Baja racer 212 swap

[MilesGC1999]

I am planning a engine swap on my baja racer. I will be using a 212cc predator engine.
Along with the engine upgrade I will be painting the frame and getting new tires.
I am planning on modding the engine as well. The only problem is that I don't know what all I need to upgrade the engine. I have heard about jetting carbs, getting new filters and headers, and switching to a torque converter. Are these good options?
I also saw that you can put new valve springs in, what will that do for the engine?

I was able to get 33 mph out of the old engine and I am shooting for 40 to 45 on the new one.

I will upload some pictures of the work so far.

---------- Post added at 07:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:01 PM ----------

 

[mckutzy]

Here is some basic upgrades...

http://www.affordablegokarts.com/performance_basics.php

However... The saying is... With the gov out, New rod new springs/old rod old springs...

Without the gov in, the motor can rev much higher to about 5k or more... At which point the stock valves will soon float(on a big engine this isn't acceptable, but these it is), this will help to retard the revs.
If the springs are changed out, this kinda safety measure it can allow the stock rod to be stressed beyond what it can handle typically, and a thus a thrown rod...

 

[MilesGC1999]

Another question I had. What tires should I get?? I mostly ride on road, but I do like to go off road. I go up hills and over rougher terrain a decent amount in the woods around my house. I am having a heck of a time finding tires for a decent price.

 

[GearHeadGarage]

Looks like your going from a 3hp to a 6.5. . You going to pick up 10mph probably with the engine swap. Don't mess with the engine , gov.and stuff like that. If you want a bit more power , do the air cleaner and jet upgrade. And add a header pipe with a muffler. My kart go's 38mph with those upgrades.

 

[MilesGC1999]

Looks like your going from a 3hp to a 6.5. . You going to pick up 10mph probably with the engine swap. Don't mess with the engine , gov.and stuff like that. If you want a bit more power , do the air cleaner and jet upgrade. And add a header pipe with a muffler. My kart go's 38mph with those upgrades.

Ok. So stick with the internals but change the filter and the exhaust. How about torque converter vs centrifugal. I am leaning toward the converter since I want the transmission aspect and the off and on road capabilities. What do you recommend?

 

[GearHeadGarage]

The torque converter won't fit your frame without mods. It hangs lower then the engine. You'll also need wheelie bars with it. It's nice for off road needing the torque for hills and what not. Ebay is selling the comet clone torque converter for 69.00 for a limited time. I have one on mine and it works good. Also just ordered 2 more.

---------- Post added at 09:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:36 PM ----------

Check out red beards garage on YouTube he shows you all the mods to the 212 mine is GearHead garage on YouTube

 

[GearHeadGarage]

Pic of mine the mini bike is getting a jack shaft to get the torque I want

 

[MilesGC1999]

Pic of mine the mini bike is getting a jack shaft to get the torque I want

Go kart is sweet. Last two pics aren't working for me.

 

[GearHeadGarage]

Get the # 60363 predator there always 99.99 at harbor freight . Find the coupon for it online, 119.00 in the store. Google supper coupon. This is the one from last month

 

[MilesGC1999]

Get the # 60363 predator there always 99.99 at harbor freight . Find the coupon for it online, 119.00 in the store. Google supper coupon. This is the one from last month

I am having a hard time finding one for this month. I almost bought the engine today but decided to try and find a coupon. I'll keep looking though. Thank you for the help so far!

 

[GearHeadGarage]

Looks like the 20hp is on sale this month. It'll pop up on a weekend sale soon.

 

[MilesGC1999]

The torque converter won't fit your frame without mods. It hangs lower then the engine. You'll also need wheelie bars with it. It's nice for off road needing the torque for hills and what not. Ebay is selling the comet clone torque converter for 69.00 for a limited time. I have one on mine and it works good. Also just ordered 2 more.

---------- Post added at 09:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:36 PM ----------

Check out red beards garage on YouTube he shows you all the mods to the 212 mine is GearHead garage on YouTube

Would doing a engine lift like cars and cameras did in their minibike bike be a good option? I really don't like the idea of Frame modification, especially since I would need a welder.

 

[GearHeadGarage]

I modified my kart so the torque converter would fit. Ike and John are dip****s
. I'd not do as they do. They cob everything . And say that'll be fine.... I do watch um, cause it's like a train wreck

 

[MilesGC1999]

I modified my kart so the torque converter would fit. Ike and John are dip****s
. I'd not do as they do. They cob everything . And say that'll be fine.... I do watch um, cause it's like a train wreck

I was just thinking maybe spacers and moving the gas tank wouldn't be a bad idea. Not stacking nuts like they do, but actual spacer like red beard garage did on his 670 install vid he recently did. I can get the Welding done by a friend if I need to mod the frame or make a wheelie bar.

 

[MilesGC1999]

just ordered my tc.
Should I get a adjustable mounting plate from pmr or just drill holes? I'm thinking I want the height since I'll be using a tc.

 

[MilesGC1999]

For paint I am thinking either redo of original color, using a bed liner coating, or white. I am leaning toward bed liner but I want it to be a different color than black. Thinking maybe just paint over it?

 

[MilesGC1999]

Progress report.
I have been working a ton on the paint. Got all my pieces prepped and started the painting.
I chose to do green on all of the frame, forks, and fender tops. The fenders will have gold stripes on them with the underside coated in bed liner.
The foot pegs are being coated in bed liner along with the chain cover and the tip of the kickstand. The rest of the kick stand will be green.

Just for future reference the color that I found matched the original was grabber green by dupli color, you can get it at auto stores. It is a enamel engine paint.

I am also reupholstering the seat.

I have ordered all of the parts for my engine as well as the mounting plate by pmr. Still need a motor...

Here are some pictures of my work

 

[MilesGC1999]

Haven't updated in a while.

The build had come a long want since I last updated, so I'll list everything that had happened.

First thing I did was order all of my performance parts for engine. Predator 212 of course.
While waiting for parts I worked on the paint job and looked for new tires.
Got some nice tires from tractor supply and got most of the frame done on the bike.
My wonderful mom helped me by reupolstering the seat and finishing the clearcoating while I was at work.

I bought my engine and I modded it. Exhaust and intake.

Once the frame was done I got it all put together and started working on getting the torque converter installed. This thing was a little bit harder than expected. Ended up removing most of the rear chain guard holder and removing the chain tensioner from the system.

Got it all put together and let me tell you, this thing hauls. I gunned it when I got on and i was on my butt in half a second.

47 mph max I have seen. Only measured it once.

Next thing I need is a muffler. Thing is too loud for neighborhood riding.

Here is a picture of the finished bike.

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[ezcome-ezgo]

Sweet. More pics please.

 

[MilesGC1999]

Sweet. More pics please.

A few more pics. Got to get some more later.

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