Go with Big bore kit or engine swap

Posts: 232

I know some have done the big bore kit and some have gone with the engine swap. I currently don't have any problems with my motor that has alot of mods but I want more torque and speed. If I was to go with the big bore kit I want the largest I can go. I think the largest is the is the 180cc,62mm. I would also consider doing the 60mm stroker crank as well if it is necessary.

a. Is the big bore kit hard to do?
b. Where would I get the machining I need for the kit in the NY area?
c. IS IT WORTH IT? Does it really make a difference in torque and speed? I'm not talking about 2 miles an hour or climbing a hill a second faster being worth it. I want to see a big difference.
d. Or do I just go and do the engine swap?

I like the type of motor I have now and don't want to go through all the work of an engine swap if I don't need to, but if the big bore kit is not worth it I will go to the next step. If anyone has done either one please chime in and let me know. I would appreciate any feedback I can get. Thanks, Billy.

Posts: 296

This is just my opinion since my engine knowledge is very limited. That said I feel you should know an engine's components and functions, coupled with knowledge of the proper procedure to disassemble and reassemble an engine, or someone that is readily accessable, with that knowledge. Do a search on "top speed, there are 2 members, that have performed those modifications. They should be able to give you enough info to make your decision.

Greg

Posts: 411

Well going up 30 Cc should give you about 17 percent more power just by simple calculation on a 150. Of course that's assuming that your intake and exhaust can handle the extra flow without restrictions.

Posts: 325

I put 170 big bore kit on,A-12cam,intake,VM26carb eastside pipe etc etc.I love it!I did mine w/o removing the engine,Its not for the light hearted and I don"t suggest doing it this way!Tom (sycarm on this site)does them and he knows what he's doing.He's out of Mississippi.Hope this helps.

Posts: 232

Thanks for all the response.
Funnyman did you notice any problems at all since you went with the big bore kit?
I am also looking into the snowmobile motor transplant.
It's a tough decision. Either way it looks like I'll have to put some money into the buggy to get the power I want.

Posts: 325

A tranplant requires some type of enginering,and it takes more time.I'm in a middle of a tranplant right now,its a process.I really like what I did with my other kart(big bore etc.).Remember, its only as strong as the weakest link!I run my kart all the time mostly with 2 people thru the trails and it goes very well!

Posts: 2640

I have also tossed this idea around... I wanted the 180 big bore... the stroker crank...ported head... so on...

SOOOO... I have a cam in it now, and a 32mm carb, and totally gutted exhaust... I want more!!!!

Anyone on this site done a 180 kit??? Anyone runnign a stroker?

I agree 100% with billy, I dont want to feel 1 or 2 Mph, or a little more throttle response... I want 5-10 mph difference, or tire spinning madness... both if which i am lacking right now...

I was tossing the idea of a 250 engine in the 150 frame, but I think it is too costly for just a couple horsepower... You would need shafts, different rear suspension, and still need engine mods to make the 250 wake-up!!!

BUUUUT... the 180 kit seems cool, and pretty cheap since I dont need the head, and the machining isnt too costly locally for me.... I have the exact same buggy as billyp, and I have the exact same opinions, and we need some serious imput!!! lol...

So...anyone with a 180 in their buggies?

John Very Happy

Posts: 1889

Posts: 13 · Newbie Joined: 07 Jul 2008 Posts: 13 Pictures: 0

I have done the 170 and the stroker upgrade, and it definitely has the wheel spinning torque you are talking about. I have yet to test top speed but I'll let you know how it goes. I am still running the stock exhaust so I am guessing it will knock a few mph off the top speed......anyone selling their eastside pipe? lol Razz

Posts: 2577

I've got everything but the Big Bore Kit in my Blade... I have the Big Bore Kit in my posession and just have been too busy (or chicken) to do it... I have an engine that I can do it on and was thinking of doing it this winter.

There's a place that JABO knows of in or around Springfield, MA that will do the engine work for about $50.

I was able to get the Big Bore Kit for a very good price. If I had to pay more than $100 for it I don't think I'd do it.. I'd just put a 250cc in it... and yes, I'd go the swing arm route.

I'm always looking for a good deal on an engine/tranny combo that I can put in a buggy. That's the only way I'd do it... It would have to be an established combo. Otherwise, as others have said, you've got too much engineering to do.

I'd love to own a space that we could all use to do this type of work. Get a bunch of us together over a weekend and work real hard on one buggy to get it all done in a very short period of time. It would take a heck of a shop though.

We used to have those when I was in the Navy. You could rent space for a month to do this type of work on your cars/trucks/motorcycles...

Keep us posted there Billy on what decision you make. I think Jabo has some experience with both of these options.