JLO L295 Performance Parts??

[6X6]

Hi: Since I am in the process of restoring my 295 Wild Wolf I don't want to put in a non-original (ie other than a JLO 295) engine. But I would like to get more power. I am trying to track down parts to convert the engine to a Reed valve setup, if they exist. I know a lot of stuff would need to be replaced or modified, but also know it will get a lot more power out of this engine without any other major mods. Also looking for a 340 conversion, which I know does exist (Thanks Don) and looking for a tuned pipe for the singles, preferably a mid-range pipe, not too concerned about how it's shaped, fine if it's designed for a snowmobile, we'll work with it. Anyone have any ideas on these? Anyone have any performance parts? I am already trying snowmobile junkyards.

[hydromike]

Hey 6x6,
Bravo for trying to keeping the original engine, and maximizing the potential of the big single. Nothing's impossible if you're willing to go through the effort. I think a reed valve setup would prove to be particularly difficult (still, not impossible) only because of the overall size and shape of reed valves. The intake port on the jug of the 295 is relatively small, and reed valves are typically larger and square/rectangular for even small singles. You MAY be able to get away with it by building some sort of adapter off of the intake side to join the valve to the cylinder, but you'd also need to have a similar adapter to get the carb to the reed valve, unless you were able to use the same carb that originally bolted up to the valve. Hmmmm... this may work. It could end up drastically changing the overall breathing characteristics of the JLO, which wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. Perhaps you could get the intake and exhaust ports massaged/opened up a bit, too. With a nice tuned pipe for the mid-range, perhaps a 34mm Mikuni hanging off the back, and shaving a few thousands off of the cylinder head, you might be able to get up near the 30-40 horse mark? I don't know. It sure sounds like a lot of fun though. Good luck!
~m

[6X6]

Thanks Mike. Since the reeds would set the intake "Timing" I would want to completely forgo the stock intake port. But this requires a new intake lower on the cylinder, so the piston would not still dictate the intake timing, and so the reeds would have ample clearance, I dont want them external to the engine or I will be increasing the crankcase volume. This certainly won't be easy, but it must be done! I was hoping that there was a cylinder or cylinder/block out there already for the reed setup.