V Twin VS VXR460

Rooster59

Now that my engine conversion piggy bank has been turned into a piglet bank by a recent dog health issue I have more time to research an engine conversion. Probably a good thing since there may be a solution better suited to my preferences.

The entire VC460 kit initially seems like an awesome kit. For me there may be better alternatives. I really don't want a cart that can exceed 25+/- mph. I need/want one that will pull 18-20mph on flat ground and up hills without slowing down. Also, I am in the process of building a two-wheeled tram of sorts for passengers from a heavy '79 Marathon. Pulling that at 15-20mph will take some grunt. The 460 would certainly do it but a v-twin might do it just as well with less stress on the engine. And I like the idea of pressure oiling with a filter better than splash lube.

Until I found this link accidentally, I thought all VC offered was the 25hp 460 option. Maybe this is not still offered?
http://www.vegascarts.com/25HP-Big-B...20eztxtkit.htm

For the same money as the VC 460 kit I could use the Lifan 22hp v-twin with 18amp charging and the engine cradle, clutch, and belt from VC. Regardless of which way I go I am pretty sure I will use an automotive muffler like the Walker 22229 and custom pipes rather than the VC kit. Theirs looks nice but either muffler offered in their kits is not likely quiet enough for me.

The other factor is I am fairly certain I want to hook all this up to start and idle like a UTV rather than pedal start like a GC. I might be wrong, but there are a lot of instances where leaving the cart idle while I get off, do something for a minute or two, and get back on to drive off. That happens at least twice a week taking two rolling garbage cans a 1/4 mile to the hard road and back. Most usually in the dark. In all reality, the starter would be used less with idling than I do now with pedal start.

Feel free to chime in. Speed has long ago lost its lure for me. A top speed of 25mph would rarely be used much less more speed. There are no plans to ever add disc brakes, front wheel brakes, or any other speed enabling mods.

BGW

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BrewCityMusic

We did a cart with an 18hp Briggs Twin last spring, compared to a VC it's a lot torquier but slower to get up to RPM's (but not much) - if You use the Lifan or the HF 22hp Predator keep in mind that there aren't a lot of options out there to upgrade down the road if You ever decide to, though (even though You can't forsee it now, having that much power on tap *does* get sort of addicting, LOL). That cart we built topped out at just under 20 with pretty much stock tires but it would absolutely pull through ANYTHING - from what I understand the new owner installed high speed gears though so now that thing runs out around 30.

Rooster59

Speed is an issue that seems to come up with the clone v-twins. Not due to any shortcoming that I can find, but due to the new governors which may or may not be electronic. In my opinion that is the one fly in the ointment in my v-twin theory. Geoff's 25hp motor seems to be 99-100% sorted out and well mated to the rest of the kit. Even if this is my winter project I would rather be riding in that cart than sorting out a lot of little nagging issues with a pieced together kit with a v-twin that needs more work to achieve my goals. I have plenty of other projects and driveability issues would really aggravate my wife when she wants to drive it.

Geoff's 460 is built like a tank but are the single cylinder clones really that reliable when the oil is changed at appropriate intervals?

BrewCityMusic

most of the clone V's are governed, yes - but generally at a similar RPM to stock Golf Cart engines, so net result is generally a similar top-end to a stock engine sans governor, just a TON more torque and accelleration. Unless You're doing a back-assward Club Car, then yeah, You'll be pulling 12mph all day long unless You tear into the rear end and regear it.

Rooster59

That could be why the only V-twin conversion carts I hear about that are getting additional top speed are the Vanguards. Or the sensational ones on Youtube that are obviously tweaked.

In all reality my idling will be limited to times like taking the garbage cans to the road. Drive up, takes two minutes to unhitch the can and place it, then get back on and blitz back down the road to get the second one and repeat. I suppose the VC460 could be set up to be pedal start but with an override so you can let off the pedal and it will idle if adjusted correctly? Not a big deal, but I like the security of knowing I can drive off even if the battery goes dead from running lights while off the cart for a few minutes.

Geoff's 460 package seems like a very sweet package and a shame not to go with it for a no muss no fuss swap. Maybe I have too much time to think this through.

TheNewGuy

If you are considering a V-twin, you have got to check out CPP.
>>>http://www.cartpartsplus.com/perform...e-upgrade-kits

Ron


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raydhd

I have 220 + hours on my VC460 with the oil changed every 25 hours after break in. P.S. If the 25 hp sin't enough for you add 1.3 ratio rocker arms, port out the head, get rid of the choke plate and add an adjustable main jet. I guarantee you this adds a very healthy power increase.

Rooster59

Ray,
That was one tidbit of info I was going to need. 25 hours sounds pretty frequent but I have never had an hour meter on my current engine. Doesn't appear to have come with one. That will have to be another item on my list to make sure I have when the kit comes.

raydhd

I change the oil about 2X times more often that honda recommends but to me oil is cheap and even VC 460 parts cost more.

Rooster59

You got that right Ray. Especially since it only takes a quart per oil change. Even with a zinc additive that is cheap. That frequency will definitely cause me to hook up with one of those Drainzit valves. My Vanguard riding mower engine has one from the factory. Makes quick work of an oil change.

For the record, this is the cart and the Peach who likes me to take her for rides in it.

Annie In The GC 2017.jpg