puma cylinder over a Pilot..... haha
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: Shawn on January 17, 2014, 08:43:57 PM
Can you guys help me I have a pilot on 250r cases but it don't have the 400 sleeve in it. It has a 89mm bore and how do they run I need to get a crank built for it is it worth putting the money in it?
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: Pumashine on January 17, 2014, 09:06:14 PM
I was told you could go up to 85mm on the bore with the pilot cylinder. So you are at 89 mm with no sleeve? Interesting, got a pic?
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: Shawn on January 17, 2014, 09:15:22 PM
It has a big sleeve 89mm in side and the top lip of the sleeve is a 102mm I was told it has a cr 500 sleeve
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: Pumashine on January 18, 2014, 11:16:30 AM
A custom pipe is about $500 I believe. Yes you need a balanced crank for an 89mm piston. That is the size my new Saber is. Tractor pulling power is what you will have. But your looking at least $1000 for crank and pipe. Do you know the history or build specs?
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: Jerry Hall on January 18, 2014, 02:49:17 PM
I have not built any 250Rs with 400 Pilot cylinders nor do I think that I could build a lower end for one that I would want my name on.  I have rebuilt a few that were done by other shops and did not like what I saw.  There was a lot of welding on the cases that was needed so that the transfers would match up and for the relocation of the studs.  The welding warped the main bearing pockets, cranks seal pockets and the case halves mating surfaces.  I think that I could do a lot better job of welding but there will always be some distortion no matter who welds it or what type of welder is used.  Welded cases will never be as strong as the original cases.  

The 250 R crankshaft does not have enough mass in the crank webs to make the ports work optimally without having to do some really radical things to the ports.
 
I believe the 250 R crank web diameters are too small for the stroke that is necessary.  The distance from the crank pin hole to the outside of the crank gets too thin to be able to put the interference fit that is necessary for a crank not to flex and crack in that area.  Welding the pin does not stop the crank from flexing in this area it just keeps the pin from moving in the crank pin hole.   I have a few customers that have had their cranks stroked to 77 to 80 mm and have not had the crank pin hole crack or the welds break but these were not high HP engines with much time on the crank. With the limited amount of room in the cases and the large number of split crank pin holes i have seen, I do not plan to start building stroker cranks or stroking existing 250 R cranks that are destined to premature failure.

I would keep your 350 and get with a motor builder that can give you a good engine combination (ports, pipe, head, carb, etc) if you want to make some respectable power.  I would not trade what you have for the 400 pilot cylinder engine. If you trade your 350, I think that you are about to start working/paying on the same education that the current pilot 400 owner is tired of working on and paying tuition on.
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: Shawn on January 19, 2014, 08:10:36 PM
I don't now the history of the motor how do they run do they make a lot of horse power with the 89mm bore + I did not get the old crank so I don't now what the stroke is but from the top of the sleeve to the bottom of the exhaust port it is 77 mm any body have any ideas?
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: Pumashine on January 19, 2014, 08:24:06 PM
I'm using a +4mm hotrod crank with the yfz490 rod.
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: Shawn on January 19, 2014, 08:31:42 PM
how does it run
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: Shawn on January 19, 2014, 08:32:23 PM
u have a puma?
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: Shawn on January 20, 2014, 08:23:31 PM
do u think I should build this motor or is it a wast
 of time?
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: DnB_Racing on January 20, 2014, 08:39:03 PM
Quote from: Shawn;22891
do u think I should build this motor or is it a wast
 of time?
I don't know about pilot cylinders
BUT
that would be your decision,

 if  what brings you pleasure is knowing you have something different then most and what it took  to get that then no,
 if your just looking for a big bore that moves the ground then yes.. but no one can tell you what YOU like and makes you happy
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: Pumashine on January 20, 2014, 09:02:48 PM
Quote from: Shawn;22891
do u think I should build this motor or is it a wast
 of time?
I am skeptical of the 89mm bore you have. I got a pilot conversion bottom end on ebay for $700. I bought a pilot cylinder for $200. Got it built for trade work. Bought +4 crank and had it balanced for $500. Piston is $150. Got an ESR trx9 pipe and modified it at another $400. So I have at least $2000 into it. No one is ever gonna want to buy it. For $1000 you can get a new Puma cylinder and be much further ahead as it will sell for what you paid for it. No headaches or custom pipes. I say steer clear of any pilot conversions. I have heard anything built by FTZ was slow anyways. I love my pilot cylinder but have $1000 in port work done to it. So I would say it cost $3000 for a pilot conversion verses the same for a puma you don't have to modify other than the crank.
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: Shawn on January 20, 2014, 09:19:16 PM
OK are they a good drag motor ?
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: Shawn on January 20, 2014, 09:24:39 PM
were can I get a puma cylinder at?
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: Pumashine on January 20, 2014, 10:31:15 PM
Quote from: Shawn;22896
were can I get a puma cylinder at?
Only problem you have is your bottom end cannot be used for a trx cylinder. Money wise you are a little further ahead by getting a crank and pipe. But if you were starting with a 250r bottom end it would be very easy to go with a puma. There is a member on here rsss396 who is a CP Industries dealer who can get you what you want.
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: Shawn on January 20, 2014, 10:39:18 PM
I will get a set of case thank u very much.
Title: Thoughts on pilot 400 cylinders? I also have a few questions about them...
Post by: ledperformance on January 22, 2014, 11:02:21 AM
Quote from: Shawn;22904
I will get a set of case thank u very much.


The Puma and Sphinx cylinders out perform cylinders such as the pilot cylinder. These cylinders have a much more efficient transfer port design and are in fact more state of the art than even most modern oem MX cylinders. The Sphinx  has 7 transfer port windows and the Puma has 8. The additional windows do a better job of controlling and focusing the steams of air and fuel being discharged from the transfer ports. This keeps the fuel/air streams from spreading out and getting disorganized as they move across the top of the piston and head towards the rear wall of the cylinder. They maintain  better  better column inertia, which is critical to prevent fuel loss out the exhaust port, especially a lower engine rpm's. These cylinders implement a triple exhaust port lay out which maintains a good balance of exhaust and intake port area. An example of efficiency is a Sphinx 350 with 186' of exhaust port timing will make more hp than a conventional cylinder with 190' of exhaust port timing. Of course you can imagine what would happen if the both had the same timing! The Sphinx / Puma cylinders have better low and mid range power even when you run higher port timings. If you for example ran 190' of exhaust port timing on both Pilot and a Puma, the Puma would make more Peak horse power and still have better low end and mid range power.
In short don't waste any resources on a pilot cylinder!