Ideal replacement motor for 70's model argo?

[sieg]

I'm doing a full rebuild on a 70's model argo and looking for suggestions on what motor to buy, maybe you guys can help me. I've been looking at the 18 hp vanguard but i want to be sure it's gunna fit and im not going to run into any other problems. Any advice you guys can give is greatly appreciated.

[racerone3]

not sure on how it will fit, but an 18 vanguard is a great engine. very reliable and good power

[linnix13]

ive got a rotax 377 in mine. its a fantastically powerful engine! aslong as you dont mine noise and smoke

[jerseybigfoot]

Here are the dimensions of the Vanguard

http://www.smallenginewarehouse.com/images/drawings/350400.pdf

[greggv2007]

I put a 18 Vanguard into my 83 Argo. Yours should be the same body style. I had to open up the top, but I am in the process of making a new hood over the engine. Had to make the opening about 3 inches closer to the front.

[jerseybigfoot]

Richard Clark has fiberglass replacement hoods for bigfoots which are bigger than the older Argos and probably can be adapted. They have the cold air intake built into them.

[linnix13]

haha Richard Clark is the name of my old principal from middle school

[sieg]

I dont mind altering the hood if i have to. At this point theres nothing original left to my argo, everythings custom. Another concern i have is with the tranny. Am i going to have any problems with the additional hp?

[linnix13]

you have the same tranny as me right? it has 2 disk breaks externally under the hood right? if so then dont worry about it. my engine puts out roughly 30hp and it seems solid! and i do NOT baby this thing!

if its the t20 then i honestly have no idea but i dont think it would be a problem

[sieg]

Its not the t20, its the one you described. I'd just hate to go and spend all this money on a motor and everything else im putting into it to have the tranny blow up on me.

[linnix13]

well the one i have seems bullet proof(knock on wood) i doubt you will have issues, just make sure you dont grind the gears when shifting! oh and dont leave it idling in neutral very long, i leave mine in reverse when its idling that way the tranny isnt spinning and there isnt any lack of lubricated wear, its just a peg leg differential in there! you were going to go 18hp? i highly doubt you will have issues, mines a 2 stroke so it just screams! also make sure you have good clean gear oil in there, mine was all water logged when i got it. oh yeah ps if you take the belt off and put it in gear then manualy rock the input pully with your hand is there significant play? mine rocks back and forth 3-4 inches! i just asumed its because they are straight cut gears?

[sieg]

Before i buy my motor can someone with a little more technical knowledge take a look at this page and make sure i get the right motor. heres a link to the motor i am looking to get. I just want to make sure i get one with all the right features
Brand New Engines | Briggs & Stratton Horizontal 18 HP Vanguard 1" x 2-29/32 tapped 3/8 #356447-0079

[sieg]

oh yeah ps if you take the belt off and put it in gear then manualy rock the input pully with your hand is there significant play? mine rocks back and forth 3-4 inches! i just asumed its because they are straight cut gears?

i get very little play in the pully, maybe an inch, not even. I assume this is good?

[lewis]

Are the brake calipers mounted on the tranny or mounted separately on a steel plate. If they are mounted to the tranny you are in great shape.

The bandolero engines are a great choice. They are a 20 hp based motor that is pushed out to around 28hp. They are put on sale at times and even when not they are no more expensive than a stock 18 hp. That was the last time i checked. They have refurbished engines also. They are in Harrisburg, N.C.

[sieg]

Yes the brake calipers are mounted to the tranny