Questions about new build

Justin25taylor

My trusty Yamaha G-16 cart blew its engine. The rod broke, taking the camshaft with it.

This cart has no lift kit, and is used for running around, spraying weeds, etc. I would like to keep the option open of lifting it and adding bigger tires. I may use it around the deer lease, etc if I like the way the swap goes.

I would like to repower it with a Honda Clone. I have been lurking and see Vegas Carts is a well respected vendor. I have a few questions:

It looks like I can buy everything I need less the engine for about $400 in a kit Vegas carts supplies. This is keeping the stock clutch and adding the "quiet" muffler.
For about $1000 I can get the above kit and the engine. The engine has a better connecting rod and pushrods.
Which way would you go?

What are the disadvantages to keeping the stock clutch?

I would like to keep the pedal start feature. Any reason not to?

I certainly don't mind changing the pushrods and connecting rod myself, but is there more to the complete engine they supply that I am not considering?

How do you handle the air filter?

What else am i overlooking?

Thank you in advance for the advice gang!
Justin

BGW

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raydhd

The VC unit has the stronger 10 bolt case reworked carb and air filter, cam,pushrods and governor removed.I have the VC supplied comet 780.Works really nice.Pedal or key start work with the S/G bracket option.If your budget allows the whole VC engine and kit works very well.If your budget is tighter a user modified clone still pulls a lot harder than anything you could do with a stocker and once the switch is made to the clone set up parts are MUCH cheaper.

Justin25taylor

Exactly the info I was looking for. I did not know the VC engine had that much work done to it.
I'll go with the complete engine kit.
I'm still on the fence about the clutch. I guess I don't understand the reason for upgrading.

Thank you so much!
Justin

raydhd

Wider belt and no adapter to slip.The comet from VC is tuned to the clone. The nice thing with using the whole system is you bolt it and BINGO you are RIDING and not WRENCHING. Some members like developing all sorts of ways of using different engines and adaptations.Other members such as myself want to put the parts in and GO RIDING.Whatever floats you boat. I am sure others will weigh in on how the stock clutch worked for them.PS when you buy the whole kit the exhaust header is included.Also there are installation instructions and pics on their sales site.I went from a modified smoking G14 to Wow with the swap.

MMech

I bought the kit less the Comet clutch. The VC kit fit as advertised it's pretty straight forward. If I had to do it over again I would get the comet clutch. Drilling and tapping the crank was a major PITA, but I had just purchased the stock clutch. You will be happy you put the 460 in I am.

fstg21

Do it.

They drop right into the g16 and VC is always there with tech support.

You can step up to a 20" tire without a lift.

you'll be amazed at the power.

If you plan to keep the pedal start, you can use the stock clutch.

Just a bit more work.

Justin25taylor

Thanks gang! My buddy across the street has a full machine shop. Drilling and tapping the crank shouldn't be a problem.
Is the crankshaft bolt hole the same as the original engine, or does the kit come with a bolt to fit the new engine's crankshaft?

Are the stock clutches less robust that the Comet?
Where would you suggest looking for tires and a lift kit?
Finally, How much lift is appropriate with the 20" tires? (fstg, i see where you said it would work without a lift, just wondering if it will perform any better)

I'm sorry to ask so many questions. I'm just a real newbie and want to get it right the first time.

Thanks again.

AaronW

Remember that a stock clutch is designed to work with a stock 9-13 HP motor. Our VC motors are dyno tested and legitimately make the HP as advertise. By using the stock clutch, you are potentially limiting the amount of power created and make it difficult to transfer it to the tire. With a stock G16 equipped with our 460 and C780, you should expect speeds upward of 40mph.

slonomo

Is the crankshaft bolt hole the same as the original engine, or does the kit come with a bolt to fit the new engine's crankshaft?

Not the same. Vegas Carts will hook you up.

Are the stock clutches less robust that the Comet?

For stock engines, the stock clutch is better. For more power, the Comet 780 is king right now. I have used the Comet 94C and wasn't happy, very durable, very tunable, but the 780 was a huge upgrade in performance.

Where would you suggest looking for tires and a lift kit?

Check out our sponsors page. I have dealt with Cart Parts Plus, Plowman's, and Vegas Carts. All good vendors.

Finally, How much lift is appropriate with the 20" tires?

Any of the aftermarket lifts will work, but for the best handling and easiest install, go with the Jakes Long Travel Kit, you won't be sorry.

I'm sorry to ask so many questions. I'm just a real newbie and want to get it right the first time.

This is what we are here for!

Justin25taylor

Thank you all! I guess I'm going with the complete kit, clutch and all!