Newer Engine Swaps for the Paso 750

[Desmo_Demon]

What have been people's experiences with installing newer engines into their Paso 750?

The reason that I ask is that I recently picked up a 916 engine from an ST4 that came with the throttlebodies, wiring harness, computer, and airbox with K&N filter......



I bought this at a reasonable price with the idea that I could install it in my 748, ST2, or the spare Paso 750 frame that I have for a future project. I went to install it into my Paso rolling chassis...



...to limit the amount of space that the engine would take up, and I noticed a few things......


1) The mounting points on the engine between the cylinders and at the top of the rear of the cases were 1-3mm too wide on either side.

2) The mounting points on the engine at the bottom rear of the engine cases are too wide by close to 3-7mm on each side.

3) The mounting points for the swingarm on the engine cases are considerably wider on the ST4 engine. Probably 15-25mm on each side.

4) Looking at the engine on my 748, it looks like the swingarm mounting section of the 748 and Paso engines are of similar widths.


Anyway, I was just curious as to any issues that others have had in installing a newer Ducati engine into a Paso 750 and what you ended up modifying.

[Finnpaso]

I think, You will have problems in clearance between front tire and radiator... They have to make new heads to ST4/ST4S to managed fit it to ST frame. 944cc ST2 engine fit without that mod to ST frame. They couldnt use direct 996 engine in ST frame, so new lower heads needeed....

[Desmo_Demon]

I think, You will have problems in clearance between front tire and radiator...

I was thinking along the lines of using two radiators on either side where the oil coolers are now, and run a newer style oil cooler under the horizontal head. I had the idea of either having two radiators made the same size as the existing oil coolers, or see if I can find some water-cooled, dirtbike radiators that may fit and work well. Running an oil cooler might make up for any additional cooling that may be necessary by running the smaller radiators.....unless I'm lucky and the surface area and air flow is equal to or more than the original ST4 arrangement.......at least it is a thought. :umm:

[Marinus]

105 Hp in a paso is an interesting if not scary thought.
Personally I would just buy another whole bike but you already have a few so you must love the mental challenge of these projects.

Good on you DD!!

[ducapiero]

You are a real demon!!!!
i dreamed to do the same give us news on you projects!!

[Tamburinifan]

Here`s a German guy w a 907 w ST3 engine:
http://www.motor-talk.de/forum/aus-alt- ... 47316.html

[Desmo_Demon]

i dreamed to do the same give us news on you projects!!

It'll be a while until I really give this potential project a good look. I think it can be done without too much major work, but I can easily be wrong. Getting the wiring harness, computer, and throttle bodies with the engine makes it an easier project, because I at least know that all of those items are compatible and won't need any modifications to work. The largest issues, that I see, will be mounting the engine to the frame, arranging engine cooling, and doing something with the swingarm. I have some ideas on the swingarm issues, if I don't want to machine the engine cases.

I've got too many projects on the list, right now. I'm hoping to have my first Paso Project on the road in early spring. At that time, I'll roll 100k miles on my Harley and put the Harley and Paso into sharing commuting duties. That means that the Paso will be guaranteed at least 4k miles of use each year.

[paso750]

Terry,

as you have a Harley also you may like this project ... :screwy:

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2007/ ... completed/

G.

PS: on the lower of the article check the link to the "Alfabike" and the he links on the right side i.e.
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2006/ ... otorcycle/
Insane

sorry I know this is off topic

[Desmo_Demon]

as you have a Harley also you may like this project ... :screwy:

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2007/ ... completed/

I've seen this on the Internet periodically as he was building it. The big question is....WHY? :screwy:

PS: on the lower of the article check the link to the "Alfabike" and the he links on the right side i.e.
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2006/ ... otorcycle/

I've seen that one before, also. Kinda cool and definitely unique.....I'm actually more of a purist and like my bikes the way they came off of the showroom floor, but can appreciate tasteful mods. The only reason that I'd even consider throwing the ST4 engine into the Paso frame and body is that everything is Ducati, and I think I can pull off the project for less than $2000 USD.

Right now, I only have $950 in all the parts and can sell the original forks and wheels to recoup some of my cost, and all that I'm missing is the headlight fairing, headlight, rearsets, and some other small items that can be had cheaply off of eBay. The largest issue is the time and fabrication to get everything together. :laugh:

I have plenty of time to think about it, though.

If I had the money, I'd buy this and restore it.....

http://charlotte.craigslist.org/mcy/472127271.html

[Finnpaso]

Your link doesnt function anymore....

[Desmo_Demon]

Your link doesnt function anymore....

It is sold already, and the guy removed the ad (a guy I know in Charlotte, NC bought it....he works at the Ducati/BMW dealer).

It was a running '66 Ducati single (bevelhead) that needed a bunch of work. It was dirty and rusty, started on the 1st or 2nd kick, but it was only $575 and came with a title, so it could be restored and used on the street.