Need help picking the right engine for my manco.

[Scarface]

So I have this new to me go kart and I have not done anything to it yet. I want to first start off buy finding the engine I would want for it, but I am not sure which one I should go for.

HERE are some pics of the kart. I do plan on using a tourqe converter but I think I want to find a new one because that one is all rusting, along with my sprocket, I will get a new one of those. (not sure how many teeth are on the sprocket yet)

Now I would like for my go kart to be able to spin the tires a few times before they grab if I step on the gas. I am also looking for a on road top speed of atleast 40mph, whatever engine I get I plan on taking the governor off so i can get more speed out of it.

So here are a couple of the engines I have been looking at:
DuroMax XP16HPE 16 Horsepower Gas Engine - Electric Start
Predator 420 cc OHV Horizontal Shaft Gas Engine

I am open to any recommendations!

Also, I will then need a new torque converter, from what I know I need atleast a 40 series, any good brands I should look at?

 

[landuse]

Either of those engines should be fine. I do remember someone saying that the Duromax isn't a good engine because of some or other reason. I would go for the Predator

40 series TC's are really expensive, so if you can salvage the driven, then just buy the driver

 

[Scarface]

Ok thanks.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I'll second that. The 40 will hold up to the abuse without a problem, and perform as you desire. Refurbish the unit you have, and just buy the other one. They are sold as separate units anyhow. I absolutely punished my 40, and it jus kept taking it. You will be happy with it.

 

[spyder1968]

i definately agree with above ! keep your 40 series and refurbish it yourself! i would stay away from the duromax engines personally. i have heard good things about the predators, although i am still not sure who makes them. i have been running a 420cc "clone" with great success. most honda gx390 parts are interchangeable with it also.
here is a link to engine.........http://www.carrollstream.com/16HP_Gas_Engine_With_Electric_Start_p/cs190es.htm

it's $374 right now, but it does qualify for free shipping.

 

[Scarface]

A higher compression ratio is good right?

420CC PREDATOR:.............................................420CC CARROLL STREAM:
Compression ratio: 8.5:1 (?)...............................Compression ratio: 8.2:1 (?)
13 Horse power.................................................16 Horse power
Fuel capacity: 1 gallon (3.8 liters).......................Fuel capacity: 1.717 gallons (6.5 liters)
(How much does this engine weigh?).................Dry weight: 75 lbs. (34kg)
350$...................................................................375$

I am thinking to go with the carroll stream 420cc as long as it's not a lot heavier than the predator, what do you guys think?

 

[Scarface]

I will try and refurbish the driven I have now and will just buy the driver then.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Something seems hinky about those numbers. I would like to examine COMPLETE spec sheets for both.

 

[Scarface]

Ok, and where could we find a complete spec sheet? Those numbers just came off there webpage.

 

[r97]

I have heard that the HF predator produce more power than the Hondas they are clones of. For example, the Honda GX390 makes about 13hp, while the HF predator makes something like 14-15hp. I wouldn't be surprised if the 16hp number is also a bit generous. Given the choice between only those two engines, I would get the HF.

 

[Scarface]

Ok I guess I am going with the predator then. From what I have seen the predators are pretty popular, does anybody know the round-about rpm's of the 420cc predator when the governor is not on?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

This is (again) one of those ballpark things. Typically, people see 5-6K ungoverned in various engines under various conditions (including gearing). I'm turning an ungoverned 4hp Kohler clone at about 5450, and no valve flutter yet.

 

[Scarface]

Ok, when I put the info into the speed calculator tomorrow I will just put 5,250rpm's. It was pooring down rain today and my kart is still out side (I still did nothing to it but tomorrow I will actually touch it and when i start working on the frame it will be inside), tomorrow I am going to count all the teeth on both sprockets and try and pull off the driven so I can look at it and possibly clean it up. Do you guys think that belt is still good or should I just buy a new one, I can't imagine it is to exspensive. Oh and if you look at my driven there is some rust on it, I am guessing I should take a wire wheel to it to get the rust off then what should I do with it?

I just saw you said "no valve flutter", I need to look this up I guess.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

For calculation, use 5000. You will very likely achieve it, and anything more will be an unadvertised bonus. Valve flutter in explained in the governor sticky.

 

[Scarface]

For calculation, use 5000. You will very likely achieve it, and anything more will be an unadvertised bonus. Valve flutter in explained in the governor sticky.

Ok thanks.

My driven has some rust on it, what I am assuming is I would take a wire wheel to it to get the rust off then should I do anything after that? I am also assuming a wire wheel is even ok to use to get the rust off of it?

 

[Scarface]

My driven has some rust on it, what I am assuming is I would take a wire wheel to it to get the rust off then should I do anything after that? I am also assuming a wire wheel is even ok to use to get the rust off of it?

Going to bed, I hope someone answers that tonight that way I can start doing something in metal shop tomorrow, I will check back on in the morning but then I have no way of checking at school.

 

[landuse]

You will be fine using a wire wheel. If you look at the clutch cleaning sticky (even though it isn't for the 40 series) you will get an idea of what to do

 

[Scarface]

wow, sorry next time I will look at the stickys before asking something. thanks.

 

[landuse]

I will try and refurbish the driven I have now and will just buy the driver then.

Look HERE. You could maybe get the Driver from Southkart

 

[Scarface]

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