Motor Clones?

[pupuslinger]

i was at harbor frieght and they have a 4.5 " suburu " motor for like $239, an 6.5 suburu for $269. then i was at pep boys and they had a 5.5 "Wen Power " for $149 and a 6.5 for like $179.

my question is would the one from pep boys be ok? the motors looked pretty much the same. both looked to be over head valve. i hate to sound cheap, but a hundred bucks is a hundred bucks. the motor is the last thing i need to buy. i just dont want to buy something really cheap and then have to buy something better later. i dont need a rocket, but i dont need a slug either.

[minidragbike]

Those clone motors are OK motors. But you have to remember that you get what you pay for.They are cheaply built, and some of the casting are sometimes out of spec's. But if you lucky you might get a nice one? They also can be modified to make even more power then advertised.

You can also buy a new 6.5hp briggs for pretty cheap. And there are plenty aftermarket parts for them The subaru doesn't have aftermarket parts.

[pupuslinger]

thanx, i can wait to buy a brigs, but i havent seen them cheap though. people tell me they have seen them for under 200, but i havent found them anywhere. i know the brigs will run forever so i should just get one, just didnt know if the other motors would be ok. i doubt i will ever modify it, but who has said that before:laughing: asside for a remote tank, air cleaner and exhaust, i dont have plans for the motor. i plan on just going with a centrifical clutch unless i find one of those torque things cheap, but that will be a while anyways

[kkuenemann]

hey, pupuslinger..

I have purchased 2 honda clones off of ebay, both for about $100. Both 6.5 horse. I have not had any issues with them, the first one has been modified in the ways that you mentioned and uses a centrifical clutch. Has plenty of power and fast enough for me.....Like you said, $100 is a $100.

[moto1fast]

Hello, I have used the honda clones for some time and they have held up quit well. The only thing that has happened to one of them is that the rocker arm broke. But I have also seen this happen to the Honda Original as well. As far as I can tell they hold up just as well as the Honda. You can get a bad one in any brand though just like any other mechanical part. Luck of the draw!! Any way I would not pay twice the cost for something I have found out to work just as well becuase of the Name! Just my 2cents worth. Good Luck and post some pics of your progress!:blob_red:

[Turbo_Stoolie]

What do you search for on ebay - "honda clone engines" ?

[moto1fast]

On Ebay just type in go kart engine and you should find a bunch of them by different names. The one I have used the most of is Sterling!

[Redrooster]

Hi Moto1fast... how did you hook up your throttle to the honda clone engine? Do you have any pictures you can post of this? Thanks.

[kkuenemann]

Turbo - I searched ebay by typing in 6.5 hp and found a ton of options...

Redrooster - Here is a pick of my hook up, I modified the original linkage and removed the govenor and then fab'd up a bellcrank for the throttle control. I will see about getting a picture of the other one where I just hooked up a cable to the existing linkage. I will try to post that one is a day or so...

[Snakester]

I have been using "Clones" for about 3 years ....I have one on an air compressor that we use for re-roofing...It runs 45 hrs. every week , full throttle....We change oil every week and have had no problems at all! One should run forever on a Bar Stool!!! I bought 2 yesterday at a local Freight salvage store for $120.00 each . They are WEN POWER Clones 6.5 h.p. The same one Pep Boys sells for $179.00.:lush:

[moto1fast]

Hello, On the sterling engines it all ready has a cable clamp built on a mount. All you have to do is but a cable on, put a return spring on and cut off part of the original throttle lever.Also put a different spacer on throttle lever. When you finish it looks factory! It is a simple job and works great. I will post pics soon!