Kohler 18HP or Briggs 16HP?

[jpswift1]

Tonight I got a good deal on a used Kohler Command 18HP V-twin. I was just about ready to get my green Superchief trail machine 4 stroke conversion assembled with the used, low hours 16HP Briggs Vanguard that I picked up a couple years ago. Now that I have this 18HP Kohler I'm not sure which one I should use. Here are some pros and cons of using both engines.

-The Kohler has some more hours than the Briggs.
-The Kohler has parts that are more expensive.
-The other 3 engines in my other 6 wheelers are Briggs, so I know them a little better.
-The Kohler would need an exhaust manifold fabricated.
-The Kohler doesn't have a pull starter backup like the Briggs.


-The Kohler has 2 more horsepower and more torque than the Briggs.
-The Kohler has the same 1" shaft as the Briggs so I can use the same clutch.


What would you guys do? Any advice would be appreciated.

[mike d]

Kohler

Hi Jeff, I'd go with more power but that's me. Or try the 16 first and see if your happy with it. Good luck with your decision. Mike

[wildtexasranger]

HMMM

if all else fails flip a coin !!!!!! lol
I like both but Im putting in an Kohler 20 in mine for now, then Ill go for the BIGBLOCK B&S later. I think if your going to carry friends around Id go for the torq of the Kohler.

[eightwheeler]

100% Kohler 18hp, Vanguards sound alot beefier but the power difference is very noticeable between the two. Unless you can get a 18hp carb for the Vanguard

[jpswift1]

Thanks for the quick responses guys. I really appreciate the help because I don't have much experience with Kohler V twins. I forgot to add that the Attex is probably weighs just over 600lbs, which for comparision is around 100-125lbs lighter than a Max II.

[racerone3]

pick one, and sell the other to one of your buds in NC.
you even could deliver when you come down for the Buzco ride (hint hint)

[evil8x8]

Build another trail rig!!!!

[LarryW]

Hey Jeff,
Other then the exhaust and few hours labor max, it wouldnt be that hard to run one and swap it out for the other would it? Assuming the mounting bolt pattern is the same. Seem how you already have both engines and the clutch work on both. It would be a great first hand experience for you to share with us.

I dont have the hrs behind the sticks of my brothers 13hp honda clone crazy colt but what I have drove, it seems comparable to my 16hp honda clone 208tt. Thats 3hp difference.

You could always save one for.......Ditto evil.

[Meinfield]

Kohler

Hi Jeff,
Congrats on getting the good deal on the Kohler, that is a fine engine. If it is an older Kohler, the cylinder walls are chrome coated and will last a long time. The only real downside is that they are a lot more expensive to modify than the Briggs. There are lots of affordable aftermarket performance parts for the 16 hp Briggs.
Good luck!
Chris

[SWAMP HAWG]

100% Kohler 18hp, Vanguards sound alot beefier but the power difference is very noticeable between the two. Unless you can get a 18hp carb for the Vanguard

Are the 16hp &18hp B&S the same bore,stroke& comp. ratio? Just a smaller carb choking down the 16??

[Roger S]

Are the 16hp &18hp B&S the same bore,stroke& comp. ratio? Just a smaller carb choking down the 16??

That's what the 14 and 16 are.

The 18 is about .150" bigger in both bore and stroke. There was a 20 hp, more often seen in a vertical shaft model.. only difference was intake and 2 bbl carb.

The 23 hp is another .150" added to the bore, with same stroke as 18/20. Different head castings with much different ports. Cam has .030" more lift from what I've read lately. There's a 21 hp, supposedly the same engine as the 23.