03-15-2014, 03:56 PM | #1 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 50
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83 Columbia mod with 420 Predator
I started the mods to my three wheeled Columbia cart. I removed the stock engine, gas tank, carb, and body to get to the frame and axle. I measured the center to center shafts of the drive assembly to be 8 & 5/16 inches so I can align the new engine to the stock belt (I also have to factor in the difference in the new Comet drive clutch shaft diameter). I also measured the driven clutch to be at 21 degrees from horizontal. The Predator engine needs to be as close to horizontal as possible for oiling purposes. My first step was the remove the driven clutch and clean up the surface where rust was forming. I added a small v-belt pulley behind the clutch to allow me to install the old starter as a reverse motor. I reinstalled the clutch and lengthed the front mounting bolts of the axle with spacers to bring the clutch angle to 3 degrees.
I'll need to add a stone guard to the bottom with the driven clutch lowered. Remember the difference between Crazy and Genius is how much you get paid. |
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03-16-2014, 11:02 PM | #2 |
Gone Wild
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Saint Petersburg, FL
Posts: 2,089
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Re: 83 Columbia mod with 420 Predator
I've not seen a 3-wheel Columbia conversion. This could be very interesting! What is your rear diff gear ratio? You shooting for speed or torque or a mix?
I hear the clones are good up to about 15 degrees. I run mine tilted at about 7 or 8 degrees without issue. Good luck with the build |
03-17-2014, 01:30 PM | #3 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 50
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Re: 83 Columbia mod with 420 Predator
The rear diff is stock, so I believe the ratio to be 12 to 1. My overall goal is utility and to be off just enough to get people questioning my sanity. I selected the 420 for the cost, $270.28 shipped to my door. It also was the same foot print as the 345, but with electric start.
My original thought was to connect a Honda GL500 shaft drive engine directly to the rear diff, but I decided I wanted to live a few more years after all. |
03-17-2014, 07:00 PM | #4 |
Gone Wild
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Saint Petersburg, FL
Posts: 2,089
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Re: 83 Columbia mod with 420 Predator
Yeah, the GL 500 would've certainly been ause to raise your life insurance rates!
On my mid-80's 4 wheel cart I get about 23 to 24 mph and it does get quite squirrely at that speed... If you are looking for that speed or more then you may consider other upgrades as well. I am running half the engine you are... 212cc. I have only seen one guy here run a smaller engine. But for my two seat metal body EZGO it does surprisingly well! I wonder how your cart will do recovering from wheelies... |
03-17-2014, 07:03 PM | #5 |
Gone Wild
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Saint Petersburg, FL
Posts: 2,089
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Re: 83 Columbia mod with 420 Predator
I should note that I got my 212 new from craigslist for $20! Otherwise I would have gone bigger as well. But looking back I think the 212 is all I need. But I don't pull anything and I live in FL, no hills to speak of here. If I was off road or in a hilly area or riding wiht more than 2 people I would likely have a different opinion of the 212.
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03-18-2014, 02:35 PM | #6 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 50
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Re: 83 Columbia mod with 420 Predator
Installed the new 10" rear wheels to see how they look. Found my first set back with the axle change. There's no room to get the belt on & off between the driven clutch mounting bolt and the frame. I'll see if a 5 to 7 degree angle solves the problem.
I received the stage 1 parts from NC Racing for the Predator. I don't plan taking the motor above 5000 rpms on a regular basis, but I do want the capability to do so. |
03-19-2014, 01:05 PM | #7 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 50
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Re: 83 Columbia mod with 420 Predator
Opps! That's NR Racing. Sorry about the typo.
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03-19-2014, 09:15 PM | #8 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 50
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Re: 83 Columbia mod with 420 Predator
Solved the belt removal problem. I changed the driven clutch angle to 4 degrees and changed the fastening bolt to a flat head allen. Now the belt can just slip by.
I removed the gas tank, air filter, and muffler from the top of the engine, and used a piece of cardboard to draw up a motor mount template. The next step will be removing the old motor mounts and brackets from the frame. I will build a wood block model of the engine shaft location to use to fabricate and weld the new motor mount to the frame. I picked up a $19.00 laser level to project a line to check the alignment of the clutches and belt when the time comes. In the mean time, I swapped out the stock valve springs with the ones from NR Racing. I did so by hand, without the aid of the tool that saves fingers, greatly reduces the use of foul language, and eliminates 30 minutes of searching the garage for an airborne retainer. (Some people never learn.) I briefly slipped on the new GX390 carb to check fitment. |
03-19-2014, 09:54 PM | #9 |
Gone Wild
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Saint Petersburg, FL
Posts: 2,089
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Re: 83 Columbia mod with 420 Predator
Nice work Dath.
Good luck on your template. I did the same thing but ended up being off anyway. Just be more patient than I was... |
03-21-2014, 09:41 PM | #10 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 50
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Re: 83 Columbia mod with 420 Predator
I removed the old engine mounting brackets. I still have a little clean-up grinding to do on the frame. I built a wood model of the engine shaft location so I could get a clue of where the new mounts will go. Had to sand a few thousandths off the dowel to get the clutch to slip on.
My plan is to weld a piece of 3/16 inch plate apx 9 x 6 inches to a piece of 1&1/2 inch channel iron about 3/4 inch tall, which I will weld to the frame. If I can fit a piece of channel apx 13 inches long on the frame I can weld the front edge all the way across and at least 2 inches on each backside of the mounting plate. (Maybe more with stick arc welding, if I can see what I'm doing!) This will at least give me a base to mount the engine on. I still have to figure out rubber mounts for vibration and the ability to move the engine for alignment. |
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