Would a 3.5 HP engine be a decent motor?

[CyB3R_D3MoN]

With the right gearing. Would it be able to pull about a 240 pound person? i just want a motor to mess around with for right now. And what can i do to increase power in the motor? like boreing, kits, like performance stuff. I would appreciate it if i could get some help.


-Thanks

 

[Gearstix]

With the right gearing. Would it be able to pull about a 240 pound person? i just want a motor to mess around with for right now. And what can i do to increase power in the motor? like boreing, kits, like performance stuff. I would appreciate it if i could get some help.


-Thanks

I had an old 3hp Tecumseh on my yard kart when I bought it, and it pulled my self around. I weight 280.

As for performance, you will have to give us more information than just 3.5hp. Theres more than one manufacturer of engines.

 

[solomon]

you could make it work with the proper gearing but it wont go fast. As a matter of fact these engines are soo cheap they typically have a plastic cam

 

[Russ2251]

these engines are soo cheap they typically have a plastic cam

High end engines have them as well. Nothing wrong with them.

 

[EagleTalons]

High end engines have them as well. Nothing wrong with them.

High end engines as in high hp or highly modified?

 

[motor_head]

High end engines as in high hp or highly modified?

nether just better motors higher quality
all the newer little(i think like <5hp?) motors have plastic cams

 

[Russ2251]

I've seen a lot of them over the last 12 years or so.
Have not seen a cam related failure yet.

 

[oscaryu1]

B&S 3.5's are a great hybrid. Bore similar to a 5hp and stroke of a 3hp.

 

[modelengineer]

I had a 3.5hp and it was terrible. Even with 8:1 gear ratio it was very slow accelerating. I weigh 180 lbs.

 

[anderkart]

If you already own the engine and dont have the bucks for something better, give it a shot. If your thinking about buying it, how much is it going to cost ya? (what brand/model are we talking here?)

 

[Jerryburger]

A friend of mine had a B/S 3.5 on his kart........ BIG FUN and it scooted along fine. It could do close to 30 with him in it . (220 lbs.) What I like about the B/S 3.5 is that it's the most powerful "Small-Block" of the B/S motors... it'll fit in the same spot a 2hp will because of the footprint and shaft size/ placement. The fuel tank might stick down lower, but that's usually not an issue.

 

[vandancouver]

cmon man i have a 3.5 on a small kart of mine, with a cheap centrifigual clutch. ive been clocked at 46 mph. govenor removed, tires are about 8 inches tall, header, intake, port and polish and a basic tune up . i weigh 220

 

[modelengineer]

LOL, how long did it take you to get to that speed? 2 - 3 minutes?

 

[Jerryburger]

cmon man i have a 3.5 on a small kart of mine, with a cheap centrifigual clutch. ive been clocked at 46 mph. govenor removed, tires are about 8 inches

My friend's kart was still governed and it was completely stock. It had great get-up-and-go compared to my B/S 80000 series engine. (1 extra cubic inch makes a difference!) I guess my point is, this would make a great motor to "develop" when nothing else will fit.