how big of a job

redrider808

OK i have just come across a brigs 16 vanguard for $350.
and i think it may end up in my cart but what am i geting into with this build .
and is there a kit that i can buy so i don't have to search for all the parts.
a one stop shopping bill would be nice.

and if there is a post showing step by step would be great.

thanks for the help

richie

cartpartsplus.com ........... Tom's got it covered.Great to deal with.

K9Kev

Yes and No. I ordered a bunch of parts from Tom but....there are No instructions. There are several members on here that have done the upfit and they are all very helpfull and super to deal with.

I just bought a 16 HP Vanguard locally. I then called Tom and purchased the 780 Comet clutch, an engine mount bracket, a rev kit, and a exhaust header. I asked for everything that I would need and Tom advised this should be it. I know I will have to extend my wiring (key start) and I am hoping that this should be it.

I am going to try and shoot photos of each step of the process for anyone else that may wish to follow.

I definately think it will be beneficial when all done, I just don't think it is as easy as some make out.

Good luck,
Kev

Smoke

How much are you spending to get all the parts on top of what the engine cost. maybe a list with approx. prices. trying to figure out if I want to do upgrade with or with-out the Cartsplus kit. More engine options with-out kit.

K9Kev

I wish I could give you better advice but, I think it really depends on your ability (i.e. level of skill in fabrication and availability of materials) to do the work neccessary to do the work w/o the cart parts items.

You will definately to need to have new engine brackets (and...if you want to stray from the norm on engine selection...your going to have to fab your own). You are going to have to have an exhaust system and there again, depends on your choice of motor so????

As far as answers to common questions and assistance, I can't fault Cart Parts & Tom. He called me back first thing this morning and answered the questions I had without a problem. So, the ball is kinda in your court. If you need the swap to be 'basically' straight forward I would suggest staying w/ a common swap engine. This way you at least have the board members knowledge and experiences to lend a hand as well as having a place that already sells the required parts. Oh, on that note, I spent just over 550.00 including shipping. On the other hand, if your a skilled welder and fabricator and, you don't mind fitting and re-fitting all your parts custom, you may want to go that route.

I personally am a half skilled, half-wit (just being honest) and I can turn wrenches but, I don't weld and I do not have access to the materials that would likely be needed. Small stuff I can make or fab up but, certainly not as efficient as being able to buy a part if it is available. I just needed to have a kit that I could buy and then depend on the board members and Tom for any assistance.

Good luck with your program,

Kev

Smoke

The $550 was for the additional parts or your engine. I am assuming you spent more then that on the engine. I do have access to a weld and i am able to weld, no awards will be won for how good it looks. I have access to basic tools such as metal cut off saw, drill press, most any hand tool needed. What else were you thinking. I am not what you would call an engine mechanic, but I am able to take things apart and put them back together the same way the came apart. When you say kit from Tom did he have a kit that he sells seperate from the engine, if so i did not realize this. I would like to see if I can get a better deal on an engine, just don't want to put myself in a spot where i can't get parts to install, or can't figure out what parts i need.

Thank you for the advise.

K9Kev

I found my engine on craigslist and paid $200.
- It's used but looks almost new

What I mean by a kit and, by picking a common engine is; You can then buy the parts that Carts Plus puts in their kit with the Vanguard (v-Twin Briggs) engines. As far as buying these parts seperate, no problem. I called Tom and he just sold me all the parts individually.

As far as mechanical skills, I think you and I are likely in the same league. I have all the tools (sans a welder) but.....at this point in my life and with my job, I always figure in how much time I think something will take me to build/do. When I look at the amount of time I figure it would take me to make a set of engine brackets, spacers, etc, etc, I know that my time is worth more to me hourly and, buying from a reputable place that has already done all the R & D is just good business.

Kev

Smoke

That sounds like a good way to go for me. More afordable, but still have a source for most the unusual parts I would need.

thank you for the advise. Looks like I should start watching for deal on an engine.