Motor size

[Evolution6972]

I have a honda cb 400 motor on this kart it has issues. I am deciding wether to rebuild motor and tranny or switch to a motor and torque converter. I am thinking I want do away with the shifting and for the rebuild price I can buy a motor and converter. Give me your thoughts. I was looking at a 13 hp predator from harbor freight or a 14.5 Briggs as possible ideas.

 

[OzFab]

IIWM, I'd rebuild the 400. You say you can buy an engine & torque converter for the same money as the rebuild but, you'll end up with 1/3 of the power! 15hp B&S vs 40+hp from the Honda... Not really worth it when you see it like that huh...

 

[KartFab]

If you have kids, i would get the 13 or 14.5 (B&S wins over harbor freight). If its an adult toy, i would rather fix up the engine.

You will have plenty of torque (be able to do doughnuts with live axle in dirt) and acceleration and a top speed of 40 mph. I have done two karts with 13 hp engines (converted from 5-6 hp engines). They are fun to drive, and I still feel comfortable letting my kids drive them.

With this particular kart (yerf dog 3203 modified a lot). You may have issued with clearance (eg the engine may run into the back seat or part of the frame). The engine will need a jackshaft/motormount set up. But now that I think of it, you could use that same gas tank and probably clear the seat/frame just fine.

We can help you get the proper gearing and sprockets.

If you want to do the engine/torque converter let us know the tire size, chain size, and sprockets you already have.


There may be some existing jackshaft assemblies I could point you to that go on Manco karts that you can just bolt on rather than making one custom.

 

[landuse]

I think I would also sort the original engine out than buy a new one. It will be less hassle

 

[Evolution6972]

I was curious about the motor that's on it is only about 200cc. i found thats 13hp is 420cc. I am looking saying the only plus on the honda is that it has gears. I am not trying to go 50mph. I just wanna go fast and have fun. Also yes in 3-5 years my son will be on my karts.

 

[landuse]

I was curious about the motor that's on it is only about 200cc.

The 6.5HP Predator from HF is 212cc, so the 200 is probably approx 5.5HP

 

[itsid]

The 6.5HP Predator from HF is 212cc, so the 200 is probably approx 5.5HP

common gx200 and clones (196cc) are rated 6.5HP too
the gx160 (and clones) would be the 5.5HP version

'sid

 

[OzFab]

I have a honda cb 400 motor on this kart it has issues.

I was curious about the motor that's on it is only about 200cc.

Ok, I'm officially confused; please clarify for us, what engine is on the buggy (size & type)

 

[souperman000]

Still, a small dirt bike engine (like 150cc) can put out 12+ hp.

 

[lude]

cc and hp have no real correlation. a cb400 engine, what it looks to be, is about 35-40hp and isnt comparable to any industrial engine

 

[Evolution6972]

Sorry it took so long. It's a 1981 cb 400t

 

[Evolution6972]

Ok, I'm officially confused; please clarify for us, what engine is on the buggy (size & type)

It's a yerfdog body but Yamaha moto front brakes. Yamaha rear end and a honda cb400t engine. It's only a two cylinder engine and the right cylinder is leaking. Ad the tranny doesn't like it let you find neutral.

I didn't build this just bought it and trying to fix it up.

 

[OzFab]

Thanks for clarifying; I stand by my previoous comments

 

[Evolution6972]

Yea I did a little research found out it delivers like 37hp. Looks like I might need to do a rebuild. I hate to see how much a shop would want to rebuild it.

 

[OzFab]

Probably less to buy a new engine