Stage 1 Upgrade, Verified Results?

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olddognewtricks

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Are there any "controlled" or "scientific" test results for stage 1 upgrades that show whether or not the stage 1 kits actually improve horsepower or speed?

Even if it's just your personal experience testing results with a few speedometer apps, I am interested in all feedback, for or against the results of adding stage 1 mods to Predator 212 or Honda GX200.

For my part, I found a scientific paper where researchers tested the claims of K&N filters on vehicles. They found that horsepower improvement claims made by K&N were marginal at best and also don't filter dust as well as OEM filters.

So, with go karts, what does the evidence show for Stage 1 upgrades (high flow air filter + exhaust header + re-jetting the carburetor)?
 
JTSpeedDemon

JTSpeedDemon

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I can say without a doubt that stage 1 upgrades make a noticeable increase in acceleration. I haven't been able to measure it, but it is certainly faster. With Predators, I think the gains really come from the header, and simply removing the stock air filter assembly, which is full of bottlenecks and corners that kill airflow.

If nothing else, your engine will look and sound epic!
 
gegcorp2012

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One of the first things I added before I started engine mods was a tachometer.

That tells you if you are hitting the governed engine speed. Also tells you the RPM for idle and about when the clutch starts engaging as a baseline.

The tach I have keeps track of the max engine RPM and the hours between service intervals.

Handy instrument in addition to the GPS speedometer app on the phone.

Sent from my SM-J700T using Tapatalk
 
landuse

landuse

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gegcorp2012 said:
One of the first things I added before I started engine mods was a tachometer.

That tells you if you are hitting the governed engine speed. Also tells you the RPM for idle and about when the clutch starts engaging as a baseline.

The tach I have keeps track of the max engine RPM and the hours between service intervals.

Handy instrument in addition to the GPS speedometer app on the phone.

Sent from my SM-J700T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Have you maybe got a link to where you bought it? Or something similar? Some people on he forum might not know what to look for :thumbsup:
 
BigWes

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I've put stage one mods on three predators and two clones. Unfortunately I don't have any recorded information to share even though I did record before and after on one of the predators.

I just lost my information due to windows upgrade...thanks microshaft...

But it definitely made an increase in acceleration and top speed in my case with my gov not removed... engine on larger kart.

The increase is due to a combination of all things not just the header. I installed an open header, larger fuel jet, and removed factory airbox and installed conical air filter. I also installed an autolite performance spark plugs... can't remember the number right now...but am going to replace it with 3910x soon.

So one component by itself may yield an improvement but by no means will give the same result as the full upgrade.

If you change one thing you really need to change everything...spark plugs excluded. It's kinda pointless to open up one side of the engine without opening up the other. And this isn't even taking AFR into account.
 
BigWes

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JTSpeedDemon said:
My research shows that this Searon tachometer is the best, about $20: https://www.amazon.com/Resettable-I...id=1594476144&sprefix=searon+t,aps,206&sr=8-4

I'll be installing one on my kart soon, you don't even have to install a plug lead pickup, you just coil the pickup wire around the plug wire and adjust until it's accurate.
Click to expand...

I may have to give this one a try. I ordered one similar and the lead was only about 2 feet long. That wasn't mentioned in the product description. And the data isn't resettable on mine. Nor will it power off.

This one seems to have better software and a longer pickup lead. But with all cheap electronics sometimes you get a lemon. And unfortunately prone to be vulnerable to the elements which sucks for some karters.

But mychrons don't come cheap. Wish I had one.
 
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mckutzy

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I have the non back-lit display version of that one described by JT.
It has the replaceable battery and it works pretty good.
Wrap around about 4 times secure with the zip tie, zip to a good place to use, Good to go.
It has an instruction manual to set for cylinder amount (and stroke I think).
Over all pretty easy to use...

I dont keep it on the bike, I just put it on when I need it... I also take out the battery so it dont die or kill the device.
If it needs to kept on the machine, a simple snaplock plastic contain from the dollar store could be used for an enclosure. Its clear and has a easy removable lid, can get small ones to just fit the device, seal wire hole with some silicone.
 
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