Briggs & Stratton, the way it should be

[whipper-ag]

Roger
I've got a little more than a drag strip motor, When I talked to Al Hodge, I told him what I was putting it in, and what I wanted it to do. I don't know what cam he put in it, But I can idle @ 2000 rpm trail riding all day, no problem, but when I put the hammer down it's bye bye. I've got the best of both worlds. It never over heats or loads up. I'm extremely happy with Al's work. Last time I talked to Al Hodge he was working on a turbo V-twin, have you heard any thing about that? I'm ready for one!

[Roger S]

Havn't heard anything about a turbo twin, Alan, but I don't keep current with him. How does the drivetrain stay together in that Attex? Much less a turbo version That is one haulin' machine, can't stop watching the 'doughnut' video. And the suspension work you're building looks first class.

My comments about his cams.. as far as I know he only had one profile. Matt's Bigfoot had a 18/20 hp block Bandelero engine and it didn't have enough low end to make it up into the power band. Al sent him a stock cam as a replacement. But that was years ago. A 23 has a lot more going for it to start with. Al Hodge has one componenent that all hard core guys need. Billet roller rocker arms. The Vanguard has a few weak components, being built as a stationary workhorse to run all day @ 3600. Replace them, drop in the good stuff and hold on!

[micmac]

Roger,

Well I had spoken to G.H. and he mentioned that the 16 might actually be ok because from what he saw from the videos you sent, he thought that a shorter stroke engine would work well. I'm not sure I understand what he meant by that could you explain? Anyhow I decided to play around with the 16 for the reasons you mentioned above about everything transferring.
Also I assume the engine is lighter than the 20 hp so if PSI on the ground is being considered that would be a plus(I wonder when Fred S. will find this site!).

I will not have the exhaust finished tonight I went to pick up some clamping collars for the RLV silencers I had ordered but they won't be in until tomorrow.

I did dual exhausts with 1' O.D. pipe for 16 " then opened up to 1.25" O.D. for 12 " to exit the machine. I did a preliminary test today and with the silencers it has a nice rumble without being obnoxious. Kind of like a mini Harley! It definitely is a power improvement.

Mike

[Roger S]

Oh you are going pro, with the RLV stuff! If you do take the heads off we'll clean up and blend the ports and valve pockets.

I sent George some Badlands footage so he could see what his student did.. his comment:
---------
"I am covered up but I did lay down on the sofa and watch it. You guys are insane. Looks like fun. You can hear yours in the background just a ripping away. Dang sure sounds good. Whats your buddies think. I REALLY ENJOYED it myself thanks alot.

George Herrin
BTMRA President
2005/2004 BP National Points Champ
2004 National Driver of the Year
2003 SP National Points Champ
Herrin Mower Sports Racing Team/Fat Boyz Racing


"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming . . "WOW ---What a Ride!"
-------

Wonder what he'll have to say about Whipper's video

[jpswift1]

I have a lot to learn about 4 stroke Briggs performance engine, but I would like to thank you guys for posting up all this great information. I would love to tweak my 18HP Briggs a little bit in the near future. I might also consider using Vanguards in more of my machines. I have a Briggs flat twin in my Hustler, a Vanguard in the Maxes, and a 440cc two stroke JLO/Rockwell in my Attex racer, so I have a variety of motors, but if I will be a lot of reading about building up these Vanguards.......please forgive me if I ask a lot of questions about this because Im new to the 4 stroke performance world. Thanks!

[Roger S]

You can go lurk in the flathead forums at heymow.com - Lawn Mower Racing Forum - Index , there's a resurgence of interest in the old flathead twins. I guess it's the only thing left they havn't built.