Using Briggs 18HP 356447-0054 V Twin on Buggy

[CillerCrocCustoms]

Hello everyone, we’re planning to do a crazy buggy YouTube project, which will utilize an 18hp Briggs and Stratton V-Twin model 356447-0054. I plan on using a GoPowersports 40 series torque converter, a 7:1 ratio, and a 5/8 jack shaft. Will I be able to use this setup without issue? Anything to look out for on these engines, or anything you’d like to see me add?

I’m mainly concerned with mounting up a 40 Series torque converter to it?

 

[Denny]

Can’t see why it wouldn’t work.

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

18hp is the top rated for the 40 series.
What size rear tire are you gonna run?
Whats the weight of the buggy?

I would look into a bigger cvt if possible.

 

[panchothedog]

If you leave the engine stock, the 40 series will probably hold up. What is the diameter of the output shaft on your engine? Does the side cover of the engine have the 4 tapped holes for mounting the TC? Post a picture of the side of the engine. If you buy a 40 series plate system torque converter, it will come with a
3/4" jack shaft. If you run an independent shaft with a bearing on each end, then
5/8" might work. But I think you might have a hard time finding a 40 series driven clutch with a 5/8" bore, as 3/4" is the more common size.

 

[Edwin Spangler]

I wouldnt spend the extra money just to get the GPS brand CVT.

Generic is just as good. Just use a Comet belt.

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

"robust 1 in. by 3 shaft"

 

[CillerCrocCustoms]

Can’t see why it wouldn’t work.

Awesome!

 

[CillerCrocCustoms]

18hp is the top rated for the 40 series.
What size rear tire are you gonna run?
Whats the weight of the buggy?

I would look into a bigger cvt if possible.

16in rear tire, 145/70/6 in front

 

[CillerCrocCustoms]

18hp is the top rated for the 40 series.
What size rear tire are you gonna run?
Whats the weight of the buggy?

I would look into a bigger cvt if possible.

Buggy is two seater Trailmaster 150cc type frame. But it’s missing the rollcage and really all electronic bits. A bare frame I guess! What did I expect for $50?

 

[CillerCrocCustoms]

If you leave the engine stock, the 40 series will probably hold up. What is the diameter of the output shaft on your engine? Does the side cover of the engine have the 4 tapped holes for mounting the TC? Post a picture of the side of the engine. If you buy a 40 series plate system torque converter, it will come with a
3/4" jack shaft. If you run an independent shaft with a bearing on each end, then
5/8" might work. But I think you might have a hard time finding a 40 series driven clutch with a 5/8" bore, as 3/4" is the more common size.

Thanks for the response! The side cover does have four holes, although I’m unsure of the size and distance between em. I should have been more specific on the jack shaft, I would be running another jack shaft off the the torque converter, 5/8 because i can use the same gears and shaft as my other projects.

 

[CillerCrocCustoms]

I wouldnt spend the extra money just to get the GPS brand CVT.

Generic is just as good. Just use a Comet belt

Which generic CVT do you recommend if you could send a link that would be greatly appreciated. Also, while we’re on the topic, how many hours do Comet CVT belts last? I have one I bought a year ago, and I now have put 50 hours of mixed driving (mainly slow sleeps 3-5 mph) on it. I was wondering how long I could hold off replacing it? Thank you!

 

[Edwin Spangler]

Which generic CVT do you recommend

Honestly, I dont recommend a generic one. Only generic if youre dead set on the 40 series. I think something better than the 40 is needed.

I say you should contact Comet and see what they suggest. I just dont see that 40 working very well, for very long. Gonna eat belts no matter what brand with a V Twin pushing it.

As for the belt. It should last a while. Comet belts are the best you can get. If it doesnt catastrophically fail and fly into several pieces, you can usually feel it loosing its grip. It might stay in gear longer or not shift into HIGH at all. You can see glazing... That kinda stuff. Its obvious.

 

[CillerCrocCustoms]

Awesome, now I know why to look for in belts. I do feel since all my projects use jack shaft there is always a small amount of it staying in gear once I left off the throttle, usually I’ll hear a clunk and everything slows down. That’s why I’m glad you gave me other hints! Thank you again!
As for the engine I may just go with a 16 HP Vanguard VTwin, more parts and gives the 40 Series some stability.

 

[Master Hack]

As for the engine I may just go with a 16 HP Vanguard VTwin, more parts and gives the 40 Series some stability.

Don't sell the 40 short. I know a guy putting 30+HP through a modded 40.
18HP, just a "recommended" maximum. Who are they kidding anyway? What would "they" know about maximums?
Run it til it breaks, fix it and repeat.....