A Field Guide to the Suzuki GT550
1972 - 1977 Technical features:
RAM AIR SYSTEM
- Suzuki described its RAM Air system as being "a newly developed air cooling system ...for better cooling efficiency". It consisted of a two piece aluminium shroud or cover, that directed cooling air over the top of the cylinder head to deliver more cooling especially to the top of the centre cylinder. It seemed to work.
SRIS - Suzuki Recycle Injection System
- Any accumulated oil and fuel at the bottom of the crank chamber is forced from the base of one cylinder into the intake of the next cylinder in the firing order and burnt. The objective was to reduce visible smoke in the exhaust especially when under acceleration after the engine has been idling.
CCI - Crankshaft-Cylinder-Injection
- Controlled by the throttle load and speed-dependent oil pump which fed a piped distribution system responsible for the lubrication of the crankshaft and the cylinder surfaces. The exception was the right crankshaft bearing, which was lubricated by the gear oil.
ECTS - Exhaust Coupler Tube System
- Used on the J to L-model in the EU, and J to B models in North America.
- Coupling of the three down pipes of the exhaust system via short cross connections in order to improve low end torque characteristics.
- exhaust gas leakage was often a problem at the connection points - late model 'L' through early 'M' machines in Europe and through to the 'B' machines North America, added springs to aid in sealing.
SCEM coating - silicon carbide electrolysis method
- Coated cylinders, similar to the Nikasil process of MAHLE, and was intended to increase the service life of the pistons and cylinders. This feature was introduced at engine number 55829 and only offered outside of North America on the M, A and B models. Service Bulletin #15 below (in German) gives additional detail.
Exploded View of Engine
