So about all I will say on that is in my opinion the engine failure was due to overheating caused by a faulty thermostat that stuck close. I will say that in re-reading my original thread I did make a mistake in what I reported.
I stated that the front cylinder let go, I don't know why I made that slip but just to be different, the rear cylinder is what went on my engine......the one that gets the hottest.
Anyways, knowing what usually happens to aluminum engines when severely overheated I just went looking for a replacement. After a couple of calls I found a nice fresh '96- early'97 engine with 11K miles on it.
As it came from a friend, who bought the bike at salvage, I do know the history of the engine and know all about the low-side that rashed the clutch cover and cracked the frame at the fairing stay mount which caused the bike to be totaled.
It was then stored with fresh oil and has just been looking for a home.
When it arrived I was actually surprised how clean the engine is, it one of those ridden by an old geezer and never seen a drop of rain engines.
There is a bit of carbon on the valves but that won't be around for long.
So I spent the last couple of days cleaning all the small bits and the oil cooler. Then checked the valve lash and fitted new CCTs. Yes there is a set of manuals in this engine. Not that I have any issues with the auto CCTs and would run them again with no worries, it just that I had a set on hand so that is what went in. It's as simple as I am a cheap bastid...lol
So here it is ready to start putting bits back on:
Then hang the frame, so I can say it's actually a bike
I am waiting on parts so I can pull the clutch cover and swap in the one from my old engine and while I'm in there replace the clutch springs just because and also a alternator cover gasket so I can swap in my flywheel.
Other than that I just need to do a bit of cleaning and then reassemble my "Build yourself a sporty VTR kit"
She'll be fresh as paint when she turns out 
