Hello All,
I just picked up my first Blaster for my oldest son. It is a pretty beat up 2002. I am planning on doing a full and compete build on this one. I am hoping to have it done for the spring. I have attached some pic's of what I am starting with. I am hoping you all can help guide me on some of the things I am looking to do and the best place to source parts. I've been browsing the site for a few weeks but there is so much info, I figured it would be easier to ask some questions directly.
Pro's:
1. I was told it has a big bore kit, 'll figure it out once it is apart.
2. It has an FMF Fatty and silencer.
3. It came with ITP Aluminum wheels.
4. Frame looks solid.
5. It ran, shifted prior to the tear down two days ago.
Con's:
1. Sounds like there is piston slap.
2. Plastics are mostly garbage.
3. One front wheel is bent.
4. Looks like it has been apart and back together a bunch. (not correctly either)
I am planning on doing the following over the next few months:
1. Strip the bike completely. (almost done with this part) Going to sand blast the frame, a-arms and swing arm. Then off to powder coating. (should be done this week) Even if I
don't use the a-arms and swing arm I figured they would be worth more to someone all cleaned up.
2. The engine is going to be torn apart and inspected. Replace any damaged parts. If all is good new piston and rings (For now). For this part, I have a few questions. I was considering doing a WR top end conversion but am not sure if it is worth the time and effort. Looking for opinions on whether the big bore is enough or if the WR really makes that much more HP & Torque.
3. Looking to convert the drums to hydro's. I cannot find front spindles unless I purchase new. I reached out to Ken O'Conner and that was what he suggested. I am more than happy to do that, but if I could find a used set somewhere I could save a few bucks to put towards other things. Seems like only new or used work (OEM,420 or KOR) easily without too much modifying. The rear looks super simple to convert to hydro.
4. A-Arms & Swing Arm. I was looking at the Alba A-arms, any thoughts? Not sure if these are any better than the stock or am I wasting my time? I would like to extend the swing arm. I'm not sure how far to extend it. I am building this for my 12 year old, but I would like it to last him and not have it be super tippy. Plan on building this for him to use on a local track and on our property upstate NY.
5. Shocks: Any opinions? Not looking to break the bank right away, are banshee or 400ex shocks an upgrade, or do I just save up for fox/elka?
6. All bearings and bushings will be replaced.
7. New rim and tires. Any suggestions? trail/track riding Also, not sure if you can tell by the image what the rims are but having a hard time finding a new ITP to match it. I thought is was an ITP A6 10x5 4/156.
I think that's enough for now, let's see how far I actually get on this one. Thanks in advance for everyone's feedback. You all seem like you have a solid community of riders that have built some really cool Blasters!
I just picked up my first Blaster for my oldest son. It is a pretty beat up 2002. I am planning on doing a full and compete build on this one. I am hoping to have it done for the spring. I have attached some pic's of what I am starting with. I am hoping you all can help guide me on some of the things I am looking to do and the best place to source parts. I've been browsing the site for a few weeks but there is so much info, I figured it would be easier to ask some questions directly.
Pro's:
1. I was told it has a big bore kit, 'll figure it out once it is apart.
2. It has an FMF Fatty and silencer.
3. It came with ITP Aluminum wheels.
4. Frame looks solid.
5. It ran, shifted prior to the tear down two days ago.
Con's:
1. Sounds like there is piston slap.
2. Plastics are mostly garbage.
3. One front wheel is bent.
4. Looks like it has been apart and back together a bunch. (not correctly either)
I am planning on doing the following over the next few months:
1. Strip the bike completely. (almost done with this part) Going to sand blast the frame, a-arms and swing arm. Then off to powder coating. (should be done this week) Even if I
2. The engine is going to be torn apart and inspected. Replace any damaged parts. If all is good new piston and rings (For now). For this part, I have a few questions. I was considering doing a WR top end conversion but am not sure if it is worth the time and effort. Looking for opinions on whether the big bore is enough or if the WR really makes that much more HP & Torque.
3. Looking to convert the drums to hydro's. I cannot find front spindles unless I purchase new. I reached out to Ken O'Conner and that was what he suggested. I am more than happy to do that, but if I could find a used set somewhere I could save a few bucks to put towards other things. Seems like only new or used work (OEM,420 or KOR) easily without too much modifying. The rear looks super simple to convert to hydro.
4. A-Arms & Swing Arm. I was looking at the Alba A-arms, any thoughts? Not sure if these are any better than the stock or am I wasting my time? I would like to extend the swing arm. I'm not sure how far to extend it. I am building this for my 12 year old, but I would like it to last him and not have it be super tippy. Plan on building this for him to use on a local track and on our property upstate NY.
5. Shocks: Any opinions? Not looking to break the bank right away, are banshee or 400ex shocks an upgrade, or do I just save up for fox/elka?
6. All bearings and bushings will be replaced.
7. New rim and tires. Any suggestions? trail/track riding Also, not sure if you can tell by the image what the rims are but having a hard time finding a new ITP to match it. I thought is was an ITP A6 10x5 4/156.
I think that's enough for now, let's see how far I actually get on this one. Thanks in advance for everyone's feedback. You all seem like you have a solid community of riders that have built some really cool Blasters!
