Hi, newbie here. Not new to quads but hoping to be a newbie to the lt500 or at least just the engine soon! Planning on building a lt500 powered hybrid this winter and was just wondering what is an lt500 engine worth price wise? I've come across a Duncan/Paul Turner lt500 engine with fairly low hours. I can't remember but it's either a 1989 or 1990.
Would like to know a rough estimate on that engine and also a good used bone stock one because I have no idea. Thanks!
I have been looking at buying/building a 500 for years now(and I will when I run across the right deal).
Frame up from junk, or complete in decent shape.
The engine(and complete quad) prices I've seen vary greatly.
If you're going to pay more than a few hundred dollars for an engine, I would want receipts for internal parts/work done, or know/trust the seller.
They always seem to have "low hours" and have been "barely ridden", for whatever that's worth.
Parts for the 500 engine are expensive in comparison to most other 2-strokes.
How a 2-stoke engine is broken in is also important for it's lifespan. Correct break-in almost always means longer engine life. Unless the engine was built and broken in by someone knowledgable, chances are it was thrown together, cranked, an ran. If it was jetted too lean and ran that way, that also shortens it's life.
87 models need the head studs fixed. The "ears"(bolt mount holes for the cylinder)need to be strengthend. As well as several other quirks the 500's had.
I make no claims to know alot abou the 500's, but have been wrenching and riding for 26 years, 2 and 4 strokes, atv's and sportbikes(and unfortunately cars too, lol).
The 500 seems to be one of the more expensive 2-strokes I've seen for parts. If you build it, torque everything to spec, use quality parts, set the squish correctly, make sure ring end gap is correct, make sure the carburetor is jetted correctly for any mods and your elevation, break it in right, ect, ect. Do it by the book, and talk to engine builders if you have any questions. There are alot of simple things to do(like the above mentioned), and many people don't do those or any. It makes a difference.
Otherwise it'll be even more expensive.
When buying a used engine or whole atv, doing a compression check and leakdown test will give you a good idea of the engine's condition. Do that, or have it done whenever possible.
I'm sorry, but I honestly don't think there's a good answer to the question; "How much will it cost?".
The best thing to do(no matter what you're working on) is to start with a budget, see what you can find to buy, then guesstimate what parts you're fairly certain you will need. I promise you there will always be something else to add to the list.
But, there is alot of great info and some very knowledgable people here.
Good luck.
Thanks for the info and tips! I've done just a little research and have read about a couple of the things you've mentioned - studs, ears, etc. This site is a gold mine of info and I've just scratched the surface! Like you said I'm starting to see the prices for engine parts are pretty high for a 2 stroke. The engine belongs to a friend so I'm sure it's like he says it is. As far as breaking it in I'm not sure whether he broke it in or the previous owner did. I searched around and saw on ebay a Trinity 535cc motor with a couple break in hours sold for about $1850. Not really looking to spend that much, but since the one I'm looking at isn't brand new, I think it'll be less than that but Idk yet. Going to see him today so I guess I'll find out lol. Anyone else know price wise what I should be looking at?
800 -1000. Honestly man, i'd stay away from anything that has the word "Trinity" in it. Multiple personal experiences.
I feel sorry for the poor guy that bought a Trinity motor for 1800. My gawd. For 1800 you can buy an entire 500. And spend about another 500 repairing factory flaws and it will do circles around any Trinity motor. Most of their mods are snake oil.
They did a pretty good job on my bottom end though, cant really complain, and their welded ears are seriously some of the best work i've seen. So, yea, over 3k later i basically have a new 2nd gear, new clutch basket, main bearing inserts, and welded ears.
As others have said... It depends on whats inside and who did the work.
A few guys in the industry know the ins and outs of this power plant and the rest frankly don't. You will pay for a motor that was done correctly, how much depends on how extreme.
talk to motoman9911, he is selling a zilla engine for cheap. It is apart right now but IIRC it has everything there.
Most of the engines out there lately are just sooo clapped out from over 30 years of people who have no business putting a wrench on them fubaring them up. I've seen perfectly good motors get ruined and homi the clowned in minutes from all the squids out there.
Most of the engines out there lately are just sooo clapped out from over 30 years of people who have no business putting a wrench on them fubaring them up. I've seen perfectly good motors get ruined and homi the clowned in minutes from all the squids out there.
Yep and be wary of ones selling that are "rebuilt"...Bought an engine "all rebuilt" but had my guy check it over and it was a disaster.Crank not pressed together right,counter balancer gear missing a tooth and bearing completely missing on the end of the powervalve...I never take anything for granted unless you are absolutely sure...Now an engine you are planning to rebuild anyway not as big an issue.
i was at an auction about a year ago and a 500 was there. after looking it over, i felt sorry for the guy that bought it for $450. Yes, an entire 500 for $450 and it was still waaaaaayyy overpriced. Wish i'd taken pics of how f'd up it was...
it cant be that bad as long as it had all the parts. the old stuff is rebuildable. engine rebuild kit=300$ seat rebuild=$100 seals and rubbers$100 paint=$100 tires/wheels=400 mechanical=250$
$1250+450= with some work that guy could have new zilla for $1700...and he can spread it out over time. when hes done, he' ll appreciate it way more.