How much power for a Hunting Buggy?

larrybud

Hello All,

I've been a lurker for a while. I'm hoping you can tell me I'm crazy or perhaps on to something. My Son and have caught the Elk Hunting Bug. We hunt Colorado and some of the trails have a 55" width max. This eliminate most of the UTV models but a converted cart would do just fine.

As we hunt, we do a lot of putzing around on logging roads. Speed is not a factor but we would need to climb some hills. I see some 23HP conversions for sale, or may be interested in converting one myself. How much power do I need to haul 500lbs ( two guys and gear ) up a decent hill?

Also, we hunt at 9,000 -10,000 ft above sea level so I'm not sure what this will do to the carbs.

Thank in advance.

LB

BGW

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DaveTM

Give Don at Don Plowman's a call. http://www.plowmanscarts.com He builds Yamaha gas carts that will climb just about anything. Powerful aftermarket work on Yamaha motors along with a limited slip differential and you'll go anywhere.

scottyb

Good Call Dave

larrybud

Thanks Guys,

Will Do!

Brob1969

Ever thought about electric with a lithium conversion?

DaveTM

I have my hunting cart in electric.

But if he's looking to be out in Colorado, (and only he knows the country he's hunting in) for elk, he likely want's a cart that's not going to run outta energy....and has the battery distance be shortened by cold.

It's easier to just carry a gas can along than it is a generator...and a gas can.

But only the OP knows what would suit him best.

scottyb

One thing I learned about Elk hunters in the rocky mtn state is that when they say hill they mean mountain. And when they say mountain they mean Everest.

No electric cart will do.

sho305

Depends on what you need it to do. I put a stock 420 clone in a G9 with no other mods other than a cut secondary sheave for towing. It has about twice the power of the stock engine. With 2 guys on it going up a steep hill (large ditch) it will pull a wheelie if you gas it hard. It goes 31gps on 22 tires floating the valves, which only done for testing. You can put HD springs in for $20 or so and it will rev more. I rejet the carb, made a new airbox to fit in there, and made the exhaust for a car muffler, otherwise all stock engine. There were no kits back then but its still running great today. It will spin the tires in dirt, it will get up to 25-30 mph in less than half the distance of the stock engine. Stock G9 on 22s would run 28-30mph if you waited long enough, on level road.

Next you can get a VC460 it has a cam, billet rod, and lot more midrange and top end, it is similar to a 420 but more HD and stroked and bored. This has more speed because it will rev out more, its almost a kart race engine. VC moved to the 625 now as main swap engine that fits stock cart with no lift even. For torque you can get a VC625 its larger has power like a twin, there are full kits for those. Next you can do a harbor freight 22hp twin (670cc) some have had success with that, plenty of torque, not sure if there is a kit for this thing but VC had a mount and other parts at one time. Next is a vanguard swap or kit, lots of power there too and you can mod them later, they are cadillac of swaps and of course more expensive but very good engine.

Clone is a copy of a gx390 honda, or actually the previous model of it. The 420 is slightly bored version iirc, but all racing parts fit it for most part that is why they are such a popular swap the kart and minibike guys like them. I built another cart with a 420 lifan from home depot online and eventually put vc460 cam and rod in it, modded the head, etc, and now I have run it 41gps on the road. It has more midrange power and top end, still runs near the same at low rpm but I adjusted my clutch higher. It is nearly a vc460, its pretty fast given I don't have an atv suspension under it. I only go that fast to test if you get what I am saying lol. But under 30-35 it is a riot to drive around and pretty punchy. I ride trails a lot and can't go faster than 30 most of the time anyway. This cart is still pedal start and I do yard work with it also. You can do other engines but these above are popular and able to get mounts and other parts to do them easier.