First timer, engine opinions please!

[thundachicken]

Hey guys, just picked this up & not sure what it had engine wise originally. What I'm planning on is some pavement & some off-roading with this one, just would like plenty of power for some decent hill climbing & decent speed.

It has a 60 tooth sprocket & disc brake.

What engine/setup would y'all recommend? Thinking about a GY6 150cc engine, but wanted opinions also.

Thanks!
K

 

[Blazkowiez]

Well, when this Manco was new it had a 6.5hp Subaru Robins, I would suggest trying a 6.5hp clone from HF or similar with a series 30 torque converter, this will put it close to stock, go nearly 30mph and be a fun ride. You wont spend a fortune and it will be a nice kart.

Clearly the kart has been repainted but they did an alright job from the pictures.

Avoid those Chinese trash clone GY6 engines. They break easily, have sub par parts and just can not be trusted. I don't care what those buggies come with, this kart needs a simple 4 stroke where you can buy replacement parts at an affordable price if you need them. I know those clone GY6 engines have parts online but the prices are nuts and the engine stock puts out what, 6.2hp? Come on. It will not be easy to install compared to a simple 4 stroke with the standard small bolt pattern.

This kart was built and designed for an engine like what I'm suggesting, if you want a nice ride without much complication, go simple.

 

[thundachicken]

Sound advice, thank you! I was also thinking about a HF 6.5 engine. Would an 11 hp with a 40 series comet be do able also?

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

Sled engine swap.

 

[Blazkowiez]

It is possible but will cost much more and the bolt patterns will not line up for the engine and you will have to make a jack shaft from scratch. Most series 30 assemblies had their own jack shaft from factory that are still out there where you can purchase them. Series 40 was always a custom set-up. Some companies did use these through modifying their series 30 set-up but many such as Ken-Bar made something very simple to mount theirs.

Pillow block bearings and custom mounts may be the best choice for this.

 

[thundachicken]

It is possible but will cost much more and the bolt patterns will not line up for the engine and you will have to make a jack shaft from scratch. Most series 30 assemblies had their own jack shaft from factory that are still out there where you can purchase them. Series 40 was always a custom set-up. Some companies did use these through modifying their series 30 set-up but many such as Ken-Bar made something very simple to mount theirs.

Pillow block bearings and custom mounts may be the best choice for this.

Ok, I'm liking the simplicity of a 6.5 horse & 30 series. Any ideas where I can get a 30 series? Will it bolt up to the 6.5 hp HF engine?

Also, any links to a pic or two that shows this setup? I'm a little unclear on the idea.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Blazkowiez]

The tq will bolt to your engine with the back-plate. Its a shame a customer picked up his kart (for once), I could have snapped a photo tomorrow at the shop to show you how they look new.

There are literally half a dozen stores online that offer these series 30 assemblies, online you shouldn't be paying more than 170 + shipping for the assembly with back-plate and all. Do some google searches, if you can't find one I'll throw you one up. I'd rather you do some work If you're unsure if what you are purchasing is correct post a link to what you've found and we'll tell you.

I found this on google...

 

[thundachicken]

The tq will bolt to your engine with the back-plate. Its a shame a customer picked up his kart (for once), I could have snapped a photo tomorrow at the shop to show you how they look new.

There are literally half a dozen stores online that offer these series 30 assemblies, online you shouldn't be paying more than 170 + shipping for the assembly with back-plate and all. Do some google searches, if you can't find one I'll throw you one up. I'd rather you do some work If you're unsure if what you are purchasing is correct post a link to what you've found and we'll tell you.

I found this on google...

Thanks for your help! I appreciate it! I'll keep y'all posted on how it turns out.