This morning's 351 maiden voyage was incredible. Ran down to Dana Pt and logged about 15 miles this morning. I can't believe how well the bike pulls through all gears (14T).

Install went well - thanks for all the great posts. Engine started up immediately. I was surprised by the increased sound level at the engine - at first I thought I botched something.

I followed the directions posted here pretty closely. Removing the fan from the radiator gave me quite a bit more room to work (2012 model). After a minor mishap I'd recommend using 3/8" drive tools rather than 1/4" sockets, etc.

I pulled the cam cover after my 1st heat cycle just to triple check that timing was correct (I was a little spooked by the new tones coming out of the engine).

When I installed the block-off plate I did not install the vented middle plate that was beneath the original cover. Is that correct? No gasket installed so I used hi-temp p-tex for gasket.

Cannot wait to get her out on the trail..

 

Congrats on the install.
Is the middle plate the reed-type valves? If so, I left them out. Not needed as the blow off system is closed with the block off unit.
Did you not get a gasket with the block off plate? PTex should be fine.