I had some engine work done last year (port and polish, carb bore, airbox, and jetting).  I've already done the AIS removal, and I have a stock KX muffler / midpipe.  The bike runs pretty strong, but I still think there's more power to gain.  A cam swap seems like the next step.  I held off on doing a high compression piston last year.  I don't think I'm interested in that since they thought I'd have to run race fuel.  I like the idea of still driving to a gas station to fill up.

What do you guys think about doing something like this?  Any issues with reliability?  How much of a power gain should I expect?  Is there another mod that would be a better alternative?

Love,
Danny

Alot of guys just use the KXF head with good results.

KLX450-DIRK, on 27 March 2012 - 04:05 PM, said:

It's a thought, but I would hate to throw away the money I sunk into the port and polish.

I have been down this path already.  I bought both stage 2 hotcams (intake and exhuast) for my KLX.  It definately adds a lot of midrange and improves the top end, but it still doesnt run as strong as my stock KX450F.  The magic is in the cylinder head.  The KX head is CNC ported and it has larger exhaust valves that are titanium.  The result is a lot more top end power.  If you search my old threads, I posted on here somewhere the pics of the exhuast port on a KLX vs KX cylinder head.  BIG difference.
Hope that helps.

I went all the way, KX head and stage 2 cams, Yosh header & muffler. We also did a bit of port & polish. The bike is a beast and unlike some of the posts I have seen, the electric start is still very active. In fact I am still on original battery. Not sure what you will get without KX head, but my setup is very strong and has a huge powerband.

Edited by jimmyh, 28 March 2012 - 03:25 PM.

jimmyh, on 28 March 2012 - 03:24 PM, said:

Jimmy, where did you find the kx head? Also, if you don't mind me asking, what did you spend on it? I found a few of them, but I want to make sure the price is right.

paid $450 from Newhaven Powersports (dealer) that sells on eBay as well. Bought Kibble & White SS valves and springs from xcbob (ebay dealer) $305. Stage 2 HotCams from midwest-discount-cycle (ebay dealer) $245.

Has anyone tried to fit  KX 450 F 07 cams in the KLX 450 R to see whether they work ?

Well, bought a kx head. Any cautions on the install?

I just bought one from an 06.  This should be fun

So I just received the kx head. I was wondering if you installed it yourself and how difficult that was. I'm not worried about anything except getting the cam and valves correct. I found a guy that would do the head swap for $100 or so. Do you think that's worth it?

danny1two3, on 12 June 2012 - 07:35 PM, said:

You can do it yourself.  Just make sure you are at TDC and line up the cams.  Easy peasy.

does the kx and klx use the same piston size?

this is just a cylinder sway boom done that easy??