Hustler engine swap

[kodashane]

Ok guys i'm thinking about doing an engine swap with this kawasaki kz 650 engine into my hustler 980 and I have some plans here to set it up (in the drawing). Basicaly what I was going to do was mount the engine up in my 6 wheeler high enough to mount rollers below the sprocket to redirect the chain up to the T 20 transmission instead of where it would normally go to the rear tire on a motorcycle. (The rollers I am talking about are what tighten the chains on hustlers). I was wondering if you guys had a better configuration..or you thought this one was pretty good. Thanx for the help,
Koda

[liflod]

How are you going to cool the engine ????

[kodashane]

Cooling fan from a car...The motor has an alternator to charge my batteries..so keeping that running shouldnt be a problem.

[PRC]

why would u do somthing so bad to a rare and wonderful machine

[Mike]

PRC, please only stick to constructive comments. If you have concerns about a modification give a reason. It would be much more helpful to our community. I don't mind some constructive criticism but to just bash someone without warrant does no good.

I would guess that at least 20% of the cars on here are not stock and if done correctly there is nothing wrong with modifying a 6x6 or swapping engines. Plus, this modification can be reversed.

[Beeman]

Koda... if you can lessen the angle of the re-direction (the less angle the better). A 90 is tough on a chain (and all parts) in that type of design.

Also to note (doesn't look like you'll have this problem... but to keep in mind) I remember reading somewhere that a good design princible is to make sure you always have 9+ teeth on a sprocket that come into contact with the chain at all times (and something about the min angle that needs to be between the incomming and outgoing chain... but I can't remember that one).

Looks good... why the 90 in the first place... trying to get around an object or something?

[mark m.]

It appears he needs to get the chain underneith the crankcase of the motor for a clear path to the T20.
Mark

[PRC]

i wasnt trying to offend u but over the last 15+ years i have seen alot of machines that were modified and ended up in my junk yard only good for parts to keep another machine going . any way nice machine the hustlers r very good i had a 440 powerd one that i put the 26 inch tires on about 10 years ago wish i still had it i am working on tearing a 950 down now

[jpswift1]

I dont see Kodashane on the forums much anymore. I saw his Hustler BIGFOOT for sale on Craigslist for $2900 about 3 months ago.

[Mike]

PRC, point taken. I wasn't trying to be rude towards you by the way, just keeping a friendly atmosphere here that's all. Thanks for the follow up post!