Engine choice Predator 212 vs 301

[Racer P]

Hello, So I am building a self made go kart and I am trying to decide on what engine to get the predator 212 or t 301. Is the 301 that much better? or can you achieve the same type of speed with the 212? Thanks!

 

[Kartorbust]

The 301 will be a bit more powerful out of the box and give more power with similar modifications done.

 

[mckutzy]

The 301 is a big block clone (with 1" shaft)... So it kinda matters if space is an issue...
Also there isnt a ton of stuff made up for it yet, comparatively speaking...

 

[landuse]

Go with the 212. It is just simpler all round, and is strong enough for kart needs

 

[J.S.@SMS]

The top speed depends on the gearing, and weight. With enough down gearing, both engines will be just as fast. However the 301 will give you more power, which will result in better acceleration. And, as for performance parts, there are stage 2 kits, and there are headers that fit 301s and 420s. However I haven't seen any mikuni adapters.

Also, I'm thinking about swapping a 301 onto my kart, because it puts a strain on my 212, so they're not strong enough for all karts.

 

[bthompson224]

Torque gets you there, HP keeps you there. The 301 has 15 lbs vs a 212 at 8 lbs. So while gearing will determine highest speed theoretically, you'll need enough torque to get you there. I would think, and I'm no expert, the total weight is also a factor. A normal yard kart size with a normal payload the 212 should work. If it's a buggy type kart, you may need the extra torque.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

The 301 is a big block clone (with 1" shaft)... So it kinda matters if space is an issue...
Also there isnt a ton of stuff made up for it yet, comparatively speaking...

The 301 will be physically bigger, so you will have to take that into account when building the frame.
It will be significantly more torquey, which is great for, well, all circumstances, as it allows you to tackle more challenging terrain and take off faster on easy terrain. Or you could gear it high for top speed.
And yes, there are not a whole lot of aftermarket parts(comparatively, to the 212) for the 301.
It makes more sense to me to get a 212, modify it to your desired level, and then play with the gearing to do what you want.
But it all comes down to what YOU want to do with the kart.
1 seater? 2 seater? 4 seater?? Off road or on road? Challenging or easy terrain? And most importantly, TOTAL WEIGHT.
If the total weight of the kart fully loaded is anyehere around, ohh, ~300 lbs, that will start to dampen the performance to say the least.
If you want something a little different, a 301 is certainly a little out of the norm. Most go with a 212 or 420.

 

[KartFab]

212 will cost you less for the same modifications, and unless you are going to put 2 people on the kart, or the kart weights hundreds of pounds, the 212 will be just fine and has performance parts that are more widely available.

 

[bthompson224]

Our peg leg yard kart does fine with 300 lbs payload and a stock 5hp on the street, if that helps. That does include some inclines, but nothing steep. It doesn't even struggle.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

I'm assuming you're talking about a Briggs or Tecumseh flathead?
That makes sense, as flatheads have more torque.

 

[bthompson224]

Tec OHV

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

You must have geared it WAAY low to get a whole lot out of it! Or maybe I'm missing something...

 

[bthompson224]

6:1

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

OK, now I am REALLY confused.

---------- Post added at 05:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:41 PM ----------

Oh wait, but the deciding factor is:
What size are your tires?

 

[bthompson224]

14.5

We were just out riding, works great.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eAE-HjTQtc&feature=youtu.be

 

[bthompson224]

I weigh 250 and I hit 28 mph

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Ok, since I am massively confused, maybe I'll just stay away from this thread...

 

[anickode]

Ok, since I am massively confused, maybe I'll just stay away from this thread...

28mph is totally normal for that kart, gearing, tire size, and engine. Not sure what's confusing about it.

My yard kart weighs close to 300# with me on it, and I get 40mph out of a nearly stock 6.5hp Briggs, and it still does OK on inclines.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Hmm, ok.
300 lbs just sounds like a LOT for 5 hp.

 

[bthompson224]

Mebbe the old Tec motors are better than some people think.