motor swap!! thoughts

[carre33]

so here's what i have a 92 magnum with the 18 kohler
friend of mine has a 2002 20hp kawi spare motor
the kawi has 56 hours on it all complete minus the clutch
what are your thoughts on the swap any info will help me plan this so it goes smoothly

side note at the same time the trans is being rebuilt the old pop outta reverse issue as well as all new chains with a wraparound and enclosure

[rapidroy]

I say why not, others (dealer types) might say the trans will not take it. Is the water cooled power pak complete, that is fan, rad and all?
There will be an overall height difference, but I do not have dimensions. When I had my air cooled magnum I definately had Kawasaki envy, now Ive got an 02 conquest and lovin it!
The 92 magnum has splined axles correct? It will also have the keyed out put shafts on the trans that can be updated to splined as well as the brake rotors if they need replaced. Good luck and measure three times... then cut. RR

[spookum]

YOU MUST HAVE PICTURES! For cooling, you can get an alumanum radiator out of a junk yard (check with a magnet, it wont stick to alumanum fins) and take it to a radator shop and have it cut down.......

[Bazooo guy]

Whats wrong with the 18 Kohler?

[plott hound]

Whats wrong with the 18 Kohler?

its gutless and runs hot.20hp kawi is a real sweet plant.

[carre33]

You are right there its got a major loss of power, it needs some pistons rings and a new carb kit....so the new kawi will be nice plus ill be able to rebuild the kohler on the bench.
as for pics ill get some when i pick up the motor...it comes complete with the rad so that's a bonus...so a new motor (56hrs) and a set of supertracks for 2K nice deal

[rapidroy]

Whats wrong with the 18 Kohler?[/QUOTE]
Bazoo I have had good luck with the 18 hp kohler. Having diagnosed a blown head gasket and then installing rings and gaskets it ran better than it ever had, but still had a turning problem. Then came RD with his clutch tune-up and it changed the whole dynamic of the machine and my enjoyment of operating it. However I still had kawasaki envy so a friend now has my old magnum, I bought and rebuilt a used 02 conquest. I am satisfied, for now, hopefully, well maybe a set of tracks...
I havent got avenger envy yet but there seems to be a pattern emerging... I think we are all prone to it to some degree,(in fact I think the manufacturers plan on it) but really I think the machine should fit our intended useage. I do about 50 hrs per year mostly hunting and only a couple of recreational type rides. So sorry for going all philsofical here but I do go on sometimes.... oh look a squirrel! //RR

[carre33]

The old kohler has about 1000 hrs on it shes tired...lol so I will rebuild it once its out..... shes not dead yet...but i use it during the summer for getting to those fishing spots and just gets way to hot and i am starting to not trust it anymore

[ARGOJIM]

The Kawasaki should fit right in, it's smaller than the Kohler, you will probably need to do something custom with the cooling side ductwork and you may have to cut the right side body to make more air intake area( like the Conquest) or it will run hot but pretty sure the physical size of the upper is the same. The clutch should work though some alignment may be needed and you will probably need a Conquest hood for clearance, the trans inards are the same and should not be an issue.

[carre33]

Thanks for the reply argojim, I'll fab up a duct and cut a larger hole for cooling