Modern Vespa

Hello,

I've decided to buy an old Vespa from Italy. The person that is selling it to me is rebuilding and painting vespas so I will get it painted in the original colors (nocciola innings and Grey Blue Metallic outside).

It will be ready in a month or so and I will go to pick it up. While I am waiting with nothing better to do I am buying stuff from the SIP store. The Vespa should have all the parts needed but there are some things I like to do.

I got these for the 12v DC + battery conversion I want to do:
https://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/product/ignition-sip-performance-by-vape-sport-12v-dc-for-vespa-125-vna-vnb-gt-gtr-1-super-ts-1-150-vba-vbb-t4-gl-sprint-v-1-super-1_510061SD

https://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/product/wiring-loom-sip-performance-for-conversion-to-electric-ignition-sip-performance-vape-dc-for-vespa-125-vna-ts-150-vba-super-160-gs-180-ss-rally_861343DL

And a new set of cables. I will source the battery locally and 3d print a proper mount once I get my hands on the scooter.

I wonder if I should get the Pinasco 177 kit:

https://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/product/racing-cylinder-pinasco-177-cc-25030942-for-vespa-125-vnb-gt-gtr-1-super-150-vba-vbb-t4-gl-sprint-1-super-1_80520000?usrc=Cylinder

And 24/24 or 20/20 carb for it. I am reading here people prefer VMC, I guess this kit:

https://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/product/racing-cylinder-vmc-stelvio-177-cc-20-for-vespa-125-gtr-2-ts-150-sprint-2-v-super-2-px125-150-pe-lusso-cosa_84140930?usrc=Cylinder

But it says 7 ports? I really don't want to drill my engine. I am already thinking I am over my head with this whole thing. Please advice. Also ALL tips are welcome (just getting my bike license) since I have knowledge in cars, printing, general engineering and electrics (Physics in the uni and all) but never ever have even driven a bike. Adding a few photos of what I've got.

For the cylinder kit it depends on if you have a 2 port or 3 port engine block.

If it's 2 port the Pinasco is fine, BUT Jon Gick posted recently that VMC is releasing a 2 port top end. The Stelvio could work but you would need to block off the third port in the cylinder. Jon Gick posted recently that VMC is releasing a 2 port top end. I'd wait for that personally.

If it's a 3 port engine case…. Then absolutely go with the VMC Stelvio. It's an absolute monster. And can't beat the price.

Just reread your post. You have the 2 port engine. So Pinasco or wait for the new 2 port VMC.

It seems that they have just released it:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19qS2Eytg6/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Cheaper than Pinasco. I wonder if going for the latest and greatest is the way to go. Will give it a month to see if others manage to find bugs…

But you are saying VMC is better quality than Pinasco, right?

That VMC kit is cast iron. VMC's first generation cast iron kit was made somewhere in the far east and quality was subpar. The second generation might be better, but I would still take an aluminum Pinasco over a cast iron VMC.

The aluminum VMC is far better than the cast iron Pinasco. I run both. Stelvio on PX cases in a VNA and the Pinasco in a VNB. The VMC has twice the power according to my butt. The pinasco is good though. Definitely better than stock. And it's not as white knuckle of a ride compared to the VMC.

can't speak to the VMC cast iron offerings though.

Check out the BGM. It is much better than the Pinasco.

https://www.scooter-center.com/en/cylinder-bgm-pro-177ccm-channel-vespa-vnb-super-vnc1t-vbc1t-vbb-sprint-vlb1t-vnl2t-gtr-vnl2t-138956-vgla-vglb/p-47393.html

Aluminium VNC cylinders are made by Gilardoni, an Italian company which does OEM cylinders (BMW, Moto Guzzi...). So their Al-cylinders are as good as they get, quality of manufacturing wise.

To avoid comparing apes to oranges let's pick aluminium as the more modern tech over cast. Currently available are:

BGM Pro 2 chan - 350E from SC
Pinasco 2 chan - 382e from SIP

VMC - eventually in alu version

It feels like the two major stores are pushing their partner brands or I may be wrong.

Anything in particular making BGM alu better than Pinasco alu? And will I feel the difference at all? From what I read they recommend si 24/24 for Pinasco and 20/20 for BGM pro. The smaller makes more sense to me since I won't be replacing the crankshaft (yet lol) but I could as well put it on the Pinasco. Too many options…

Welcome to to the NSM of MV!

If your crankshaft has the piston end is a sleeve verses a bearing, I would suggest replacing it with a crankshaft that uses a bearing at the piston.

Just a suggestion....

Don't forget Parmakit
https://www.scooter-center.com/en/cylinder-parmakit-tsv-ecv-classic-177-ports-alloy-vespa-sprint150-vlb1t-gt125-vnl2t-super150-vbc1t-328128/p-4407.html

Having just installed a VMC kit, I'd say the overall manufacturing quality is similar to Pinasco's. Pinasco's castings might be a little cleaner, but tolerances are about the same on both.

Never run a BGM kit, but personally have never been disappointed with any BGM product.

No bad choices. Really depends what you're after. BGM and VMC might be "peppier" and more tunable. Pinasco's a solid bolt-on workhorse.

In the end, whatever you choose to buy, italian ebay prices are better than the aforementioned retailers.

I think "solid bolt-on workhorse" is exactly what I wanted to read Indeed prices are lower on Italian stores. I wonder if warranty are something to consider in these parts though? I guess it would be easier if sourced through sip or sc?

Paint job is ready and I think it turned out beautiful!

Absolutely!