Want to upgrade engine to 23hp

[chris moresi]

I was debating to upgrade my engine from a 18hp to a vanguard 23hp I have a max 4 what can I expect to see also is it worth it or should I just stay with my 18hp?

[Roger S]

If you buy the 23 right, and sell the 18, it might not be too expensive. The exhaust won't bolt to the heads, but if you get a 1" crankshaft I'd assume it would bolt in. There's a very noticable power difference, and you could get the 23 model with the high output charging system, if needed.

If you or a friend is an engine builder, there's aftermarket parts to make your 18 put out way beyond 23 hp. Lots of guys here buy a Bandelero engine, a 20 vanguard modified to around 30, for... $1500?

Or you could modify the 23 into an easy 40 hp.

[duckhunt81]

I can't speak for the Max IV, but I have upgraded from a 16 to 22hp in a Max II and it was the best thing ever. SO much more fun to drive, no lag in hard steering, great hill climber and a blast in the mud. You should expect BIG smiles

[chris moresi]

where is the best place to buy a 23hp?

[smog]

I have read before that the 18hp can be tweaked for major hp easily. it could be a solution if there is simple bolt on parts available (you may search on this forum for more info)

(like advanced timing flywheel key, altered ratio valve rockers, governor springs for more rpm)

http://www.cartpartsplus.com/performance-engine-perf-parts-v-twin-performance-parts.html

[Roger S]

Cartsplus wouldn't be my choice for vanguard parts, but they do show an interesting drive clutch for $325.

[chris moresi]

so besides richards relics where else can I get a 23hp motor?

[Roger S]

Tulsa Engine Warehouse is your source for small gas engines such as Briggs & Stratton, Honda, Kohler, Kawasaki We have complete small gas engines and also lawnmower parts for gas engines. free shipping, no tax maybe. I know for sure less $ than Richard.

One thing you need to figure out is what engine configuration you want/need. Like make sure it has the bellcrank thingy that the throttle hooks to, etc. All those numbers on the flywheel cover describe some of those things. Like your 18 says 350447 or something.. then there's more #'s that's a type code I think, then a date code. The 35 means 35 cubic inches. the third digit is basic series design, which I don't know what that means. The 4th digit is crankshaft orientation (0-4). 5th digit (4) is bearing style on crank output side. 6th is starter, (7, electric, with alternator). The TYPE # might have something to do with the bellcrank, etc.

A 23hp is 38 cubic inches, so 38 will be the first two #'s of the 6 digit code. If they havn't changed anything since your engine, you might get the same #'s as your 18, only 38 instead of 35. I think the crank you want is 2 29/32" long, 1" dia.

[thejunkman]

check out small engine warehouse thats where i got mine the shipping was free the motor was 1300.00..