So I currently have one of Tractor Supply's 6.5hp predator engines on my go-kart. Got some beefy tires on it, and plannin on using it for me and the wife to play around our property. Saw a 16hp Duromax engine on e-bay for $280. Thinking about sellin the predator with the brand new clutch i just got for it (dif size shaft on the duromax), and puttiing that toward the duromax engine. Still gonna run a jackshaft, seeing as my current 6:1 ratio isn't cutting it for me and my wife. What is y'alls opinion? Keep the predator, or upgrade to the duromax with 9.5 extra horses?
Engine swap?
- Thread starter bross1004
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Doc Sprocket
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Your call, really. Obviously, you're looking at a torque monster in comparison, but it won't come cheap.
To be perfectly honest, though- even with that torque monster, you just won't be experiencing its full potential without a CVT.
To be perfectly honest, though- even with that torque monster, you just won't be experiencing its full potential without a CVT.
torque is really what I need. With me and my wife both in the kart, this thing is trying to get around 350lbs moving. Pretty hard for a little 6.5 hp motor. Plus the rear tires on my buggy are around 18". So I think with the bigger motor and a ratio of around 8:1, I should be good. Opinions?
OzFab
Well-known member
Potentially, you can get your kart moving with a weed whacker engine if you apply the correct gearing!
Having said that, the gearing on a 16hp engine will be a lot higher but, still around the same as the 6.5hp.
My opinion: Before you outlay hundreds of dollars for a new engine & clutch setup, spend a few dollars upgrading your current gearing using an 80t sprocket & see what happens.
Ultimately, with the bigger engine, you will have bucket loads of torque but, at what price (& I don't just mean financial)
Having said that, the gearing on a 16hp engine will be a lot higher but, still around the same as the 6.5hp.
My opinion: Before you outlay hundreds of dollars for a new engine & clutch setup, spend a few dollars upgrading your current gearing using an 80t sprocket & see what happens.
Ultimately, with the bigger engine, you will have bucket loads of torque but, at what price (& I don't just mean financial)
Fabroman, the biggest thing I am now worried about is the clutch. I started this go-kart thing completely uneducated, and have been doing a lot of research on this forum. I do not ride the kart on paved roads at all. I have 5 acres with plent of trees to dodge, and only one area where I would be able to get the kart to top speed. I need torque to get up to speed more than top speed. I will be doing a lot of speeding up, slowing down, or running at different speeds. From what I have read, this kind of riding will destroy a centrifugal clutch. What do you think?
OzFab
Well-known member
I agree. For that type of driving, you're definitely better off with a CVT (torque converter); they're built for that type of punishment. They're considerably more expensive but, well worth the money. A centrifugal clutch is only really good for tarmac driving
spyder1968
New member
agreed ^^^ it would be a huge plus with the added HP and torque! bear in mind though...to really get the most out of it you SHOULD get a torque converter also! they aren't cheap...but oh so worth it ! also...you most likely will have to either re-drill holes in the engine mounting plate ( providing it is large enough) on fab up a new larger one to fit that big block ! in my opinion.....if you have the funds....it will be worth every penny !
CAPTAINCAVEMAN
Member
I think you can find a 16 hp duromax for way cheaper than you said but I can't remember, if you are going to buy a different engine shop around allot. defiantly try gearing changes.
I use a series 40 clutch and driven on my setup. 16 hp engine, with 10 tooth driver and a 60 tooth driven sprocket. Works great with my kart on my 5 acres with a creek running through it. I have no problem climbing hills, or getting to top speed (around 40 mph). A centrifugal clutch isn't gonna give you the performance you are looking for.
I am planning on trying to trade up into a bigger buggy. This hobby is addicting. I have a little yerf dog kart right now, and the front end just can't handle two adults and all the bouncing around on our property. So I am gonna try to trade up into a bigger buggy and then build the engine and torque converter to where I want it from there.
My kart is a full suspension kart with upgraded coil-over shocks/struts. It handles the weight and horse power I throw at it. I abuse the crap out of it, with jumps through and over creeks, around trees, and long straightaways with whoops and small ruts. The only problem I have with my predator engine is the throttle bouncing/fluttering when the back tires lose traction. I am working on fixing that. Right now I have a bent jackshaft from jumping, and hitting the ground with the kart at wide open throttle.
spyder1968
New member
@ grimace......what size are your tires? just curious!
spyder1968
New member
ok...that makes sense ! sounds like a blast ! i have 22" tires so i'm running a 10t and a 70t. it works great but i am going to try a 44 mag driven this spring for a little more low end torque ! don't really need the top speed i have now anyway !
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