Setting up your Greeves machine for Racing – The sophisticated stuff
Kim Morley wrote this document for the Greeves Riders Forum in 2011 -the link is enclosed and he has kindly agreed that we can produce it with some updates.
Original ref Ref https://www.greeves-riders.org.uk/forums/forum/engines-cycle-parts-and-spares/greeves-engines/976-the-hot-ticket-performance-mods
Summary
Do your suspension and brakes before your engine carburettor and exhaust.
1. Suspension Before brakes, then focus on engine performance, prioritize servicing or upgrading your suspension and brakes for faster lap times on the race track. GRD's Jos Goddard recommends wide-bodied rock shocks, offering a diverse range of units and accessories to suit various budgets. Alternatively, Hagon shocks remain a reliable choice.
2. Control Cables and Brakes: Find a range of control cables, brake shoes, and levers available at Britishbikes1970.com.
3. Ignition Upgrade: Consider upgrading from traditional points to electronic ignition, such as the German PVL system, recommended for improved performance at higher RPMs and easier starting. For options, contact Jos Goddard (PVL)or Electrix World through Villiers Services. Britishbikes1970 offers and will fit both original points ignition and electronic systems.
4. Amal Carburettor: Ensure your Amal carburettor is properly overhauled and tuned. While new ones are available from Amal, well-maintained existing ones should pose no issues.
5. Compression: Verify ring gap and piston condition, considering replacement if necessary. Adjusting gasket thickness can alter compression ratios but requires caution and expertise to avoid damaging pistons. Consulting an engine tuner is recommended to determine the best approach.
6. Exhaust System: Collaborate with an experienced engine tuner and exhaust maker for optimal performance. Consider exhaust port alterations for improved results. Standard exhausts are available from Britishbikes1970, while GRD offers custom options. Ian Bain used to offer wonderful Hawkstone exhausts.
7. Air Filter: Opt for a modern motocross two-part foam filter, like Twin Air, for enhanced performance. Simple upgrades like this can yield significant improvements in bike performance, as demonstrated by real-world experiences.
Remember, success often lies in attention to detail and quality components rather than extravagant modifications.
Equally changing your port without the exhaust will kill your performance. As these bikes are already tuned racing bikes.
Cheers, Kim Morley