Big Block Options 2021

[slonomo]

I think it's good to stay on top of the Big Block options game, since it has been changing every year.

If you need to repower your cart, or want to repower, here are your current engine options, in no particular order.

Non Lifted Carts

1. Factory Rebuild or New
*best for quietest operation
*campground or golf course use
*longest lasting if done properly
*parts can be a bit expensive

2. Clone Engine
*this refers to the Honda GX390 engine and it's copies (or clones)
*Predator 420 13hp (Harbor Freight)
*Duromax 440 18hp (Home Depot, Amazon, online)
*Honda GX390 13hp (from Honda retailers)
*There are other engines, these are the most commonly used
*Good power increase over stock
*Louder than stock, but decently quiet when left unmodified
*Can be modified for more power
*Good aftermarket support
*Proven reliability in the Honda model for decades
*Clones are decently reliable

Lifted Carts
*this opens the door for more engine choices, almost unlimited, because the engine bay is made larger by lifting the cart

1. Factory Engine (see above)

2. Clone Engine (see above)

3. Briggs and Stratton Vanguard 479cc 16hp (various retailers/sources)
*Very quiet in stock form
*More power than stock
*High torque rating at lower rpm
*Pressurized oiling system
*Proven reliability for decades
*Can be rebuilt for a reasonable cost
*Good parts availability
*Can be modified for more power
*Good aftermarket support

4. Briggs and Stratton Vanguard 627cc 23hp (various retailers/sources)
*Moderately quiet in stock form, although louder than the 479cc
*Much more power than stock
*Extremely high torque rating at lower rpm
*Pressurized oiling system
*Proven reliability for decades
*Can be rebuilt for a reasonable cost
*Good parts availability
*Can be modified for more power
*Good aftermarket support
*Fairly tall and wide engine, can be tight for smaller carts

5. Predator 670 670cc 22hp (Harbor Freight)
*Moderately quiet in stock form, although louder than the 479cc
*Much more power than stock
*Extremely high torque rating at lower rpm
*Pressurized oiling system
*Reliability seems good
*Can be rebuilt for a reasonable cost
*Good parts availability
*Can be modified for more power
*Good aftermarket support
*Fairly tall and wide engine, can be tight for smaller carts
*Factory parts are near impossible to get, aftermarket is good option
*Lower cost alternative to Briggs engines

6. Honda GX630 688cc (various retailers/sources)
*Moderately quiet in stock form, although louder than the 479cc
*Much more power than stock
*Extremely high torque rating at lower rpm
*Pressurized oiling system
*Proven reliability for decades
*Can be rebuilt for a reasonable cost
*Good parts availability
*Not as friendly for modifications, most keep these stock
*Slightly smaller in dimension, good for tight fit applications

There are other engines, many in fact. These are just the most commonly used engines that have proven to be reliable enough to have developed a decent following.

Visit the "Site Sponsors" page and check with BGW's sponsoring companies for engines and engine swap parts. Some have complete kits available.