SX/SXi/SXi Pro Few questions about new project (noob)

[ginstervrt]

Hey all, new here, been lurking for a while and finally signed up, just started riding on a js440 I picked up over this past winter. Now I've picked up a mint 98 sxi pro hull for $30 as a project. Hull is complete minus handpole, motor, exhaust and carb(s).

First question is, which route would you guys go to get a motor for it? SBT rebuilt? Peice together/rebuild or buy a "running" motor on eBay? Or find a rebuildable motor in a cheap ski on craigslist? Trying to keep things on a budget, but lets be honest, 9/10 times anything fun breaks the bank. Also, I have done as much reading on the whole big pin small pin differences, does it really matter which one I get, other than the small pin having slightly better bottom end punch, is there REALLY a difference?

Also, looking to set it up for some light freestyle/surf as I live less than a mile from the ocean, what would you guys suggest to start with for mods, if any?

Thanks for any help!

 

[subhard]

Buy a new sbt motor. Used stuff can really suck

 

[ginstervrt]

That's kind of what I was thinking, but also thought it would be more fun to rebuild a motor myself. I'm fairly mechanically inclined, and starting from scratch means hopefully I know the ski inside and out by the time it's done. Any idea how much an sbt is without a core?

 

[subhard]

No. Call em

 

[ginstervrt]

Got ahold of sbt, they don't sell motors without a core. So I did some trading over the weekend, and picked up an STS 750 with a clean motor, but is ready for a quick rebuild. Any idea if the factory exhaust from the sts will fit an sxi? It's pretty buried in there and I have only taken the carbs off so far so I can let them soak in some cleaner before the gaskets get here. dropping the head off at my buddys machine shop in the morning. Everything is essentially the same as far as the motor goes with the exception of fuel and cooling line routing correct?

 

[ginstervrt]

Nevermind the exhaust question, definitely won't work.

 

[ginstervrt]

Anything besides the motor worth saving from the STS before I give the hull away?

 

[sxipro02]

I have a nice exhaust from my 02 pro if you need it. complete minus water box

 

[ginstervrt]

I have a waterbox, how much you want for the exhaust?

 

[ginstervrt]

Still need an intake grate, ride plate, handle pole and bracket, and it's ready to go.

 

[sxipro02]

I dont really know what they go for, hows 50 bucks plus actual shipping sound? I have a stock turn plate too I'll throw in to help your build. Its off my 02 so its a shortened version, just like blowsions but not as blingy.

 

[sxipro02]

If others want to chime in on the price feel free. I just did a quick ebay search and took off a few bucks. I like to help out if I can, others have helped me so I try to pass it on.

 

[ginstervrt]

Yeah, that would be greatly appreciated! If you want to find out shipping to 04090 and let me know!

 

[550/440]

Strip out the pump and driveline, shaft bearing and large hoses. You will most likely need them for your ski, and the pump (if it isn't trashed) should be worth about $100. If bumpers etc are good, might be worth a part out on PWCToday.com...

 

[ginstervrt]

Pump, driveline and bearings are all good on my hull, at the moment anyhow. Anyway to get the trim from the sts to work without completely reshapeing the hull? Everything on the sts is all in really good shape, guy took good care of it. I will see about posting it on PWC, I mean I don't need to make money on it, I essentially traded a iphone 3gs for it. But I suppose the extra money for parts would be nice.

 

[ginstervrt]

Pulled the motor, pump, driveline, ebox, and a few misc. electronics, gave the hull away yesterday. Got ancy waiting for my buddy to get home to get started on the motor, pulled it all apart last night and all 4 rings are missing, the front piston is all chipped and gouged from where the ring must have made it above it. The crank bearing for that rod is also completely gone, cage, and pins are just tiny little flat peice of metal at this point. Cylinders are somehow unscratched, still getting them honed, but surprised they made it through the damage without a scratch. Rear piston is in good shape, with no play on the crank and all bearings intact.

What kind of pistons would you guys suggest? Obviously I'd love to get some weisco's but not sure thats in the budget for the time being, read the reviews on the WSM's being of questionable quality. I don't want to put pistons in and need a whole motor shortly after doing so, but not sure I'll have the money to shell out for weisco's. Is there anything inbetween that is worth while?

Anyone know where I can get replacement rods and bearings? My buddy has the ability to rebuild and true it, and with not having to pay labor, it's on me to source all the parts.