Kohler engine ok?

MrNeon

G16 looking to install big block. I may have my hands on a 23hp Kohler command. Older model engine about a 2007 maybe a bit newer with 400 hours on it. Probably a rebuild will be in store to modify it. Is the swap similar to a Vanguard and parts about the same to get and modify? Trying to save a few bucks here and there.

BGW

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smokindawg

I too am thinking outside the box engine wise due to wanting to save $$$ and am going with a 25hp Kawasaki. I've not found much in the way of items to modify for this engine. But with the size I'm sure that it will have plenty of power, so not so worried about that.

The swap will be a lot like the Vanguard, although I don't think I'll be able to buy any off the shelf items to do it other than the clutch. But you'll need the same type parts and will most likely have to do as I will and fab your own. You could probably use a lot of the same stuff that is used on the Vanguard swap, but would even have to modify those parts to make them work with the Kohler.

I've seen a couple others recently working on using a Kohler engine and you will probably hear from them with some help.

Good luck on your build and swap and make sure to start a build thread and post lots of pictures, they may help others that are thinking of using the same type engine in their own cart.

MrNeon

Well the only thing is the shaft is not 1" but 1-1/8" which CCP has a clutch to fit that but I don;t know if it is better than the Comet 780 or not. I've seen a few post on here regarding builds but not much in way of parts except through custom tractor pulling shops. They seem to specialize in Kohler engines.

Stock I hear it has more torque than the Vanguard but again above 3600rpm it falls. I think if I could just find a simple rev kit, clean and rebuild it, that should be more than enough for what I am using my cart for.

As for exhaust I found I can get a factory left or right outlet to work but I have to see the height of the engine in the golf cart frame and if it will even fit with the seat. Otherwise, I have a buddy at an exhaust shop that can fab anything for me if needed.

I think the only think really I would need to know is possible the wiring and tuning in the cart. Hopefully more will chime in here and more info can be posted.

I keep hearing about Tom from CCP and his knowledge so it maybe worth the effort to give a call to see what may be in store.

TheGDFP

The mounting footprint and general design should allow it to be installed the same as a Briggs/Honda/etc

LOTS of performance goodies for the Kohler, on the pulling market, where they are pulling over 2hp/cu.in.

raydhd

Lakota racing and midwest super cub both have NICE parts for kohlers.

chevydmax6

I have a Kohler 18 and a 1 1/8" shaft withe the 94 c comet if I new what I no now I would of turned the crank to an inch and bought the 780 clutch

As for rev kits they don't make them like vanguards but u can get valve springs and push rods from Lakota racing and mid west super cub

The Kohler 18 is the same size as the vanguard 23
More cc's

Here is a video from Midwest it is a ch18 block built
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TC8yYTXoZm4

MrNeon

How does it run in your cart?. Did you upgrade your springs and rods?. I've heard or read somewhere that the Kholer has hydraulic lifters?? Seems that may be better. I'm still leagning about this engine.

chevydmax6

I have yet to finish the cart I had it done but could not get it to run right I did a compression test and found low compression so I am doing new rings and I found the vavles need to be reset cause they are not sealing so it is getting a valve job now but I did change the springs and push rods so I am safe to 5500 rpms
I will be running a 25 HP carb on IG to I hear that will wake up the motor

chevydmax6

They have the same hyd lifter as a Chevy 350 motor

MrNeon

Called Midwest and spoke to a guy named Tyler. In reference to the Kholer he told me that as stock it will rev up to 5000 rpm with factory governor from simple adjustments. Not that I plan to be that high all the time running but good to know. I didn't get into specifics on how to adjust the motor to go beyond the set 3600 rpm but he did tell me the best bang for theses motors is a 30hp cam set up kit. Don't know all yet or cost but still researching before I deceide too.