KZ1000 MK2 head

I've now got an engine I'm trying to piece together and it's going to end up with a KZ1000 MK2 head which has the pollution "vent" on top - what is this supposed to do? I know the standard thing to do is simply to plug it and forget about it, but I'm asking the question because someone was actually able to plumb the pollution stuff on their zzr1200 in such a way that it provided some more power (wish I was paying more attention at the time, but it was a couple of years ago and I never figured I would ever own anything from the modern "environmental era"). Anyhow, what's going to be coming out of this vent at the top of the head and under what kind of pressure?

The vent's at the top front left in the picture.

Post edited by: jenshhj, at: 2005/10/11 23:34

I think your best bet on those is to buy a set of the covers that eliminate them.

Saved, thanks for the reply, I was looking for another view - some bizzare theory about how it would probably be better if... Though in the end I'm pretty sure that you'll end up being spot on. Here's my kitchen counter - what a mess, but it's the best stuff that's been on it in a while (and I'm not talking only about the beer)...

Post edited by: jenshhj, at: 2005/10/12 00:38

Yeah I catch your drift...I doubt you are going to turn emissions equipment into HP though. Good luck, I'm sure you'll get some better input than mine soon.

The valves allow fresh air to enter the exhaust through the 1 way reeds and not let exhaust go the other direction. For each exhaust cycle the valve will be drawn open. This was a good way to reduce emissions by injecting the air in the exhaust to aid in burning unburned fuel. This combined with the accelerator pump carbs in 1979 worked better than other munufacturers simply overly leaning the jetting. The valves can go bad making an exhaust leak or accidently using a pre 1979 valve cover gasket will cause a massive exhaust leak. Other than that, the valves do nothing to harm or help performance.

Yes...the vents are intakes only, no outlet pressure at all. The easiest way to bypass all of that is just run a hose from one inlet to the other. Just make sure the smog covers are mounted so they point TOWARD each other, not away as shown in the photo. You can also by nice looking aluminum covers to replace the smog covers with the fittings.

Post edited by: 79MKII, at: 2005/10/12 19:07

Can't get the picture to upload. Here's try number 2:

I guess it worked that time. By the way, I remember reading one of the original tests of the MKII and the pollution system was credited with ADDING horsepower. I don't know if it was true or not, but the '79 was up on horsepower over the '78, although there were other small changes.

Post edited by: 79MKII, at: 2005/10/12 19:14

If it added HP, the only thing I can think of is that it might affect the way the exhaust pulses move through the exhaust system, which affects HP in various parts of the rev range. Whatever it did, I can't imagine it had a significant effect.

So what I ought ot do is create a ramair system to draw the exhaust gases out of the head by using these "inlets" - what a strange project!

jenshhj wrote:

So what I ought ot do is create a ramair system to draw the exhaust gases out of the head by using these "inlets" - what a strange project!

I sure don't know what that would do, but it is an interesting thought. The original set up pulled air in through a hose routed to the air box. Forcing air in may have some type of effect on performance. Maybe it will be a nice easy way to "supercharge" your bike!

There was never a power increase with those. We make the billet covers shown above to block them off.

Jay
www.kzzone.com

if you can come up with a way to remove the reeds but still retain the stock covers you could possibly plumb it down to the header collector ,you could possibly use it as a crankcase evacuation system by using the exhuast to pull pressure out the engine your rings will seal better and free up some more power.weve done this on dragboats and cars for years,its not as efficiant as pump but its the next best thing.hope this helps,good luck

Post edited by: wireguy, at: 2005/11/19 00:11