Newb Questions on the T-20

[Duden89]

Hey guys I'm new to the 6x6 world. Just a quick intro, the names Nick, im a 20 year old college student from central IL. One of my hobbies is metal fabrication and building off road vehicles. I've been searching for ideas for the last few months and just recently came across the 6x6 world. After seeing these machines I think I decided what I would like to build. I have a sled motor and clutch (650cc 115hp) I would like to use to power a 4x4 or 6x6 custom built vehicle capable of higher speeds (60mph would probably be fast enough). Can the T-20 handle that? I can safely say it will go through heck and back with me driving. From what it sounds like its bulletproof and can do whatever you want it to do. I've been looking through the classifieds trying to find an old 6x6 I can use for parts, but want to make sure the T-20 is what I need. Any information or advice is appreciated.

[LarryW]

I would say it would handle it fine. There is a pinto and geo 3 cylinder suzuki 1000 motors using a t-20.

[jpswift1]

A T-20 should work well for your application. There are folks that are running small 3 and 4 cylinder car engines with a T-20 and they seem to hold up just fine. If you're after a T-20 the 6 wheelers that would be most commonly found with them would be 1971 and newer Attex 6 wheelers, Max, Hustler, and Swamp Fox. There were other machines that came with the T-20, but these 4 would probably be the ones you would most likely come across. Check Craigslist often, since deals pop up, especially out your way, every now and then. Good luck with it.

[jpswift1]

Larry, good minds think alike, haha. Looks like our posts were within one minute of each other.

[Duden89]

Alright I'll keep an eye out for one. Would the chain drives on one of those hold up to that kind of horsepower? I know it takes a pretty strong chain to handle 115 hp. Any idea what a T-20 by itself would cost? Or am I just better off buying an entire 6x6?

[Don]

The T20 is the best thing for what you want to do.

Please accept a note of caution: A skid-steer is a real squirrel at high speed- A roll cage and race harness!

[Duden89]

That was another question I forgot to ask. A roll cage and good harness are at the top of the list. I see the older ones could do around 50 with their 2 stroke motors, are they pretty squirrely at that speed? Its not so much top speed im after anyways, I just like being thrown back in the seat and having quick acceleration.

[LarryW]

Richard clark sell them for 1300ish. Parts machines are a lot cheaper. For 1300 you could buy a pretty decent runner. But his tranmission is completely gone through.

[6X6]

Hi Duden:
Welcome to the forum . As a fellow HP junkie I have been going through all the Q's you have been. I also am a Welder/Machinist fabricator who loves doing unique things. A few things I've gathered. The key in a T-20 will play fuse with lot's of HP (annoying but cheap, as long as you have spares and can change it easy enough), so will chains (not as cheap or easy) so go with GOOD American #50 HD. Whipper suggested Diamond to me. If you get nasty a T-20 center shaft can too maybe? I did see a picture of a broken one but I don't know the circumstances. A Good 5-point harness can be had cheap on E-bay for an out of Cert. (I got an RJR Cam-lock new was well under 75 shipped 2006 or 7 cert.) Design a Roll-cage that will ROLL. if the cage is well in the body you'll have a hard impact when you flip, more damage, less likely to self-right. Mine follows the bodies lines as closely as possible and is round for less impact. Based on a design more than a few members here have made. (Check my gallery for "Attex Crazy Colt" build thread if you want to see my design.) A 650 at 115 hp will be Liquid cooled. This is more "fun", but definite do-able, I'm going LC. Finding a good HD but compact radiator is a must. A MaxII will be an HDPE (Polly) body, an Attex will most likely be ABS, poly bodies are only on the last few years, and are more$$/less common. Search for a Tomahawk, Lil-Truck or Superchief, they're Poly and will be much less prone to breaking from the stress of high speed/acceleration. Hopefully I'll be back to work soon and finishing up my racer, maybe I'll see your work in person at one of the site GTGs. Oh make sure the motor will fit. you need enough clearance to the end of the clutch, modern sled clutches tend to be a bit larger, especially on larger sleds, and the size of the motor is also a concern. A Max or Attex should swallow any 2 cylinder, a triple may be tougher.
Good luck, John

[Duden89]

Thanks for all the info guys. I forgot to mention I dont plan on using the 6x6 body. I think Im going to build a custom made chasis and suspension and use the sled motor and T-20 for the drivetrain. Probably going to have a wide wheelbase and low center of gravity for stability. Ill be sure to keep you guys posted on the build once I get started. Right now im just trying to gather all information possible and find some parts. Ill be sure to check out your gallery John sounds like it could be a big help. Thanks again guys.