16hp briggs cast iron single cylinder

[Jhoppe]

I was looking around the local flea market the other day and I saw what looked like an enormous briggs flathead. I have done a little research and I think it's the 16hp single cylinder. I have seen that if I am correct, the have a few different versions. Some of which would not suit a go kart. Anybody dealt with these and have some insight into which version I might want? All i can find on them is people putting them in lawn tractors. Its $45 so I'm willing to take a bit of a gamble with it. I dont have pictures right now, but will post them if it's still there when i go back

 

[65ShelbyClone]

I had one once and wish I still did. You can kinda tell by looking at it if you could make it work on a kart, right?

It's going to have at least a 1" shaft and a large mounting pattern, possibly larger than engines of similar power now. It's also a heavy beast.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Is it horizontal shaft? If it's vertical it's not much good for anything but a lawn mower.

 

[Jhoppe]

It is horizontal and it is HEAVY. I have just heard some of them are governed pretty low. Like just over 2000rpms. I would remove the governor if possible, but I've not handled briggs at all. And I cant find much on that one.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

I'd get it if not mostly for the oddball factor!

 

[65ShelbyClone]

I wouldn't remove the governor, only adjust it to 3600 if necessary.

 

[anickode]

Those big old one-lungers are all about torque, not revs.

Really not a great go kart engine, but awesome for a pulling tractor.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

They idle about 500 RPM lower than their aluminum block equivalents. DOOP DOOP DOOP!
If you put that on a true yard kart and gear it at 7/1ish, it'll probably burn out like mad!

 

[Jhoppe]

I figured if I did pick it up and most likely rebuild it. I would just gear it higher for that reason. Or since I would probably put it on the yerf dog, just leave it a torque monster

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

It's be a real stump puller and a monster off roader!

 

[Budget GoKart]

I have a few vertical shafts Briggs that would be awesome converted if anyone wants a 16hp opposed twin I'll give it to ya free

 

[Jhoppe]

I have a few vertical shafts Briggs that would be awesome converted if anyone wants a 16hp opposed twin I'll give it to ya free

Why you gotta put that evil on me? You know we arent that far apart!

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

I smell a vertical conversion!!!

 

[Jhoppe]

Maybe I'll just have to send the cast iron to a briggs fanboy in texas.... lol

 

[Budget GoKart]

Maybe I'll just have to send the cast iron to a briggs fanboy in texas.... lol

You want a 12.5hp vertical and a 16hp vertical I'll give you one if you want it because I plan on racing mowers pm me and I'll talk to you about them

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Maybe I'll just have to send the cast iron to a briggs fanboy in texas.... lol

Teehee. Shipping would be freakishly expensive though!
Otherwise I'd love to tinker with a cast iron one banger!

 

[Jhoppe]

I sent you a message budget. I also might have a mower chassis you could have. Pretty sure it is headed to the scrapyard. I'll have to ask if your interested

 

[Jhoppe]

Finally got back to the the flea market. This is the monster single cylinder I found. Now, is it actually a briggs? If not, what the deuce is it?!?

 

[Hellion]

It’s a Wisconsin engine. Says so right on it.

...but I hurt me neck trying to find out!

Get yer readin’ glasses out and read da fine print, man.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

I was gonna ask what that sticker on top said.
Main difference from a Briggs visually is the carb is on the other side. Time for a ram air system!!
What's yer plans for it? Wheelie machine? That thing will have ridiculous gobs of torque.