Predator Engines

[hd_fatster]

Hello, I am new here, just registered to diygokarts today because I wanted to get some information on the predator 212 engine and seen some pretty good information here, both real experience and theoretical. My project I have in mind is a bicycle based trike using the predator engine and possibly a "Torque a Verter" clutch, using both pedal power and Predator. My first thought is a tadpole trike design (two wheels in front) might change my mind and go with two wheels in rear.

Anyway, there is very limited information out on the net from what I am looking for. From what HF specs say is it idles at 1800 rpm. That seems pretty high...anyone agree or disagree with that number? I haven't been able to find what the max (governed RPM) speed is. Does anyone care to guess? I watched a couple youtube videos where they started the engines and left them at idle and it didn't sound anywhere near 1800, but I could very well be wrong...then they run it up to full throttle and it sounded maybe 1-1/2 times the idle speed....again anyone care to comment on that? So really I am just trying to calculate engine speed to the specs I seen on the torque a verter clutch I am thinking of using to calculate the overall range of vehicle speed.

thanks,
Jim Bailey

 

[souperman000]

Try starting your own thread on the topic, you will get better responses

 

[Br@ndoM@n]

anyhow to get back on topic. Anyone else notice the Predator 420 isnt listed on HF website anymore. They discontinud it or out of stock?

 

[anderkart]

I think calling these engines "Predator" was kind of a bad Idea...

 

[realfast89gt]

I think calling these engines "Predator" was kind of a bad Idea...

Sandusky engines sounds similiar for some reason?

 

[anderkart]

Lol

 

[redsox985]

Can a mod do some clean up around here? That'd be wonderful!

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Can a mod do some clean up around here? That'd be wonderful!

Done!

 

[Ahmed]

Hi, i'm buying a 212cc PREDATOR for my Go Kart but the manual - http://manuals.harborfreight.com/manuals/68000-68999/68136.pdf - says not to use the engine on a vehicle. Should I still use the engine?

 

[CUCUY]

Hi, i'm buying a 212cc PREDATOR for my Go Kart but the manual - http://manuals.harborfreight.com/manuals/68000-68999/68136.pdf - says not to use the engine on a vehicle. Should I still use the engine?

do it, do it now!

they will tell you that they do not recommend to use on a driven vehicle to cover their own ***, but you can take it and do with it as you please.

i have one on my yerf dog and it's very very nice!

 

[Ahmed]

My 212CC PREDATOR needs to able to carry 450Lbs. I've seen at - http://www.nr-racing.com/Predator.htm - that unmodded PREDATORs' can run 2500RPM, if you remove the governor it runs 5500RPM. If I run at max RPM can I damage the engine?

 

[fowler]

an unmodded engine runs at 3600rpm
thats a world standard for industrial engines

if u remove the govener u can get 5000 to 55000rpm then the valves bounce (the vavles cant return fast enough between strokes)

if u do some serious mods u can get 8000rpm

the engine will wear out faster doing that high rpm but slightly faster

removing the governer on a bone stock clone and holding it pinned at 5500rpm all day isnt rekomended and can cause engine faliure
its done on karts more as a nos type thing
quick shots of speed

 

[Ahmed]

OK, so I will only adjust the governor to 4500RPM. I need to know if the engine can haul 450Lbs at a 4.0 (12 to 48) gear ratio.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Before we get too far here, this thread is supposed to be for general info, thoughts, and experience with the "new" Predator series engine. Start your own thread, and we'll see what we can work out.

 

[FatCat]

Quite a few of the big manufacturers have faced lawsuits due to false HP claims.

Yep! Horsepower is a good reference number but the torque is the important number. Torque is what gets you there, horsepower just keeps you there. Also along with this false hp claims. A while back Yamaha got nailed for the tachs on the r6's I believe. They were inaccurate in the high RPM's. Guys were putting them on dyno's and not getting close to the peak rpm Yamaha was claiming on the high side. This was a sales tactic. They were claiming to be the highest revving of the common rockets.(truth is... Only the tach was ) This is that emotional horsepower I've told you guys about. Some silly punk buys it and because the tach goes way high he feels like it's the baddest ride on the planet. This is wild to hear of a major company doing dirty little tricks like this. Sucks that you can't even trust the manufacturer. Always remember guys. If it sounds to good to be true. It is...... Yep, yor not the exception to the rule. If you ask yourself this question your about to be screwed.