VC460 to Predator 420 conversion ?

[1rontonja]

Considering swapping out VC460 to HF Predator 420 in a lifted 2003 EZGO I recently purchased. VC460 runs ok, but wife not happy with the noise, I can work on it but getting up in age and prefer an everything on one engine. I could sell the VC460 as it is with clutch, almost new S/G, Carb and Exhaust/muffler system that would more than cover cost of a New Predator. My questions, what would be the proper clutch to use (1in keyed shaft), dose the VC conversion kit already installed in cart allow proper area for Predator stock exhaust as it comes and is there any type/brand of off shelf conversion kit for the throttle system? thoughts and comments appreciated from anyone who has put a 420 in EZGO TXT.

[chrisr32]

The VC460 has a longer mounting bolt pattern than the Predator 420, but the PTO shaft are the same being 1". On the Predator 420 does come with a governor and if you are going to use that they have an attachment for the throttle cable but not sure if that would work with your current setup.

[CP241]

Predator 420 with the muffler that comes on it is very loud. I had a txt with a lifan set up that way. Fun to drive but man it was loud. The only thing I liked about it was that the exhaust was so high up in there I wasnt worried about a hot muffler starting fires in tall dry grass.

Youd be better off I think picking up a walker muffler and hooking it up to what you've got. They're 30 bucks on Amazon and I hear they make a huge difference in noise.

[CP241]

Also if you're running lights or anything, you'll want to keep the starter/generator. Predator 420 only has a 2 or 3 amp charging coil which is enough to run the engine but that's about it. If you're running lights and stuff it will kill the battery faster than it can charge it. This is also why when I swapped I picked a lifan from home depot over the predator. The lifan comes with a 18 amp charging circuit to handle more load.

[1rontonja]

Thank you so much for your replies, I had just purchased a Walker 22229 and installed it on the VC460 only got about 30 min run time on it (it's much quieter than then the eng) , I'll keep it. I wasn't even aware of Lifan engines, turns out with my Military discount Lifan 13 hp 389cc would be cheaper for me than Predator 420, they seem to be about equal. I know what the governor does, but a little confused how it would have to tie in/work with a constant repositioning throttle system. Will my current Clutch fit on the Predator or Lifan?

[raydhd]

Yes

[1rontonja]

CP241 what type system did you have in your TXT to mount the Lifan, according to the specs the Lifan 13hp is about 3" taller than Predator 420, I have the VC conversion system and concerned that seat might rest on top of engine.

[CP241]

I used the vegas carts v-twin engine cradle. I picked that one because it was a little cheaper and I had no intentions of running a starter/generator since the 15hp lifan had the 18 amp charging circuit.

It fit fine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sD5hAa773g

[jclark138]

The Vegas Carts v-twin Mount is a flat plate (alum) that bolts to the cradle. Itonyonja- does your VC460 Mount use the rubber insulators incorporated into the mount? That mount is about 3” taller than the v-twin plate mount.

[CP241]

Originally Posted by jclark138

The Vegas Carts v-twin Mount is a flat plate (alum) that bolts to the cradle. Itonyonja- does your VC460 Mount use the rubber insulators incorporated into the mount? That mount is about 3” taller than the v-twin plate mount.

Correct.