Engine Swap Project Advice

slonomo

When considering doing an engine swap project, one must realize that these types of projects are not "Bolt In", therefore are not easy projects to complete. There are some of us that make it "look" easy. And for some it is easy because they have the mechanical skills and experience to figure things out. I am not trying to discourage anyone from trying this, just trying to be realistic about what the project is really going to present to you.

My advice is as follows:

1.) If you are considering a Big Block engine swap into your cart, please understand that this project is meant for a mechanic or someone with the correct knowledge and tools to make it happen.

2.) If you have never done an engine swap project, expect to have some things to go wrong. Broken bolts, missing parts, things not lining up.

3.) Just getting an engine mounted isn't the only thing you need to worry about. Tuning the engine is the most important part, an probably one of the more difficult tasks. Getting the engine to run correctly is not easy.

4.) If you open a thread to ask for help, expect to get many different opinions about your project. Many of us have done multiple engine swap projects and we all have different scenarios that have come up. Have an open mind and don't just do what one person says. Listen and sort through the advice and make an educated decision.

5.) Throwing money at the project doesn't guarantee success. Many of us have done these engine swaps with little to no money invested. Getting creative and having the ability to fabricate will save you money.

6.) There is no such thing as "Bolt In Kit". Yes, some of the kits use factory hardware or predrilled holes etc, but if you expect a kit to just go together without any modifications and adjustments, you will be disappointed and frustrated. This is where mechanical ability comes in, and experience is helpful.

7.) Don't expect to learn everything you need to know from one thread, especially a thread you start about your project. Use the search function and read everything you can find about your project type. There are a ton of good threads here that will help you, you just have to invest the time to read them. That's what the forum is for, after all.

8.) Don't expect "instant responses". Too many times I see people get frustrated because they post a question and after 2 hours they don't have any responses. We are all regular people here, we have jobs, families, and our own projects. Give it some time, we will respond to help.

9.) Be specific with your questions. Keep your questions short and to the point. If you type too much, it will be hard to find the question in your thread.

10.) Post lots of good photos. We like to see photos, it makes your thread interesting and it shows that you took the time and energy to help us to help you. Sometimes we can look at the photos and see what's wrong.

Guys, I love this forum and this hobby. I appreciate all the help it has given me over the years. This is one of my ways to help others. Feel free to add any other bits of advice you feel needs to be heard. Start with #11......

Sticky?

BGW

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BIKERMIKEYBLACK

Very very good advice Slonomo

raydhd

I don't 100% agree with there no bolt ins.IF you the exact kit for your particular cart it should be a bolt in. I did my G 14 Vegascarts swap in an afternoon. Probably the CPP kit would be the same. This also means you got the engine from the kit supplier and NOT adapted some other engine from elsewhere. On the other hand I did a snowmobile engine in a harley cart that took me 11 weeks. There is no kit or much in the way of many being done. Tuning IF you decide to further modify your engine can be a longer process. My advice here is IF you are a novice don't let the naysayers scare you away.

rjwenter

Well, I'm not done with my project yet, but I am a novice for sure. I knew this would take me longer than it would take many others on here. I've done my best to plan and gather information. My goal completion date is the weekend before Halloween so we can use the cart for trick or treating. I think I can hit that target :)

I specifically purchased the Vegas 625 motor and kit because I wanted something that was designed for golf cart use and not something that was adapted to a golf cart. I also figured getting the motor and kit from the same source was the best bet even if it did cost a little more. I also paid extra for the wiring harness which I think was money well spent.

I appreciate all the advice I've gotten from everyone here. I guess this thread is just another bit of advice I can take in :)

CP241

Funny, I was just talking about it today. You forgot to mention patience! Its gonna take a LOT.

I started a swap in a G2 a while back. That cart earned the nickname "black hole" because unfortunately that's where all my motivation to work on it went

I had other projects that were more enticing so I worked on those. I got it to run/drive but that's about all I could muster. And eventually my G2 ended up at another member's house... he got the starter generator mounted, and did a few other things and looks like the black hole took to its name again hes in a similar situation I found myself in
.. too many projects and it just sits in the corner of the shop staring at you.......

Still the black hole has potential to rock. But you've gotta have the patience and persistence to see it through. Maybe some day I'll try another one. But for now, I've learned it's just not for me.

slonomo

11.) Have patience. When things don't seem to go right, walk away, have a beverage, and come back later. Being in a hurry and getting frustrated always seem to go together.