Big Block Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

[LURCH]

I've never had as much trouble trying to decide on which Big Block kit to go with. I have talked to several vendors and they all have their +'s and -'s I was thinking of going to the high 20's but I do drive my cart everyday and do think of the mpg to a certain extent.
I would like some opinions from my description, It should cruise at 30/35 mph with short burst of speed up to 45 mph. I need to be able to pull some very steep hills with up to 4 people lets say 600/800 lbs. By the way my cart's weight is 1000 lbs I have 23" tires and stock gears. The vendors all have good ideas but I just don't know which way to go.
I know this is like Chevy vs. Ford some say 18hp, some 23hp Honda kit with rebuilt stock Yamaha clutch, 23hp Vanguard without rev. kit, cam and advance key and then whatever you want. I know its up to me in the end but if I'm going to spend 3K I would just like to have some people with experience tell me what there thoughts are. This is my first cart and I have made a few mistakes in my build that has cost me a few dollars, I'm just trying to make sure I'm on the right track this time. I will be doing a long travel suspension also, which I should have done in the first place. I sold my Welder, car trailer and a few things out of my shop since I can't work in it anymore and want to spend it wisely.
Thanks for any help in advance and I hope to get some good responses.

[sho305]

The Vanguard has the most parts available, so anything you want to do in the future is easy to get. If you don't have some other reason, I'd say go that way. The 18hp is cheaper and it will get great rpm for high speeds with just a rev kit, that is why they are popular. You can put a 23hp cam in cheap maybe larger carb I don't know what they go for, without even going aftermarket. The 23 is going to have more torque and if you build it up later more power overall and can be made to run more rpm. So stock the 23 will have the edge pulling big loads up hills, on the flats the stock 18 and rev kit will run fast. If you want more later the 23 is just plain bigger engine to mod unless you jump to the 35hp model. I would put a rev kit in anything, the vanguard one is not that much and you don't have to worry about damaging something when run without a governor. I just bought better valve springs for my cheap clone engine with stock cam in it.

If you have stock power, any of these twins will have a LOT more power than you have now. Even a 15hp clone really feels/runs like twice the power.

If you end up later putting a cam in your engine, you will want an aftermarket clutch. Unless you can deal with your clutch most Yamaha you can't do much with them. A cam will need more rpm to get full power up a hill or takeoff power.

[Flintrock]

Lurch, spend your money on the 23hp with rev kit and the CVT clutch, It will do all you wanted, except maybe that 45mph burst....and I'm not all that sure you want it that fast.... CPP, of course..

[hilla]

I have the 23hp from CPP and love it. I have GPS'ed it at 39mph with stock gears in an 2000 G16. It pulls great and sounds good. The one thing I would advise anyone thinking of putting in a big block, upgrade the brakes. A stock cart at 18mph seems to stop okay with stock brakes, bump that up two about 40mph and the stock brakes become more of a joke and actually a little scary. I up graded the 23hp with mechanical rear disc and it is much better. I have an 18hp ordered for the G16 I am currently building and of course have ordered better brakes, a front disc kit.

[essness]

I have a Honda 20. I wish I had the Briggs 23 because there are far more after market performance parts made for it.
If it were me, I'd grab a Briggs 23 with advance key and rev kit. I'd also grab a CVTech clutch. Would have no problem pulling hills. Should cruise in your range but may land a little short on your top speed.
At least with the Briggs, the parts you would need to get your top speed are available.
When I did mine, I kept the stock clutch. I ultimtely bought the CVTech clutch from CPP and believe it was the biggest impact on the entire conversion.

Good luck Lurch

[LURCH]

What I can't believe is the short amount of time to do the swap.
They told me I could put the high speed gears in and get the top speed and still pull the steep hills. I wish there was a few more replies. I like opinion's!!!!!

Thanks LURCH!!!!!!

[TheNewGuy]

I have a Briggs 18 from CPP with the rev kit and K&N air filter. I love it but if I do it again it will be the 23 from CPP.

[drag racer]

CPP Vanny 23 w/ clutch, rev kit, cam, thin head gaskets, K&N air filter, and get a pre-emission carb. ~30 hp 'Nuff said.

[mtwain69]

23 Vanny with cam, rev kit, Toms header with Kawasaki ZR6 muffler and 6.1 gears....and Toms clutch...havent adjusted belt yet but have hit 53 on the gps

[LURCH]

Thanks guys but I bought 2 of the 32hp Generac's that was for sale on here a couple of weeks ago. I've not had time to do any checking on the machine work for the clutch yet.

LURCH!!!!!