building a buggy, engine question

[new guy]

I got a baja dune 150 with no motor, I was thinking of putting one of the 212 hp predator motors from harbor freight, do you think this will be enough power? the buggy weighs 500 lbs already

[souperman000]

no a 6.5hp engine will probably not be up to your standa=rds hauling a 500lb buggy plus a rider. I would look into a motorcycle engine

[r_chez_08]

500lbs?! I would say 10hp and a torque converter is the least you want.

[klicky96]

I'd find an old lawnmower that has a horizontal-shaft engine. They were built for power and everything. Then I'd have the shaft machined down a little so you don't have to spend so much on a TC. Once you get the TC then you should be fine.

[r_chez_08]

^do you mean ride on?
Even better- get a motorcycle engine.

[new guy]

I have a 10hp briggs motor that came off of a generator, it has a tapered shaft, I know that will need to be fixed, but I guess I should decide if I am going to use that motor. then decide what type of clutch

[klicky96]

Originally Posted by r_chez_08

^do you mean ride on?
Even better- get a motorcycle engine.

Yeah, a motorcycle engine would be a lot better, just might be more pricey.

[klicky96]

Originally Posted by new guy

I have a 10hp briggs motor that came off of a generator, it has a tapered shaft, I know that will need to be fixed, but I guess I should decide if I am going to use that motor. then decide what type of clutch

It is an easy fix really. If you have skill with an angle grinder, you could level it out yourself. If not, have it machined down.

[new guy]

would i be better off then getting a complete engine off the internet (one of the chinese replacement deals) or buying a 12-13 hp motor and adding a torque converter to it?

[Fabroman]

Originally Posted by new guy

would i be better off then getting a complete engine off the internet (one of the chinese replacement deals) or buying a 12-13 hp motor and adding a torque converter to it?

Short answer, NO.
Chinese engineering & workmanship is very substandard, my guess is you'll have all sorts of problems.

If it were me I'd take r_chez's advice; find a big old motorbike, about 750cc. The added bonus to that is you don't need a TC

[klicky96]

Originally Posted by Fabroman

Short answer, NO.
Chinese engineering & workmanship is very substandard, my guess is you'll have all sorts of problems.

If it were me I'd take r_chez's advice; find a big old motorbike, about 750cc. The added bonus to that is you don't need a TC

750cc? Hard to find them for cheap. The most this guy needs would be around 400-500cc

[spyder1968]

I don't mean to contradict anybody here, but, in my experience the Chinese "Lifan" motors are put together well and will withstand TONS of abuse. My suggestion would be a 16hp (420cc) from CarollStream.com (I believe just under $400, shipped to your door) and a Comet 40 Series Torque Converter. If your rear tires are 16" or less, you should get a way with a 60t axle sprocket. If you are planning on running taller than 16", you may have to hunt around a little for a bigger sprocket. They can be tough to find, due to the 40/41 pitch on the torque converter. I am currently running one of these engines with a 70t sprocket and 22" rear tires and it will easily haul two adults through the sand, up hills, etc.

[r_chez_08]

Go down to hf. You can get a 420cc predator for $350 or so. A comet 40 plus necessary hardware is $350. Now see if you can find a scrapped bike or a running bike engine for less than $700. I expect you can. If not go with the predator. The quality on the clones are not quite Honda, but they aren't far off and they are 1/3 of the price.

[flowerman]

I agree... either a large motorcycle engine- better option...
OR a 420cc predoter engine with torque converter.

By the time you have spent money on a predeter engine as well as a torque converter you may as well buy a large motorbike engine

problem solved

[toystory_4wd]

There are a couple of things worth mentioning here that no-one has mentioned so far, or require further comment:

1) You're going to need some fabrication skills and tools. about the only thing that is going to simply bolt in place is another chinese 150. Pretty near anything else will require fabrication and driveline modification to fit.

2) While a big block industrial single and CVT is a good combination, it can be pricey. Do not lose sight of the fact that a Comet 40 or equivalent wil also require the installation of a jackshaft and all the associated hardware and componentry. It is a very heavy option, too.

3)Motorcycle engines- Do not have to be of a large displacement- remember, this buggy shipped with a 150. Anything is an improvement. Whoever here suggested a 750- are you nuts? Somewhere between 75-100hp in a little chinese buggy? Not smart! Too heavy, too dangerous. The frame, running gear, brakes, steering components etc, are NOT up to the task. Also- Bike engines do not necessarily need to be expensive. With a little luck and some smarts, a bike engine can end up cheaper than an industrial engine and CVT. Shop the classifieds for a an appropriate donor bike and strip off the engine. Re-sell the remaining parts to recoup money.

4) Getting back to the fabrication thing- If a bunch of fabrication is going to prove to be a problem, you may well be better off to scour EvilBay (or whatever) for a suitable replacement 150cc.

5) Somebody mentioned a 40/41 pitch sprocket on a Comet 40- The Comet 40 does not have a "sprocket pitch". It requires you to buy/build a jackshaft. Put whatever sprocket you want on there. He//, you could use a BELT output if it meets your needs...

6) Lastly- re-shaping a tapered shaft with an angle grinder- Only if you WANT to ruin your crankshaft. Yes, it can be done successfully, NO, you probably WON'T pull it off. Bad advice, IMHO.

[fowler]

also ion finding a bike

dont turn back at older 80s bikes that look like hell

u dont want the paintwork or seat as long as the engine runs good u have a doner
also bike engine tend to put out more hp for there cc

[new guy]

thanks for all the input, I am definantly weighing my options, the bike motor sounds good but designer a shifter would be fun (though about putting handlebars insead of steering wheel) but also, I found a comet driven with a 7/8" bore but cannot find any jackshaft kits over 3/4". Any ideas to do with that. I can get the driven for 60 bucks so it is a pretty good deal. Then throw 150 at the driver and another 200 bucks for a motor using a giftcard I got this may be an option. The good thing is I am working on the rest of the buggy while I decide

[r_chez_08]

You can ge 7/8" keyed shafting here
http://www.surpluscenter.com/sort.as...s&keyword=PSSK
$30 but it will do a few jackshafts depending on length.

I never really looked around that site, but they have some really good deals, e.g. 10' of #40 chain for $15!