quick thoughts on project...400 or 500?

hi guys...im currently wanting to do a build on a liquid cooled big bore...i have plenty of chassis parts to do a 85-88 style...my question is what should i go with?i have a few jugs for the 400 and 1 500 jug...what do think would be more durable? i kinda liked the 400 powerband, but im open to the 50 as well

Never rode a 400 have one in pieces with a hole in the piston like mentioned in another thread. I have a 430 with a 500 head on it and a 12 tooth front sprocket which I find quite pleasant to ride. Yes the 85-88 models give the ankles more room than anything else I can think of however the amount of blown out rear engine cases and worn swingarm pivot holes in that range would lead me to advise to go with the smaller displacement unless you plan on incorporating another motor mount somehow. The ankle room is the same 85-86 and 87-88 however they are treated as one entity around here a lot more than I think they should be.

good thoughts there. i have several cases and trans to use for those years...i agree they are a different animal...i think they handle similar, but they have a different feel to both. i had a chance years ago to buy a crate 88xc250, and i have rode the heck outta that thing! im kinda leanin towards a earlier 400 but i have only rode air 500 huskies, and liquid 400s! didnt know if the liquid 500 runs differently. i forgot about the 430...

I would expect the handling to be pretty much chasis more than engine displacement as the rotating mass is very similar. You can study the parts sheets to see for yourself but it appears to me the 400, 430, and 500 all have different primary reduction ratios and some of those the clutch basket is integral with the primary gear. At least for the water cooled ones I have in pieces.

I love my 87 430 Cr's great power nice spread. They are shakers, I have have rode a 84 400 I didn't feel much power difference. The 500 is real shaker rode a 86 and it make you numb!over long distances. Cool bikes any of them.

Guy

thanks guys for the inputs...i always really did like the 400 power delivery