Hi Folks,
Is it OK and straightforward to fit V50 barrels and pistons to a MK1 V35 (with 27hp)? Is the rest of the engine the same?
If it’s no problem, what is the biggest capacity upgrade I could do?
Many thanks
Dave
I was under the impression that the V35 is a reduced version of the V50 specifically for learners, so I can’t see why not. Hopefully someone more knowledgable will be along shortly.
I’m kind of presuming that there must be some different compensating balancing factors at the crank for the different sized slugs. I’m thinking I’ll maybe hop up the Veefer one day. I’d just look for a low miles V65/75 lump in its entirety.
I don’t think that the V35 was designed as a learner bike, but I was under the impression that there is (or was) a reduction in tax for bikes under 350cc in Italy.
It could also be that racing classes in the 1930’s were set with maximum of 250cc, 350cc and 500cc. I doubt that Giacomo Agostini on the MV Agusta 350 four-cylinder ride in 1976 would think of it as a learner bike.
The 750 engines from the Targas and Navada models are taller, so the stroke must be longer. They can be fitted into a V35 / 50 frame but needs a bit of fiddling to get the carbs to clear the frame. 650 engines don’t have this problem.
One member has fitted a 750 Breva engine slotted into a V65TT - See bikes for sale so anything is possible.
Not sure if V50 barrels can be fitted onto a V35 bottom end. V50 whole engines to come up for sale occasionally and will slot straight in. You may need to up the gearing to get the benefit of the more power. It would need a bit of research.
According to Mick Walker’s book, the V50 has bigger bore and longer stroke than V35, so if you just change the pistons and barrels you’ll end up with a hybrid. I haven’t thought it through in detail but presumably the barrels will be longer so your compression ratio will be lower?
I think I’d look for an engine. Tim Hicks has a 750 engine in a Monza. I saw it on Sunday.
I think Tim still has the old Monza engine as well that he was wanting to sell.
Crank shaft - - - V50 - GU19064150
Crank shaft - - - V35 - GU19064100
The crank shafts are different part numbers.
Little end pin - - - V35 - GU19061235 2
Little end pin - - - V50 - GU19061250 2
The exhaust is common, suggesting the barrells are a common height and they appear to use the same inlet manifolds.
Sorry that was fatuous and uncalled for. I apologise unreservedly.
Nevertheless, makes more sense than what I thought!
I think this is the way. The other way, end up with pistons which don’t reach the tops of the bores!
Thanks Gents, appreciate your input. i am just contingency planning having bought a V35 Imola I’ve yet to ride! Whole engine sounds the way ahead if needed. Honestly I am unlikely to mess with a nice, original bike but good to understand the possibilities,
I imagine the persistent myth of the 350cc learner Guzzi is partly why the 350’s are relatively cheap? Just look at the Morini 350’s that have no such baggage and compare prices!
Cheers 
Dave
I owned a V35 Imola II in Silver. I found it perfectly adequate to tour solo . Frugal too. I recommend you live with it a bit. It’ll teach you heaps.
I have just started to renovate an Imola II and have been looking for information on the bike. I have found a downloadable PDF Service Manual. Is there a Workshop Manual available through the club or else where please?
I wouldn’t start when i got it, but since changing the points and setting it up the engine now runs smoothly but was smoking from the right hand cylinder. I have removed the head and found that one of the valves is leaking oil. I will remove the valve and see what’s what.
I have spoken to Guzzi Bits and they sell valves and guides, but I feel I want to get to know other users/owners so that I may understand these bikes.
I am a Moto Morini Strada and V7 MKII owner. I know a little about the Strada but very little about the Guzzi.
Can you point me in the right direction, please?
Really looking forward to getting the bike on the road as I want to take it on a Rally in October with some Morini friends.
Enc. My Strada. Hoping the Imola will be even nicer.
Have a browse around on here for a workshop manual. You will need the base manual which is the basic information and the one applicable for your particular model.
http://guzzitek.org/gb/accueil_gb.htm
Or there seems to be one here
http://manualzz.com/doc/13081737/moto-guzzi-workshop-manual---v35-imola-ii--v50-monza-ii--…
Many thanks for that.
You’re welcome.