Possible clone swap

Pb00

I have an '87 club car that I'm possibly interested in doing a clone swap. I'm curious as to what engines people have had most luck with. Another question I have is will my cart still start and stop with pedal like stock engine? I appreciate any input. I'm sure there are threads already answering this topic but I thought I would apply it to my exact situation. Thanks.

BGW

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Bubba75

I put a Vegas Carts 460 in my Yamaha and it is awesome. Maintained the pedal start with my Yamaha but not sure about the cc's.

I would check their website vegascarts.com and start researching. I liked them a lot because the package has everything needed so I didn't have to fabricate anything.

sho305

You can keep the pedal start, you must use the stock clutch or a stock replacement that has the pulley on it. Most of those are 30mm taper, you have to cut your clone crank down and use an adapter I'd recommend a steel one. If it were me I'd either get a lifan from home depot online, you can get a recoil cheaper or get the 18a charge if you think you need it. Many get that to run without the gen as most clones have no charging or 3a its not enough, you have to put an alternator on them (or use the stock gen of course its 15a). But some want key start like a lawnmower then you don't use the gen.

The kits make it a lot easier and faster to install, you don't have to fabricate things in case you don't have a welder handy.

The Vegas clone 460 is already modified some and has good parts in it, a better cam, it makes more power and is beefier. If you want more power or plan to mod one up then consider it closely, its a great deal for what you get just the rod alone is not cheap. You will need a gen or alternator for it. It will rev out to significantly higher speeds than you can get with a stock or stock clone with no governor. You can mod a 420 stock clone to do pretty much the same thing, but it will take you some work and parts and by the time you get done its hardly worth it you may as well get the Vegas 460, unless you have some other reason to do it. The 460 has (IIRC) a beefier block, HD rod, cheater cam, HD springs, and other parts, and higher compression. It does not come with the clone fuel tank.

If you like the HD lifan 420 be sure to check the current thread on it about the electronic coil it has a rev limit, you need a new coil to defeat it far as we know, but it does run well once done.

If you just want a plain stock engine then about any clone will do, many get the harbor freight 420 it is often the cheapest. If you get the HD springs and a timing key you can take the governor out, you may need better pushrods for some clones. Still those parts are very cheap to buy, then it will rev to 5K or something depending on what you do with the exhaust. Even completely stock with only car muffler exhaust and no governor they rev to about 4300, pretty close to stock yamaha engine with no governor in a G2/9, but about twice the power.

Brian Boyer

There was also an old thread about the HD Lifan 420 18a model NOT truly having the 18a rate output~ i have checked mine, it is as advertised,.. The 18a output is legit.

Also be aware~ if you opt for the Home Depot route~ you may get a California model like i did~ i contacted Lifan about mine being Cali vs non Cali, it seems to be luck of the draw,.. You get what they ship. (Although mine seems to be fine~ doesnt seem to be a lesser motor in any way, just has more meaningless EPA crap~ not even bothersome enough for me to remove, its just fine where it is)

If you google Lifan vs Predator vs DuroMax vs ..... You will find detailed conversations by a member here,.. Apparently in stock form from what i took away~ Lifan sold the best product. Just be aware it DOES have a CDI coil like already stated.

Also~ and members will poo poo what i'm saying if i'm full of crap~ thats the point of a forum,.. Go to MaxTools.com, they have an electric start Duromax 440cc for pretty cheap too, claims 18hp.. (Dunno~ never owned one..) I almost went the Duromax 440 route and addressed the percieved DuroMax "weaker points" at a later date, cc's are cc's. (The DuroMax does not appear to be available w/18a charging circuit, nor does it have the warranty of the Lifan)

Watch the Lifans at HD~ they go on sale from time to time.

1989Marathon

Not true.
Spend some time and educate yourself on the reliability issues of different clones, and also those of a V-twin.

Pb00

What are you suggesting marathon?

1989Marathon

It depends on your budget, and what you are trying to accomplish.

Brian Boyer

Someone want to buy me a Japanese V-Twin Briggs?,.. Because it will fit my mud motor kit nicely,.. BUT I SURE AS HELL CANT AFFORD THE PRICE, NOR THE WEIGHT.. (Likely will not fit his cart)

440cc's is more,.. Larger,.. Bigger,.. Than 420cc's,.. And yes i conceded folks in some circles claim the DuroMax has some percieved weak points.. Its a discussion forum. (Discuss)

Can the (percieved) weaker points of the DuroMax be addressed within budget~ i mean your gonna play with hopping it up,.. Its inevitable. 20 more cc from day one is a nice feature.

Pb00

Just looking for something newer than my flathead, something dependable and middle of the road as far as budget...

98gastxt

I just bought a Harbor Freight predator 420 for my ezgo txt. I'm using the taper adapter from Vegas Carts and keeping the stock ezgo clutch. I also just purchased the conversion cradle, motor mount, and starter/generator bracket from VC last night. I'll keep a running total of the cost but I'm hoping to do the whole swap for less than $600.