CHonda-ish question

[Tony Ashcraft]

Is it possible to run one of the higher HP Harbor Frieght motors on a CHonda style set-up? I see they have an 11 and a 13 HP that look to be close to the 6.5. This cart will be recreation only. Anyone done it? Are the parts from the 6.5 DIY set-up the same?

Thanks

[Eric Meservey]

None of the parts are the same. You will also find that the parts to hop up those motors are harder to find and/or prohibitively expensive. Specific issues you will run into immediately are the fact that the motor mount, carb, exhaust, and clutch are all different from the 6.5, and not just a little different.

Then you come down the the fact that they are so much bigger. Ever seen a big block in an old Mustang... Tight fit, throws off the balance. In the end, not enough power added to justify the extra weight, massive cost increase, and general pain in the assedness. Kinda resembles how a big block clone fits onto a kart.

Can be done, not worth it.

For fun, buy a HF motor on sale, put the basic ARC kit on it and a motor mount. When that isnt fast enough, then you can add parts and pieces to make it faster, inexpensively. Or just bring it out, and race in the Chonda class!

IMHO, a hooptied out Chonda 6.5 block (all minor hand tool bolt-on parts, no machining needed) could be built cheaper than just the 11/13hp motor alone, let alone the expensive hop up parts. And have better power/weight balance than the 11/13.

E

[Tony Ashcraft]

thats what I needed to know. 6.5 it is. Thanks for the info.