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Pro-X 330 vs. ESR 330

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christph7

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I was hoping to save enough money for a Sphynx cylinder this summer but that's not going to happen, so now I'm trying to decide between a Pro-X 330 (non-power valve for both) and the ESR 330 (not the bolt on kit). I was hoping for some informed opinions on the two before I spend 800 bucks or thereabouts. I'm interested in quality, performance potential, reliability, etc.

I'm leaning towards the Pro-X out of concern for the reliability of the ESR, although I gather their reliability has improved in recent years and I'd like to support ESR as he supports us.

I'm also wondering about the effects of different crank options, i.e., short rod, long rod, and +4. My goal is to build an engine that likes to rev--I prefer rev over torque--so I'm thinking the short rod is the way to go. However, I've read that the "square" engine you get with the +4 crank is a great motor, but that it requires a lot more porting because the cylinder wasn't designed for a stoker crank.

Finally--and I know there are a lot of factors involve--but generally what kind of hp numbers can a person expect out of a 330? I'm thinking mid 50s? Thanks.
 
#2 ·
I prefer a short rod or a stroker there isn't any benefit for a long rod IMO. Short rod is very snappy and a stroker is torquey. I've had a 310 330 and now have a 363 prox. Both 310 and 330 where long rod motors esr built 9 port and one 7 port. Both long rod motors where not very impressive my bro in law has a 330 stroked and it's a beast esr top end. I would save my money and build the biggest meanest motor the first time for your style riding and I bet that will save you in the long run. Carb size, pipe, reeds, ignition all a big deal too in power. Sphinx pv with a short rod or a stroker. Would be my suggestion. All the big bore options are mostly reliable between 310 and 350. Can have heat issues depending on how and where you ride. That's the only issue I've had with any of mine. A ported oem or stroked oem will do as good or better than some 310 and 330s.
 
#3 ·
i have a 350 with a 87 long rod. not the 86 short.. i met a guy where i ride who has a 330 with a +4.. both esr motors.. i was spankin him from start to finish. i have a +3 swinger and i have to lean fwd when shifting from 2-3rd or itll come up on me.. it matters alot about porting and pipe and compression and carb and all kinds of other things.. jetting.. idk if his was setup as well as mine but im satisfied with this 350 thats for sure.. and its only about 100-150 bucks more..buy the builder kit and send it off to somebody good. i sent mine to neil at c-leigh.
 
#4 ·
Initial cost of pro x way overpriced compared to esr. I directly compared both 330 with the same set up and esr much more impressive. I have since had a builder option esr ported and is very impressive. I have used both Arlan and Neil and both worth every penny.
 
#5 · (Edited)
The additional cost of a prox over a esr is a waste of money. You can get a esr 344 = 330 npv with 4mil crank, trx9 port for that 4 mil crank, race gas dome, free case mods for the bb skirt, choice of bling color, etc for xxx.xx. This is a square build but don't get hung up on being exactly 100% square. As an example 363 builds are not exactly square. And you know your money is going back into the future of the 250R world. If you compare all that to a as cast out of the box 330 prox cyl only kit you will see what guys are talking about.
 
#8 ·
First off NO comparison between a Sphynx and any other after market cylinder kit from 310 to 370, the Sphynx is in a class all it's own.

As far as ProX vs ESR, not wasting your money on ProX or supporting those that support the 250ar community....lets look at the facts; ProX has been supporting the 250R community since the first day 250R's hit the scene. Not only was ProX the first BB cylinder kit developed for 250R's, ProX still makes numerous piston kits for the OEM cylinders, Rods, and aftermarket cylinder kits from 265CC to 350CC. Plus LA Sleeve the distributor for ProX also makes all the steel sleeves used in every aftermarket steel sleeved cylinder kit sold....so yes, support those companies that have and continue to support our 250R's.

Performance wise, take your pick, both aftermarket kits will perform about the same once they are ported. Quality wise everyone knows the ProX is superior quality, only second to the Sphynx cylinders made by CP Industries. Both aftermarket kits work, the ESR is a good value for the dollar, the ProX costs more and is a better quality product....whether we like it or not, you do get what you pay for IMO.

Carlos
 
#9 ·
Ill never buy a pro x cylinder. Eddie works hard with a one man operation to keep our Rs running. I have his 330 with a +4 stroker. Runs awesome. Ive ran it all summer with zero issues while ive seen pro x cylinders blow head gaskets all day long. MY Opinion. Go ESR.
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
Thanks for the feedback guys, you've given me food for thought. I called LA Sleeve today to see if they had any cylinders in stock. I got to talking with the guy and he said I have the option of a bridged vs. non-bridged exhaust port. It seems like I read somewhere--MacDizzy's I think--that the bridged cylinder doesn't scavenge the exhaust as well and therefore doesn't produce as much power as the non-bridged. Is there any truth to this? Would you recommend one over the other?
 
#11 ·
christph7 said:
Thanks for the feedback guys, you've given me food for thought. I called LA Sleeve today to see if they had any cylinders in stock. I got to talking with the guy and he said I have the option of a bridged vs. non-bridged exhaust port. It seems like I read somewhere--MacDizzy's I think--that the bridged cylinder doesn't scavenge the exhaust as well and therefore doesn't produce as much power as the non-bridged. Is there any truth to this? Would you recommend one over the other?
Click to expand...
It depends on what you are using it for, and who and how it is Ported and Flowed. For a Drag cylinder, no exhaust bridge, for a Woods cylinder the exhaust bridge offers positive results the bridge-less exhaust does not. Carlos
 
#12 ·
I have been debating the entire ESR vs. Pro-X vs. Sphynx vs. PC2000 cylinder for while now. I want to build 350 Power Valve cylinder with a +4 stroke and have been going back and forth between the four options. (PC2000 not as much, figure for that price, might as well go Sphynx.) I know the Sphynx would be the best, it is also the most expensive option. (I thought I also read somewhere that you can't get the Sphynx with a power valve anymore?) I have a Pro-x 330 cylinder now and am very happy with it, but the ESR price is hard to beat. Yes, you get what you pay for, but I don't need the biggest, baddest, most horsepower out there either, just a good strong reliable motor. If I had plenty of money, hands down Sphynx all the way, but ESR's prices sure are tempting. ESR will probably eventually get my money, figure I will be left with a little money in my pocket and be perfectly happy with the outcome.

Doug
 
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#13 ·
Good point Doug and I absolutely agree.

The Sphynx is not for everyone, it is as you noted at his moment the 'Best' of all the aftermarket cylinders with the greatest potential at a higher cost.

In reality, all aftermarket cylinders will run strong once certain short comings are addressed; even the lower end priced kits work well. The question and dilemma is the amount of work needed vs the lower cost vs the higher cost kits. Only takes one piston failure; one leak, one seizure, one sleeve to drop or move, ect...to make the lower cost kits become the more expensive overall option. The other issue with aftermarket cylinder kits is they vary greatly; some are good and others are not, hence all the varying opinions you constantly hear & read about.

Heck we build them all, if a customer wants a lower end kit, that is what we build & make it work for him....so yes we have a few options based on your needs and budget…thats the beauty of having more than one to choose from.

Carlos
 
#14 ·
I think the current esr castings are not low quality cylinders anymore. I prefer them to pro x and most builders working with esr products. They deserve all the customers they get cuz of Eddie is currently doing for the 250r community. Look all over FB and the constant praise esr gets. Good luck with your choice
 
#16 · (Edited)
You can say anything you like, very true only takes one failure on any setup to add unplanned costs.

However; in reality, and based on the number of failures we see as well as others; the Nikasil plated cylinders like the Sphynx, Puma, Saber experience far fewer seizures or piston failures. This is mostly due to the single piece (NO steel sleeve) Aluminum casting expanding and transferring heat more efficiently & evenly than steel lined cylinders. This is the one major benefit of a single piece cast aluminum cylinder IMO...it offers the end user greater reliabilty.

PS: let's not forget another option, that is an OEM cylinder vs the 'Steel' sleeved aftermarket 310-330 kits. A properly setup, ported and flowed OEM cylinder like a 261CC (see BDT's 57HP/40TrQ Dyno run in BDT section) that would embarrass a lot of BB kits.

Carlos
 
Discussion starter · #17 ·
I'm leaning towards the Pro-X 330, although I will probably get my pipe from ESR so that will help to spread the money around. I'm still debating which crank to use. I have a short rod, long rod, or I could purchase the +4 stroker. I really like a rev-happy engine so I'm thinking the short rod would be best. However, I've also read the +4 stroker makes for a "square" engine, i.e., 76mm x 76mm, which is supposed to be a great performer. Am I right in thinking the short rod will rev out faster, while the +4 will have more torque but rev out slower? Or, is there really not that much difference between them?
 
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acecarlos
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