Hitchcocks Forum

Hi Guys

I thinking of Converting 1964 bullet 500 engine to 350cc ,for trials project. it is already disassembled.

I already have 350cc cylinder and cylinder head. Are 500 & 350 bullet engine use the same gearbox.
Any pros & cons. what are parts that need to replaced. please advise.

Regards
ET

Hi ET - I doubt your 500 engine is from 1964, as Redditch stopped making them a couple of years prior to that, as far as I know and India did not start making them until about 1992. Whatever year it is, top end components are not interchangeable between 350 and 500 engines. Why not keep it as a 500 - you will have more power all round and for much less effort and expense. Regards, Paul.

First Indian 500's were made for the 1989 model year.


Lost of converted Indian 350's to 500, (most poorly done) but it is impractical to go the other way unless you 'Short-stoke' the motor?

I have a 350 with a pre 1956 style 500 style bottom end. The only real advantage of this is a stronger bottom end compared to a pre-56 350. Mine is a factory produced engine rather than a conversion, which would involve reducing the size of the opening at the top of the crankcases for the smaller 350 barrel spigot and moving the position of the barrel studs. The post 1956 350 and 500 engines have the same style of bottom end, so I'm not sure what you would achieve by putting a 350 top end on it, other than a slightly heavier flywheel.

Nothing is impossible but as the Whisperer says, it would be very difficult. If it's for trials you could consider lowering the compression ratio a bit to achieve a more flexible engine.

Hi Guys

Thanks for your feedback. appreciate yr our feedback. I always like to build 350 bullet trials.
the reason of thinking of this direction .

I have 350 Clipper engine parts ( which i thought was bullet engine while buying ) as shown in the picture.
one of my buddy found bullet 500 engine for me , so i was thinking to convert to 350 since i have 350 clipper surplus parts.

http://s1026.photobucket.com/user/datar ... x.jpg.html

http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y32 ... swkxnx.jpg

Sorry im not able to edit my post.

I don't quite get you, have you bought a complete 350 Clipper engine and stripped it? Do you wish to use your 350 Clipper components in the 500 casing to make a 350 trials? The late Clipper casing and innards are exactly the same as a 350 Bullet, apart from the engine number range stamped on the side. Just build a 350 trials motor using the 350 Clipper engine casing and components.

Hi Chris

i have only clipper parts shown in picture , bought it from autojumble few weeks back. I have clipper 250 frame . which seems bit lighter than bullet.
so i would like to keep it as clipperish if possible .. and keep it light as possible. can i hook bullet 500 gearbox/Clutch site straight on ?

Regards