295cc robin build

[sstuck2]

I got a 96 ezgo from a guy that doesnt run. It's my first cart so I came straight to the forums because there is no better place for good first hand info. Well, i've learned enough over the past week to tell you it's got the 295cc Robins motor[already removed it from cart], drivers side cylinder isn't moving so i've got a broken connecting rod, can push cylinder down, and the rod will push it back up but won't pull it down, so I'm thinking i'm going to go with maybe a .25 over kit since i'm sure the rod has been scratching the cylinder wall, and replace both connecting rod's while i'm in there. The rest of the cart seems to be pretty solid for now. My question for some of the experts is:
would it be worth me swapping the block out for a 350cc?
would it bolt right back in where the 295cc came out?
does anyone have a 350cc block they wanna get rid of?
should i just reuse the 295cc block/crank to save money?
The cart has 22" tires with a little lift. I'm assuming the stock clutch on the 295cc hasnt been changed and is still the 36degree?? Wouldnt mind having a little more motor, even though i have no clue how much motor i HAVE in the first place I think thats enough info to get the thread started, let me know what you guys think.

[Loud & Lifted]

Before I would spend the money rebuilding a 295cc I would try to save up the cash and big block it. Your not goin to get much outta a 295 or a 350. If your just wantin the cart for puttin around the yard or farm then a 295 would be ok but if your lookin for more than that a big block v-twin is the way to go.

[sstuck2]

Well i actually have a vanguard 18 v-twin in a lawn mower that needs a timing chain or something, i havent looked at it yet, but i really just wanna keep it in the mower, dont really wanna go to crazy, but some said the 350cc block swap made a big improvement

[WILD-BILL]

If you wanna go W/ a 350cc then do what I did and use the 295 head on it. Put hardened vales and seats in the head as well as better valve springs. It will bolt right in and the power is amazing.

So far I've done the above as well as adding an oil cooler, tightened the Gov, installed a 1" shorter belt, and installed an MSD igintion and so far the best I've gone is 30 mph according to the GPS.

I am contempltaing high speed gears for more top end and maybe a cam shaft to recover some low end after that.

Best part is you'ld never know by looking at it

[sstuck2]

so where did you get these parts? hardened valves? stiffer springs?etc

[WILD-BILL]

Mine was done locally but I think some of our sponsers should be able to hook you up with all you need.

[sccowboy]

I have the 350 with the 295 head and it is strong on the bottom end but when I can afford it, I'm going big block.

[scottyb]

Some are real happy with the 295 head on the 350 but, the general consensus is this... by the time the dust settles you are financially half way thru the big block costs and 1/4 way into the the results... I hope this helps. I would go .50 over.... just to get a little bigger piston and besure she cleaned up....

[sstuck2]

think i'm probably just gonna budget it, clean up and go back with the 295 that i've got, and just sell it, then maybe get me a workhorse in need of a motor and drop my 18 vanguard in it, rhino is 4-sale, lol!

[sccowboy]

I was lucky that mine already had this mod done when I got it and all I had to do was tune it up.