Dingo 285 and Predator 212

[lpadd]

My Kart- Stock Dingo 285-182. The bolt connecting the driven unit of the TC snapped yesterday and I'm debating whether to get a new engine or try to drill/ez out the remainder of the bolt. Considering time=money I'd almost rather get a Predator if I'm going to have to take the engine off anyway.

For folks who have made this change- is this a bolt on upgrade. I know about the seat and gas tank being an issue, but otherwise what other changes have to be made to fit the engine, such as chain mods length, TC plate, etc...

Thanks in advance. I've browsed several dozen threads over the past two days and haven't come up with a solid answer!

 

[Greasyxb9]

I just did this in a older manco 285. To get around the seat and tank issue I sliced out the old mounting plate and moved it back a 4.25 inches. I then used 4-1/4 grade 8 washers under each mounting pedestal to raise it up a hair to clear the frame. I also had to order a 1496 throttle cable to get the length to reach the throttle mechanism. Now that I now it works and I'm satisfied with the result I'll be making solid length spacers like the originals just longer.

It wasn't a straight forward swap but well worth it. I have two identical manco dingos that I bought together. The one runs ok but the other ran like crap. Instead of trying to find the right Briggs and Stratton parts and not Chinese junk I went with the predator 212. Let me tell you it was well worth it. It runs so much better then the briggs 5hp. I didn't touch the engine I just opened the throttle limit screw and I can smoke whoever is driving the flat head kart. Once this one is finished I'll be buying another predator 212 to replace the other flat head. I actually prefer the bald tires on the one with the predator 212 because I can slide through the turns and not catch and roll it lol.

 

[Greasyxb9]

Here's a few more showing why I'd like to raise it a bit more just for some extra cushion. I also replaced the chain with a new rk 420 chain. I ordered 110 links and it was plenty to redo the chain.

The picture with the 3" measurement is the briggs flat head setup. The picture with the 4.25" measurement is the predator 212 setup.

 

[Greasyxb9]

One more thing you'll want to disconnect the low oil sensor. On my track the engine would shut off around the turns.

 

[qtband]

Now THAT is how you answer a question. Good job Greasy!

 

[lpadd]

Agreed with qtband! Thank you so much!

 

[Greasyxb9]

No problem at all! I really should do a write up because everything I found on the interwebs said the predator would swap right in..... well I found out it didn't lol. I just did this about two or three weeks ago. I'm so happy I did. I raced karts for years and go out of it because guys were switching to motorcycle type engines. Clones were just starting and were those blue HF engines. If it would have been predators i would have stayed in it because they are turning faster lap times then a $1000 built stock class flathead lol all for $100 bucks.

 

[Eric87]

I did one of these . I I lifted the engine and moved it back. No welding required. Just used two pieces of square metal.

 

[lpadd]

Thanks Eric87, I think I'm going that route! I assume you had to get a new chain?

 

[Eric87]

I did not use the jackshaft plate that came on the kart . I got a predator and a new 30 series tc. So yes I did need a longer chain.

 

[Eric87]

i did not use the jack shaft plate that came on the kart. I bought a predator and a 30 series tc.

 

[lpadd]

Is that 2" tubing Eric? And where do you get it in that size? Lowes and HD only seem to have 1" tubing

 

[Eric87]

find a metal supplier in your area . It is either 2” or 2 1/2” .