KZP P --> C-Model perf upgrade?

Hello,

It's my understanding that the C-model KZP's had a somewhat hotter engine than the P-model. Over the winter, I'm going to be redoing the top end of my own P-18 to deal with a seepage issue (running synthetic) and what appears to be leaky valve guide oil seals. I was recently told by an older CA motor officer that spent a fair amount of time on KZPs that the KZP was detuned to stop officers from getting into trouble. I want to get into trouble:) Can anyone let me know what sorts of difference exist between the C and P engines? Cam? Compression? An enquiring mind wants to know. TIA.

Mike

Will someone please answer this. I will go way out on a weak limb and say that I was not and am not aware of a c-model KZP. That is not to say that there is not but----.
Also I am confused by the " C and P" model engines.
All police models I know of have J model engines.
Finally, one would wonder why a KZ1000P would be detuned to keep a motor cop "out of trouble".
Harry

Double check with buykawasaki.com but my recollection is that pre 1981 cop bikes were C models and that the P designation was hung on them when they went to the J engine in 81. I could be batty on this but that is my recollection. I would also expect that the power from any of the earlier "C" engines would be very similar to the other engines of the same displacement sold that year. I think the earliest C type cop bikes were 903cc and then they moved to the 1015cc displacement in 1977... The J bikes which came out in 81 made more power than either. I also doubt there were any serious changes made from 81-to present.

Nuts.. my reply vaporized I think. Please pardon if this appears twice.

The KZ you saw on CHiPs was the C model... windshield.. no fairing. The biggest delata visually on the C models engine was kickstart. The C models ran according to:

1975 Z1P
1976 KZ900C2
1977 C1A
1978 C1
1979 C2
1980 C3
1981 C4A

Then the P1A and P1 came out in 82 I understand.

The other thing they added was a damped radio tray to reduce the amount of mass rigidly coupled to the bike up high. I hear that didn't help as much as they'd hoped. Cops get good training.. but you still have a distribution of talent, experience and judgment across those who do it and I'm sure many could handle the C model just fine and I'm also sure that some did stupid things and got hurt for whatever reason. Look at what you had for cop bikes prior to that... HD's and Guzzi's... tractors. The KZP is a rocket and guys moving from tractors to rockets might have some reflexes that needed to be tuned up? Anyway, I've heard from enough old time motor officers and instructors that the P was detuned. I'd be curious to know what that entailed if indeed it really was. Thanks.

Mike

Just a WAG (Wild A** Guess), but maybe the P model had the carbs and cams of the LTD/CSR models instead of the cams/carbs of the J models? That would mean 92 hp vs the 102 hp of the J.

Caution, I have no idea if this is true or not

Post edited by: steell, at: 2005/11/17 16:06

Only de-tuning I am aware of is the pilot air screws for California emissions (although Ca. bikes are not emission tested like 4 wheelers are) supposed to be like one turn and 1/4 out.I opened em to 3 turns, per a cop bike mechanic, runs better.

kz1000P=kz1000K(ltd)motor
79-81 kz1000C=kz1000B(ltd)motor

This gave me the kick I needed to finish up the timeline page I was working on... here's a link for anyone that's interested:

users.crocker.com/~mwilliams/KZP.htm

Thank you for all the good answers so far.

Mike

Thank you.. is there someplace you'd recommend where I can understand what the differences were between those two engines?

Mike

Check APE, they describe the differences pretty well.

Thank you... feeling stupid here.. what is APE?

Mike

here is the link

www.aperaceparts.com/tech/techkz1000.html