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Euro GT550 Plated Cylinders: What Rings

Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2022 3:49 pm
by Vintageman
Europe got later GT550 cylinder that were plated/extra transfer ports. Will OEM rings designed for non plated cast cylinders as USA got work? What was the plating material used by Suz ? Chrome? Nickel? I forget. I am thinking if I found a set I will most likely have to replate. Have other done this, What rings did they use?

Thanks

Re: Euro GT550 Plated Cylinders: What Rings

Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2022 11:28 pm
by Alan H
https://www.oldjapanesebikes.com/mraxl_ ... s/page-A50
Some info here - but in German!
And here in English - https://www.oldjapanesebikes.com/mraxl_ ... les/page-9

As I understand, the plated barrels had softer (non chrome) rings, and the non plated barrels has chrome rings. It was done like that for wear benefits.
There's a company in the UK who had a load of pistons made for all types of 550 engines and did a rebore on my J engine. Their rings are a type of composite that they assure me are ok in both types of motor - https://imdpistons.com/products/suzuki- ... ton-kits-3.
I spoke to them at length before they actually ordered their piston kits from Japan as there are several types of oem pistons/rings/gudgeon pins in my 'stash' which I sent to them for examination.

Lots of other info if you do a search for 'suzuki gt550 scem coating' and it's possible to go iron with a new liner here, at PJME - https://www.pjme.co.uk/acatalog/Cylinde ... eving.html . I bought an almost new set of these and fitted them to a mate's 550 and it performed well with low end characteristics of the nikasil plated engine.
My A (Earwig) has plated barrels and a ported/skimmed head engine and is reliable & very quick.

Re: Euro GT550 Plated Cylinders: What Rings

Posted: Sun Sep 18, 2022 6:46 pm
by Vintageman
Alan H.

Good information. Thank you and Cheers