I picked up a non running 1985 LT250R in overall good condition over the weekend. Frame is straight and the swing arm looks good it also has works remote shocks on front. I plan to rebuild this quad with the help of my 13 year old son (Get him off the video games) and when complete it will be his to ride. I have read the forums for hours and my head is about to pop. I plan to rebuild the engine completely and will have the case split tonite when my tools arrive. It needs a big con rod bearing for sure so my plan is to reseal the bottom end, new main bearings. So a few questions.

It has a DG pipe with FMF silencer, Is the DG really that bag should I ditch it for the FMF Fatty?

I'm in the case what should I be sure to concentrate on? Should I use OEM seals and gaskets or Cometic ok?

Stick with all OEM on the crank rebuild?

Should I do anything with the Reeds?

Cylinder will need bored so Wiseco piston with the Suzuki bearing?

Should I have anything done to the cylinder or head to improve performance since it is apart?

Last question or should I just send this thing out and have it rebuilt? I want a reliable build that will last a long time.

Thanks,
Bryon

So im putting together a list of recommended parts from the 87-88 reliability guide post. One recommendation was to use a cometic aluminum base gasket. They come in various thicknesses. What thickness do i need for the 85?

I've got the same quadracer as you.  If you decide to have it built by somebody, check with Carl Bartlett.  He goes by ice racer on here.  Nobody wants to sacrifice reliability while gaining hp's, but the fact is a stock setup will last a heck of a lot longer than a racing built specimen.  Something you need to think about is how fast do you want your boys four wheeler to go?  However there are a few things you can do to improve the longevity of your motor which just so happens to create slight power increases.  Such as drilling 2 holes on the piston skirt to help oil things better.  Things like that.  I hope it helps.  The front shocks on our 85' & 86'  leave a lot to be desired.  There is a company and they are the only ones in the US, named metaltech which makes custom-to-order A arms and swingers for the 85'  &  86'!!!  Lone star quit making swingers a year ago. 
Metaltechs' contact info:
http://www.metaltechproducts.com/Metal Tech Products
6856 W. Orangewood
Glendale, AZ 85303
Telephone: (623) 915-9856
Monday thru Friday 9am - 5pm MST

FTZ racing in Cape Girardeau, Missouri will still make you a hand coned, hammered, pipe.  Carl Bartlett aka ice racer, has one and he said he loves his.

Wilky, go with oem seals and bearing in the lower end yes. I believe their specs have much tighter tolerances than any aftermarket brands. Oem crank is always going to be the desired choice by many guys. They would probably recommend sending the crank out having it rebuilt and a new oem rod put on. I have 2 oem cranks in need of that myself but I opted for a hot rod crank and rod assembly. I wanted my motor back together, and didn't have the time to wait on my crank being rebuilt. One day I will have both redone and installed but until than I'm fine with the hotrod assembly. I'm sure someone who has knowledge of the 85-86 thrust washer question may chime in here but otherwise just look through he engine section of the forum here I'm sure that question has been asked before. I have two LT250R but they are later years and I run the washers with rm wristpin bearing.

99 is what I have for wristpin bearing