Clone Swap For Dummies (me)

alparmer

First and foremost, I need to keep my budge as low as possible or I'll end up in another divorce.

I have a 96 CC with a lift that I picked up cheap because the engine was done.

I have decided to get a Powerland 420 (the cheapest option) and would like clarification on what's actually needed and what some of the terms in the forum actually mean. I'm not looking to build a hot rod, just enough to put around with the kids at the park.

So far, I understand that there are lots of clones and with little modification they'll run this cart a lot better than stock engine.

From what I've gathered I definitely need a motor mount and a starter/gen adapter plate.

I'm still not sure if I can use the original clutch, drive belt, air filter, and exhaust.

I also don't know if the Powerland carb needs modification. I'm used to working on regular car carbs with jets, etc. but have no idea on these tiny carbs.

I also don't know what it's meant by changing springs, rev limiter, etc.

I like the kit that Vegas carts offers, but at over 700, it seems overpriced, especially if the only thing I need is the motor mount and starter adapter plate. If everything else in that kit is needed, then I would consider it to save a lot of headaches.

Thanks in advance and look forward on learning more.

BGW

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raydhd

Here are a couple of thoughts. 1]A stock clone with mods would be no faster in top speed than the stocker.3500 rpms is about it for an unmodified clone. 2] To get another 1500 rpms or so you are going to need to remove the governor put in an advanced timing key ,install hd valve springs and do something to the carb.Then the air filter and exhaust will have to be adapted to your cart.After that as you noted you will need motor mounts,S/G mount , and decide which way you are going on the clutch.Lastly belts, hoses, throttle ,and wiring need to be done.With your labor on the engine and Vegascarts swap parts you are looking at around $600 and if you need to do any exhaust work more. Plenty here have done it but the $160 for the engine is just a starting figure against the final cost.

alparmer

Thanks for the reply Ray. My budget is 1k for everything to include upholstery and body paint. I'll do my own paint and upholstery. I already have the paint from another project so I'll need to get seat covers.

Is the governor on the carb itself preventing to go full throttle? Not sure what a timing key is. HD valve springs? I'm assuming for the intake/exhaust valves.

Will the stock clutch work?

alparmer

I'm about to pull the trigger on the PD420. One stupid question. From looking at the motors picture, the pull start is in the front which use rotate the engine CCW if looking at it from the clutch side. Aren't the stock engines CW?

raydhd

The governor is in the crankcase and should be removed. The advance key is between the flywheel and crankshaft to advance the timing for more power and rpms.If you use the stock clutch the crankshaft must be cut and an adaptor bought. One note after this is done and you decide the stock clutch is not for you another crankshaft must be installed to use the comet 780.

alparmer

It appears the governor is pretty easy to remove. The timing key, assuming it's some sort of magnetic system with a pickup coil. I had a car where the pin or key was basically a hole drilled on the fly wheel with a pin inserted that stuck out a bit for a sensor to pick up the location. Electronic timing that could not be adjusted. With that being said, what does it take to advance the key on the GX? I have timing gun, etc.

Any advantage to not using the stock clutch. It looks like the comet 780 is about 200 bucks. Cutting the crankshaft is no big deal, but not sure which adapter is needed.

raydhd

Comet 780 from vegascarts is tuned for the clone and works very well right out of the box. The timing key is just a half moon key ground with an off set to move the flywheel a given amount of degrees in relation to the crankshaft.

alparmer

Ray, I caught my better half in a good mood and ordered the full kit from Vegas carts. 1700 but it sounds like it will be worth it. I'll take some pics of before and after.

KRAZYMATT

you will be happy with the end result and they sell what seems to be a great setup. haven't bought a whole kit from them but any parts or anything that ive gotten from them is well made and quality.

raydhd

I did the whole kit in mine and could not be happier.It is a bolt in and WOW the first time you drive it is hard to believe the power even under engine break in limits.HAVE FUN!