13 hp engine swap😬

[gx390]

Hey guys, this is my kart. I bought it for $25 at a garage sale and it had a running 5hp B&S on it. All it needed was a clutch and throttle hookup. On top of that, I was given a honda gx390 13 hp in perfect condition for free. I am in the process of putting the honda engine on this cart and I'm just wondering if the cart is even going to be able to take that much more power lol. Do you guys have any suggestions for me? And can you guys tell what brand this is, it has no marks whatsoever but the welds and quality of the cart is far to good to be a backyard job

 

[fowler]

I wouldn't bother with the 13 hp

It will make the kart real heavy and hurt the handling
It will hurt stability

Also I don't know if the kart will handle the weight
U must also install a new mount plate
U will require a new clutch and probs new chain and driven sprocket

If I were u
I'd sell the 13hp
With the funds u may be able to get a 6.5hp engine and a torque converter

With will be plenty for that kart
And probs out perform the 13

 

[OzFab]

13hp won't necessarily be too much power but, it will definitely be too much weight for that poor little kart &, as fowler already said, will create more problems than it will solve

 

[KartFab]

Where much power is given, much modification is required.... or something like that....

I got mine to fit....... I think.... Will have time before Christmas to finish everything but the upholstry

 

[landuse]

I wouldn't bother with the 13 hp

It will make the kart real heavy and hurt the handling
It will hurt stability

Also I don't know if the kart will handle the weight
U must also install a new mount plate
U will require a new clutch and probs new chain and driven sprocket

If I were u
I'd sell the 13hp
With the funds u may be able to get a 6.5hp engine and a torque converter

With will be plenty for that kart
And probs out perform the 13

100%. Fowler has the best solution IMO

 

[Jim-L-L]

Good $25 score ! you could always sell the 13hp and put the money towards getting the 5hp Briggs overhauled with some nice upgrades ?

 

[KartFab]

Not to go against the grain, but you could just spend $120 on a 1" clutch and a gx390 motor plate, weld it on or have someone weld it for you. It would be so much fun!!!

 

[machinist@large]

I agree with Gran on this, as far as not selling the Honda; plus, the $120.00 he estimated for the 1" clutch could also be budgeted toward a Predator 212 if the Briggs isn't lighting your fire. While I don't know your budget, or long term plans, I would have serious second thoughts about selling the gx390; the odds of you ever having another fall into your lap for free are really remote.....

Maybe take this in stages? Hold on to the big block for future glory? At the very least, don't just pedal the Honda away....

Pat

 

[KartFab]

At the very least, don't just pedal the Honda away....

Yea I already PMed him and he wouldnt trade it for a complete torque converter set up :-(

The motor mount should be made of 3/16th's inch plate

 

[Scout]

While you can get power out of the flathead, it will cost a lot more than the same mods on a clone. I did some research on the Predator 212, and you can easily and relatively cheaply get 9+ hp out of it.

A predator 212 is on sale for $120. http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=predator Then the air filter/exhaust/jet kit for another $85, and a billet flywheel for $100. http://www.ombwarehouse.com/Predator-212cc-Racing-Parts/ Now you are at $205, there are a couple 13 hp Hondas on ebay for $500-$600. Run the predator with the parts I mentioned, sell the other two motors, and be money ahead.

 

[gx390]

Well, after thought and more thought, I just bought a predator 212cc engine today from harbor freight. It bolted right up without a hitch, so thanks to all of the people who gave me advice. Let the mods begin!!


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[Oxymoron]

A nice upgrade to that Predator, is that GX390 carb. It's got a 21mm bore, as opposed to 17mm. You'll just need an adapter.

Instant horsepower. Put that with a high flow intake and header, and that thing will growl.

 

[gx390]

A nice upgrade to that Predator, is that GX390 carb. It's got a 21mm bore, as opposed to 17mm. You'll just need an adapter.

Instant horsepower. Put that with a high flow intake and header, and that thing will growl.

Great! Thanks for the advice I will definitely do that. Where would you recommend that I get an adapter so this will work?


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[Oxymoron]

Great! Thanks for the advice I will definitely do that. Where would you recommend that I get an adapter so this will work?


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You could make one if your handy and have the means, or you get one here.

I think they have one without a pulse fitting too, or you could just plug it off. I'm sure they're available on many other sites also.

Have fun.

 

[thornhunter]

http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/images/attach/jpg.gif
i think you made a wise choice.i like the 390 but i have a large cart.you should be able to sell the 390,they cost a ton.

 

[machinist@large]

......you should be able to sell the 390,they cost a ton.

Why do you think we've been recommending that he hang on to it?