Hi there, I just read this blog from start to finish... sounds like it's been an ordeal. I always started with sort of junkpiles of scooters that were basically sound and needed some work; sounds like you came at it from another direction.

I just wanted to mention that the DR kit is possibly a better bet for you than the pinasco (I've had both). The DR is cast-iron, and the pinasco is nicasil-lined aluminum. The nicasil/aluminum combo is great for dissipating heat, which is essential for a racing setup. That's not what you have, though, and the DR kit is extremely reliable. Additionally, it requires no porting modifications on your engine cases, whereas if I recall correctly the pinasco kit does. Also, the pinasco kit is designed for racing, as I mentioned, which means that it's more efficient (powerful) at higher RPMs, but the DR kit has a lot more low-end torque (a polini kit would beat it off the line but there could be reliability issues there). The torque is very important for your setup - you'll need it for the sidecar.

Cheers,

Stephen (sjalex on the scooter bbs)

Make sure you do a nice break-in for the new engine. If Chelsea doesn't offer instructions, ask for the proper break-in method. If you don't it could sieze up.

Thanks guys for the advice. I know that they are doing somewhat of a run in up at the shop. Either way, I'll be good to it. Also, the more I find out, the more pleased I am with the DR kit.