Engine option poll

[duckhunt81]

I didn’t know where to post this, so I try here.

I would like to get some input, take a poll if you will, on engines. I hope I can get some good ideas for my Hustler 950 that i'm working on.

Ok, let’s talk the biggest “bang for your buck”.

I know there are all kind of options with 2 strokes, but I’m not the biggest fan. No offence, I just haven't had good luck with them.
Then there are Vanguards and other small engine V-Twins including the Bandolero, those are really good options, but face it, they do get pricey.
Unless you just happen to run across a good deal and for me it’s like chasing a myth. You hear about it but can never find one, or a day late and/or a dollar short.
Now probably you’re thing 16-18 hp oppose twins, which is a possibility but do you really get that “bang” without sinking a lot of money into mods?

I’ve read a few posts about small car engines and 3 cylinder diesels and that’s cool, but how much bang and buck are we talking?

I guess to sum what I’m getting at, let’s list non-2 stroke options, one stop shopping for curious minds.

Agian no offence to those who love 2-stroke smoke

[hydromike]

Hey, 'Duck...

I only have experience in owning a few four stroke machines, and my current 26-horse EFI Kohler, and 750cc Kubota gas triple are working great. I go along the mindset of Mark M., and love to add powerplants that are a little bit "different" if I can. The Kubota is only about 22-25 horsepower, but it's torquey, and has plenty of power for the eight wheeler. It'll run all day at 160 degrees in 90 degree heat with it's bit 3-row radiator. It's a very small, lightweight and complete package. I just love it, and am lucky to have found it. I think a lot of small diesels would be the same story. The liquid cooled engines that were provided in a lot of compact tractors and landscape equipment were generally pretty small, and sometimes you can find them for a decent price in the local paper, auctions, junkyards, etc. One of the problems that you need to overcome with this sort of powerplant is that almost none of them came with an output shaft, and had flywheels. In this case, you need to make an adapter plate to run a typical centrifugal clutch. I've just been real happy with mine, and wouldn't trade it f......okay, maybe if it was a diesel....

~m

[MarshallEpp]

16 hp power max

i just bought a 16hp Power max for my max II. 399.OO SHIPPING INCLUDED.I AM REPLACING A 440KAWASAKI 2 STROKE A GOOD MOTOR BUT A PAIN TO GET STARTED AND YOU COULDN'T SNEAK UP ON A COURPSE IT IS SO NOISY. I ALSO GOT A VERNIER CALIPER AND A POWER MAX POCKET KNIFE WITH THE MOTOR. THIS ENGINE HAS BEEN INSTALLED BY A FEW OTHERS HERE ON 6X6 WORLD THATS WHERE I GOT THE IDEA. I JUST GOT MY CLUTCH THE OTHER DAY NOW ALL I HAVE TO DO IS MAKE THE CHANGE.

[LarryW]

I also have the cheapy power max and has been a good engine. I have also been sticking to smaller hp units. I have 8hp in my st300 almost but not yet lil truck conversion and also have a 10hp tecumseh. These little engines are slower but great on gas and still plenty of torque surprisingly. I mean I havent really had a hill or problem yet that I wish I had more power. Although I am running the balloons so dont say much but it will spin them before I need more power. But I must say probably 15mph max. But that only sucks on the straight aways and most of my riding is through wood and slower terrian anyways. Probabaly to small for a hustler. Kestianj did put a powermax 16hp in his hustler and after I helped him with the throttle he was happy with it. I sure am with my powermax.

[Mudbuster]

My wife drives a max2 with a stock 14hp briggs and it goes great . A perfect trail machine. good on gas and climbs the hills right along with the bigger engines. I am interested in tracks and am a little worried about that. Kinda hope it goes more than 4 mph.

[duckhunt81]

Has anybody thought about a motorcycle engine? I know that a Harley can be separated from the transmission, but is there anything else, like an older air cooled Jap bike?

[mark m.]

The problem with motorcycle engines is cooling. They need to have a fair amount of air passing over there fins to have enough cooling effect. I suppose you could rig up some big fans to do the job but you would be surprised just how much air is needed.

Liquid cooled is more efficient as the heat transfers better.

Just my 2 cents.

[LarryW]

Ask Duke with his Gip sea!!!

Polaris atv engines are also seperate from the transmission.

[duckhunt81]

That's good to know. What kinda of hp's are we talking about?

I think to get the power I'm hoping for, the motor would have to be out of a large size quad. Which means the bigger they are the newer they are, then the more costly they are.

I really think i am too cheap and want too much

I just know there is something sitting in a junkyard that at one time was/ or still is abundant and now forgotten, just waiting to be put in an amphib.

[amphibious drew]

Motorcycle

I'm no expert on engines, amphibs, or anything on this forum, but it was mentioned that the motorcycle problem was the air-cooling. I used to have a honda motorcycle that was a liquid cooled v-twin sticking out the sides of the bike. It was a CX-500 made from 77-86 I think. Cheap easy to get bike, and they turbo charged the engine for the CX-500t. Not sure if you can seperate the tranny though. It may be worth looking into though. The Blue Book was $75 when I sold mine(not near that cheap).

[cobalt]

Hi.

I tend to replace or upgrade smaller aatv's with either Kohler or Rotax engines.

I've never had much luck with Vanguard/briggs engines. However it do miss their recoil starters.

[OUTLAW]

Hey Duckhunt

I Know Where Theres A 2001 Or 2002 Polaris Magnum 5oo 4 Wheeler. It Has Not Run In A Couple Years,carb.probs.maybe. Its Not Locked Up Or Anything,i Picked It Up Mainly For Tires & Rims.what You Got To Trade?

[duckhunt81]

I've been doing some more thinking. What do you guys think?
If I were to go with a MC motor and maybe one with a built in trans, do you think I could put a sprocket on the T-20 input shaft instead of the CVT set-up? I know I would have to shift gears in the motor, but I thought maybe having gearing options could be helpful
Don't know, just thinking out loud. Any input whould be appreciated

[bighunter]

has any one tryed a snowmobile engine?

[Guy]

I'll let you know. Planning on putting a 1994 Arctic cat 340 in my MaxII.
Hopefully, I'll post some pics.