complete rebuild time! max iv

[millerperf]

well I was enjoying my new 26x13x12 vampires,i was kind hard on them,,knowing I have the wrong rims .well I unbeaded the rear tires, and drove it home for few miles with a little bumping noise! you got it I rubbed a hole in the tub. so I totally took it apart.im trying to decide if I should repower it, I have a good stash of engines. i started mocking up different combinations of engine transmission locations, have the engine in front of t-20 now looks to be a nice fit.i have about 7 different rotax engines from stock 503,583,670 ,triples to modified race engines, i have a apex 4stroke :engine sitting in it now.my friends know I cant leave anything stock. they are laughing at me already! what do you guys think my apex engine runs like a watch smooth.it should be close on weight to the b/s 18 hp engine would like to hear your thoughts thanks mark

[Noel Woods]

I think I would just get one of those B&S race prepped engines that are basically an 18hp modded up to 30hp, it would give great power to weight ratio, fairly reliable, and you know it will fit.

[jpswift1]

I think I would just get one of those B&S race prepped engines that are basically an 18hp modded up to 30hp, it would give great power to weight ratio, fairly reliable, and you know it will fit.

Yes a Bandolero Briggs race engine would work well for you. That's what administrator Mike is running in his Max IV and it's a monster.

[fmints]

Yes a Bandolero Briggs race engine would work well for you. That's what administrator Mike is running in his Max IV and it's a monster.

Yes it is a complete monster as Jpswift stated. Site member Cbass also has one in his Max II,,, the monster resides there as well. I have recently rebuilt an 18hp Briggs with a lot of the Bandolera parts, i.e. timing adjusting flywheel key, ported and shaved heads, 20hp intake manifold, 20hp double barrel carb, engine oil cooler, stiffer valve springs with shims, heavy duty starter, just to name a little. I placed this in my wife's Max IV, and it is double the hp and then some when compared to the 18hp briggs. If your not into building one, you could always sell an engine or two to offset the incredible low price (for the amount of performance that the bando has) of a Bando engine that is about $1600. I also hear that Al Hodges makes some pretty stout engines as well. About a year or so ago, I looked into Midwest Super Cub, to build me a Kohler V-twin that would safely produce 40+ horses that would prove to be reliable, but at the time $2400 was well out of my price range. If you could find a 23hp Kohler V-twin, you will find that it too is a great engine. Its almost maintenace free with the exception for the occassional filters and oil change. All briggs needs the valves adjusting sooner or later, but the Kohler Commands all have hydralic lifters (no valve lash adjusting needed there buddy)! There is also the Kawasaki liquid cooled V-twins,,, another great engine. Site member William Council has a 27hp Kawi in his Max II, and MaxIVMark has a 29hp Kawi in his Tracked Max IV. For the money, horsepower, reliablitiy, weight, and ease to work on, I would go with the briggs Bando. Performance parts are easily available and at a fairer price when compared to other brands. Mike, Cbass, Lewis, Racerone3, Daniel and a few others have added these engines to their cars and in my opinion only, they surely stand out when compared to other members machines.

[millerperf]

I really don't think the engines you are talking about will come close to the performance of my apex engine. ive already made some mounts the engine will be in front of the t-20 I ordered a clutch,today its going fit perfect behind the seat but tight. you will just have to take out 6 bolts to remove the complete engine, and just drop the old b/s engine back in.i may have to put a throttle stop on it so them bando engines can keep up! adrenaline junkie! you drive this thing im sure you will get the rush of a life time, you will be putting 1 in your buggy. thanks for the great replies it keeps me thinking!!

[Noel Woods]

I know the rage for the Apex is a transplant into the RZRs and similar machines. That's a lot of power to transplant into a t20 and then transfer thru the axels, chains, bearings, etc.

I'll be interested in seeing how it ends up. My thought is however that 40 HP is about the upper limit for a Max4, I'm sure there will be others that disagree. 40 hp can give you a very reliable machine that will utterly shame most amphibs as well as other atvs. Beyond 40 hp I think you will find every weak link in the drivetrain really quickly.

I can't wait to follow the build. Keep us posted.

[whipper-ag]

[millerperf]

joe thanks I agree I think ill take the turbo off,ill just cut the header and turn it over,that way it only makes 150hp ill ring u about axles

[fmints]

I really don't think the engines you are talking about will come close to the performance of my apex engine. ive already made some mounts the engine will be in front of the t-20 I ordered a clutch,today its going fit perfect behind the seat but tight. you will just have to take out 6 bolts to remove the complete engine, and just drop the old b/s engine back in.i may have to put a throttle stop on it so them bando engines can keep up! adrenaline junkie! you drive this thing im sure you will get the rush of a life time, you will be putting 1 in your buggy. thanks for the great replies it keeps me thinking!!

So the Apex engine makes that much power?!?!?!? Well I'll be #$%^@!, if that is the case, I would like to see the likes of it,, but for sure everything will have to be compatible with that engine, i.e. axles, sprockets, chain etc,, like Whipper mentioned!! Go for it!!


And Whipper,, So 50hp still isn't enough?? Your my type of dude! I wonder what is the highest horsepower that anyone has put into a machine?? I think I'm going to start another thread for this question!

[Noel Woods]

My 40 hp theory was based on stock components. I'm sure Whipper can assist to make it a reliable and bullet proof machine that can handle tons of power.