29hp DFI Kawasaki in a Conquest

[Rock Doctor]

Well, I finally found a dealer that's not too far away, still over a thousand miles, but it's doable. So what do you guys think?
Too much power?
Too much for the trans to handle?

Price is $3,000 (Can) and change, is that too much?

I am waiting for a final price quote (Tax, Shipping, ect), and hope to see that tomorrow.

I'm having a hard time justifying it, but at the same time I am supper pumped at the thought.
You would not believe how long it's taken me to find a dealer.

Since I upgraded to 24" tires, I am noticing a slight lack in power at times, but at the same time, I realize that there is NOTHING wrong with my current 20hp. I think I'm just a little spoiled with driving the newer higher HP models.

I've been hearing stories of the newer vengers and HDI's eating transmitions, the last one was an HDI with only 500hrs on it. Still waiting for the verdict on that one, but from what I heard, it might have been operator abuse. Do you think the higher HP's are just a little too much for the machine designs?

I have rarely heard of the older, Conquest style trans failing, and have seen several with over 3000hrs on them, are they stronger than the Avenger Trans, or the Admirial Trans in the HDI?

Comments?

RD

[wfo]

theirs no such thing on these as abuse thats why i have mine..i run the F out of mine...bigger the engine the better..
cant wait for that super charger to come out...woops thats a secret

[Roger S]

RD, I wouldn't be afraid of the 29 in your conquest. There's at least one other guy who's done it, and my briggs is 30+. Maybe you should pull your tranny out and take a look anyway, as noisy as you say it is. Take a look at the reverse idler bushing too, that seems to be the most common wear item. I don't like the $3000 part .. but it's
ONLY money.

[smog]

Price is $3,000 (Can) and change, is that too much?

I would seriously consider modding the 20hp engine before throwing 3K on a new engine.

[Roger S]

Yeah I would too. I havn't been inside a kaw, but a guy in Michigan races the air cooled versions. There are parts available but I've had no reason the hunt it down. There are some models with 2-5 hp difference rating, same basic engine, one with restricted throttle plate opening, etc.

[sparkola]

Funny you posted this I was just looking at the Kaw website to see if it would fit. LOL!!!!!!!!

[Rock Doctor]

I would seriously consider modding the 20hp engine before throwing 3K on a new engine.

That's something I'm not sure about. How is reliability effected? What kind of mods? I live in a remote place, how difficult would it be to get parts?

Funny you posted this I was just looking at the Kaw website to see if it would fit. LOL!!!!!!!!

It will fit, the Output shaft will need to be trimed off, the mounting bolt Holes are a little larger, and The output shaft sits just a bit higher. Nothing major, that I can see.

[Cougar]

RD when I had my conquest I found this place. They where very helpful, they said that if I put the 29 in it would be about 3" higher and I might have to change the air cleaner. I don't know if they ship up your way, I could pick up a 29 for about 1500.00 US. Here's a link: Kawasaki*Engine Search by Small Engine Warehouse Hope this helps. Cougar

[smog]

That's something I'm not sure about. How is reliability effected? What kind of mods? I live in a remote place, how difficult would it be to get parts?

In a remote area of BC, I bet the parts for a B&S are easier to get than any Kawasaki parts. And modding the B&S will not affect reliability much. it will only make more AVAILABLE power; I bet you don't drive the argo full throttle and full load all the time. simple things like having the B&S heads ported+shaved, advancing the ignition timing and changing the governor spring for a 4500 rpm limit will really wake up the actual engine and give you a chance to get out of the mud hole leaving everything else like OEM. ( and cost a lot less than 200$)


Also, watch the total weight of the liquid cooled KAW. it can make the argo VERY heavy in the nose; making it a bit less amphibious. (the kawa weight 180 lbs bare; then add the rad and everything else while the B&S is less than 140 pounds everything included)

or you can go ridiculous for 1950$ Small Engine Warehouse: 613477-0198 -

Anyway good luck with your project !!


here's mine : http://www.veg-injection-service.com/IMG_2431.JPG going mid-engine in a 1987 8x8 argo with a tweaked honda v-twin

[Rock Doctor]

Hey smog, thanks, that's a great comment, and something I will look into before I go any further

I think the 29 kawai is about 20lbs heavier than the 20 kawi.

You're right, I don't run full throttle or full load very often. Most of the time I want a little more Torque for manouvering when heavily loaded in tight situations. In my mind, I think deep down what I really want is some kind of little Diesel engine. More torque would be my friend, but how much would be too much, that is the question.

RD when I had my conquest I found this place. They where very helpful, they said that if I put the 29 in it would be about 3" higher and I might have to change the air cleaner. I don't know if they ship up your way, I could pick up a 29 for about 1500.00 US. Here's a link: Kawasaki*Engine Search by Small Engine Warehouse Hope this helps. Cougar

Hi Cougar,
Thanks for the link.
I have the spec sheets for the Kawi engines, and the 29hp that I'm looking at is actually slightly shorter than the 20HP, due to it being DFI instead of Carbed.
That price is much better than the one I found and will look into whether they will ship to me, and what the total cost would be by the time I get it here.

Good info, thanks guys. This is why I like this site

RD

[smog]

In my mind, I think deep down what I really want is some kind of little Diesel engine

it has been done here in Quebec in a conquest using a air cooled 25hp diesel v-twin and the guy took it out because of the increased vibrations(diesel knock). Also the diesel wasn't meant to be throttled so acceration resulted in hard knocking and smoke.

[Slimpickin]

I've got a three cylinder chevy sprint engine in my 99 conquest. I haven't had any drive train problems and I figure about 64 hp.

One thing, don't let the engine idle long in neutral. There is no lubrication on the top shaft in the transmission unless it is in gear and moving.

I also use synthetic gear oil and I pump in about 30 squirts of synthetic grease to bring it up to level. I think the top shaft stays lubricated longer at idle.

Slim