1989 Flathead... converting to FE290

evorob

Thank you to any and all ahead of time who may be able to assist me in my build....

Although all the lifted & "big block" carts on the site are amazing to say the least.. they wont serve my carts purpose... I am almost embarrassed to say that I use my cart for golf.. & golf only... I play at least 4 rounds per week... and here in E.Washington I can play all year.. so having my cart is vital as I have a full enclosure...

To my question... what all is involved to converting my old flathead... to the more powerful (1/2 hp?) & quieter FE290..?
1) does it bolt right in...?
2) what parts if any will interchange... exhaust.. airbox.. etc..
3 what tools will be needed..? I have a very complete array of mechanics tools... along with enough auto experience to get myself by... but no compresser or welder..

Help a newbie out

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	golf cart after.jpg (3.7 KB, 175 views)

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yamahag9er

I'm sorry I am not familiar with this term you use. "Golf" is that a game of some sort? I know that there is a kit that you can buy that has everything you need to do the swap, but it is really expensive. Over $1000.00 if I remember correclty. I would have to look and see what is in the kit. I never really looked at it that closely. I'm sure it can be done without the kit I just don't know exactly everything that you would need.

rddlx

No help here, but i'm interested in how it goes. I may be i the same situation. Good luck from the wet side. Steve

texasranger225

there is a kit that you can purchase. The plate that holds the engine has to be replaced. the throttle cables, the air box, the muffler, the choke control the electronic wire are a little different. It can be done though, if I can do it i am sure anyone else can do it. But I did purchase the kit I think it was from J&M one of the site sponsors. They have the kit with everything you need.

scottyb

I agree with Texas, not a good novice golf cart project in my opinion. You may be better off selling your cart and buying something a little newer. Or going for a rebuilt engine that would drop in

evorob

It can't be too bad... I'm not a novice when it comes to motor swaps... just in carts.. I'm very experienced when it comes to fabricating... just dont have the compressor or welder anymore.. if it is a bolt in swap... no sweat... just need info I guess...

Rob

scottyb

Okay.... we never who we are talking with You sound like you could do it if you want to pay the price? In my opinion you can rebuild the flathead, bore the cylinder and shave the head 50-100 thousands and have everybit as much umph as a 290 for less $

evorob

The motor I have in there now runs pretty well... although it is slow I have not tampered at all with the gov.... the main reason for my swap is to quiet down the motor a bit... A few guys a golf with with carts with the FE290 motor & they seem alot quieter... & the more I research my swap... you are correct with the cost of the swap... I might as well lift my cart 4in & do a big block swap... But as I said... the noise level is my main concern... sounds like the big block option might be a little too throaty for the coarse...

Yes I know before anyone says it... I could just get a battery powered cart.. & I have thought of that... but would rather not

crash12888

Although I can't offer any help on your swap, That decision was a good one!
Good luck with your project.

highrollinmopars

Why not get the fe350? My 05 Club car with the 350 is alot quiter than my fe290 that I used to have in my 92 CC. Tons more power to. My 18hp Briggs is still the quietest of them all though.