Whats better Honda Or Honda Clone?
- Thread starter cmbone
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A genuine honda is better in every way, such as fabrication, quality of parts, and workmanship.
Clones aren't bad, don't get me wrong. There are many many people here on the forum that only use clones because they are cheaper. They don't seem to give too many problems though.
Clones aren't bad, don't get me wrong. There are many many people here on the forum that only use clones because they are cheaper. They don't seem to give too many problems though.
I am not too sure because I have never had one. Maybe wait for someone who has one to comment. As far as I know they work fine, but just aren't of the quality that you get from the real thing.
flowerman
junior member
Clones are great engines in a go kart environment. They are exactly the same as the real thing but made with less presision and accuaracy, and there alot cheaper as well
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That saying I've seen on YouTube a couple of vids recently of the engine block cracking and splitting as well as problems with the crankshaft.
Although seeing what you are going to be using it for I would buy a clone.
What HP are you going for?
.That saying I've seen on YouTube a couple of vids recently of the engine block cracking and splitting as well as problems with the crankshaft.
Although seeing what you are going to be using it for I would buy a clone.
What HP are you going for?
Justin9
Member
We race the clone engines on our karts at 6,000 rpms, with only a 600 rpm drop through the turns on a dirt oval... with a 30 dollar cam, a muffled AKRA race exhaust header, a set of 10.8 pound springs and a k&n style filter we can equal the power that a $1500 race prepared flathead engine makes all for around 350 bucks if you are skilled. In 4 years now of running this platform, the only problem I have had related to the engine was I wore a top ring out in one of them having 18 months of racing, and that top ring was a softer ring, not a stock chromed ring. Of course, I would recommend starting out with a clone engine that was purchased from a race shop, usually they can be had for around 100-120 bucks. Doing this will give you better tolernaces that say the hit or miss on the harbor frieght stuff.. sometimes the HF engines will have the piston .030 in the hole, whereas a engine from a kart shop made by ducar or dupor should be closer too .005 in the hole. These engines do not include an exhaust or air filter, or a fuel tank, but if you are planning on some upgrades, you are going to throw those stock pieces away anyway...
Many places, like ARC Racing, sell a U-Build-It Kit for around 250 dollars, maybe less, haven't checked in a while. This will give you a solid engine with AKRA rule race tolerances, and probably make atleast 2 to 2.5 HP right off the bat if not more..., all for around $250 bucks if you can swing it... Also note, the engines from Harbor Freight are not 212cc, and some of the internal and external measures have been changed between the HF 212 Predator and many of the 196cc clones. For example, many readily available clone cams will not fit in the predator.
Many places, like ARC Racing, sell a U-Build-It Kit for around 250 dollars, maybe less, haven't checked in a while. This will give you a solid engine with AKRA rule race tolerances, and probably make atleast 2 to 2.5 HP right off the bat if not more..., all for around $250 bucks if you can swing it... Also note, the engines from Harbor Freight are not 212cc, and some of the internal and external measures have been changed between the HF 212 Predator and many of the 196cc clones. For example, many readily available clone cams will not fit in the predator.
http://www.harborfreight.com/predat...d-for-all-states-except-california-68120.html
You can find coupons usually bringing it to around $100-110.
You can find coupons usually bringing it to around $100-110.
Justin9
Member
Here's one for $250,(http://shop.b-mkarting.com/65-HP-Clone-Engine-Kit-40-ENGKIT.htm) includes racing cam, fuel pump, air filter, air filter adapter, fuel line, top plate for easier throttle hookups etc... you just have to be willing to do some work if you want some extra power... plus, these engines don't have governors and low oil sensors... only thing you need is a fuel tank and a little time to assemble all the parts and pieces yourself. I actually have a parts dealership myself with are racing karts, I do more with tires and prep chemicals, but I can order the same engine package for around $275 (no shipping) and like I said, if you can handle a little bit of assembly (many videos on the web showing all the steps to install cams and stuff) you will be on your way... worse thing will be installing the cam, the springs, and tapping the valve cover to install the pulse line for the fuel pump...
If you just want to get a stock clone and ride, a Predator from HF maybe your best option...
If you just want to get a stock clone and ride, a Predator from HF maybe your best option...
Looks like the Clones have it. 
I read that the 99cc says the pto is 5/8th but in reality its metric, & too large. Is the larger 6.5hp with the 3/4" pto in metric & need modification as well?
WOW $149 for a new 6.5hp! What a deal! The 5.5hp honda is $450 ouch!
I read that the 99cc says the pto is 5/8th but in reality its metric, & too large. Is the larger 6.5hp with the 3/4" pto in metric & need modification as well?
WOW $149 for a new 6.5hp! What a deal! The 5.5hp honda is $450 ouch!
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Justin9
Member
The Predator is advertised as a 212cc actually... LCT does make a 208 engine and from what I have read, all the inside hopup parts will work in the 208 from the 196cc engines...
If you do decide to with the 212 from HF, you can send your stock cam off to be welded and re-grinded... there are places that will do this... or you can get a machinist to make some sleeves for the 196cc cams to fit the 212 block.
South Kart3377
Kart designer
Nr racing sells cams for the predator 212 go to the GX 200 race parts
r_chez_08
Should be in the shop...
I have a gx200 clone and a Honda gx160. I have noticed anything made from plastic or rubber is not that good on a clone, e.g. The rocker cover gasket, recoil handle and recoil parts (rope and pulley, basically the recoils are often crap) the flywheel fan, the ignition coil. I have bought a new gasket kit and replaced the rocker cover gasket with a cork one, bought a used recoil which has only had one problem (broke 2 clone ones beyond repair) new spark plug wire, and I need to buy a new fan.
Clones are good if you don't want to spend $500!
Clones are good if you don't want to spend $500!
Crap pullstarts
I have had bad luck with pullstarts & coil's on the R/C hobby size 26cc size cloned 2-strokes as well.
What do you think it cost to replace all those parts on your gx200?
Is there also a problem with the cam, or is that mod just to make it have more power?
I have had bad luck with pullstarts & coil's on the R/C hobby size 26cc size cloned 2-strokes as well.
What do you think it cost to replace all those parts on your gx200?
Is there also a problem with the cam, or is that mod just to make it have more power?
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