86 bottom with a 88 top end?

[mdl76]

hi all. i have a 88 engine complete. but it needs about $300.00 in parts so im going to buy a new 1986 bottom end, but it does not come with a top end. so a few questions:

1. will a 88 cylider and piston be ok to run on the 86 with the 86 crank?
2. or should i remove the 88crank and install it in the 86 bottom?
3. or just install a 86 top end and keep it all stock 86?
4. or should i just swap multiple parts and make a 86-88 hybrid motor to get the best of both worlds?


I only ride trails and dunes, im not a racer just to let yah know ;-) thanks all.

[dober250R]

if you do use the 86 crank, you have to run an 86 year piston. The 86 crank and piston are better than 88.

[mdl76]

thanks for the responce. I heard something like they made 87-89 easier to start. but in the process lossed a bit of hp.

[baker250r]

I run a 88 motor with a 86 crankshaft and piston.

[robyone]

I just finished my 86 /88 motor, if you use the short rod you have to use the 86 piston or you can use the long rod with 86 piston and spacer plate which gives you more volume. the short rod revs quicker but has a little less bottom end, and a flat spot in the power curve in the topend. I'm currently running the short rod because I bought a mint 86 atc motor, but I plan on returning to the long rod in a year or 2 on the next rebuild. I think it was the 88 that had the best hp numbers stock.