Honda GX50 conversion

Howie Idelson · Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 3:54 pm Post subject: Honda GX50 conversion

Anyone know who sells all the stuff to adapt it for karting? Mount, Clutch and drive gear, throttle linkage Etc?
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Stewart Willis · Joined: 24 Oct 2008 Posts: 389

HPD is putting the proprietary/sealed version together...
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Stewart Willis

Ted Hamilton · Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 6:57 pm Post subject:

Is that the same as this:

http://engines4racing.com/index.php?page=honda-gx50

Used to be Brad Linkus at IMI in Colorado, IIRC....Good luck.
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Stewart Willis · Joined: 24 Oct 2008 Posts: 389

yes same... But, I know that there is a push to have the sealed version that IKF just adopted in their rulebook. HPD has a really cool package they are offering.. We have been testing the prototype... looks good.
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Howie Idelson · Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2012 8:25 pm Post subject:

When will it be available. Don't want to go in to the comer vortex.
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Jim McMahon · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2012 8:29 am Post subject:

Any ideas on a release date or price range for the kit?
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Stacey Cook · Advertiser Joined: 12 Sep 2001 Posts: 392

Howie,

We have been testing one in our rental fleet and it is terrific. Talk to John Motley he has the setup.

Doug Fleming · Joined: 04 Dec 2003 Posts: 1996

Why is it taking 5 years?
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Howie Idelson · Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2012 1:28 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the info!!
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Stewart Willis · Joined: 24 Oct 2008 Posts: 389

Motley is helping develop it for HPD. I think that this engine could be what stimulates the return of big Kid kart classes. The problem is that there are such HUGE variances in the performance of C-51 comers. Many parents loose interest in the sport because they know that unless they buy one of the super expensive $3,000 c-51's they have no chance to compete, unless they are one of the lucky ones to stumble upon a fast one. Additionally, it sounds like HPD is going to stand behind their product. The c-51 was not designed to run at 12,000 rpm. The flywheels become grenades at that speed and cause catastrophic damage to the engine when they explode... (Not to mention the danger of the grenading flywheel to nearby spectators.)

Additionally, there is a claimer rule (IKF) for this Honda. So, people will not spend the thousands of dollars on these sealed engines, especially when you can claim one for $1,000 or whatever it is....
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Howie Idelson · Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 11:45 pm Post subject:

$1000.? WTF? you can buy them all day long for under $400.
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Howie Idelson · Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 11:45 pm Post subject:

Let's not let this thing get out of hand before it starts. We have a chance to make Kid karting cool and fun again. A thousand bucks for a 400 dollar motor does not make sense.
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Stewart Willis · Joined: 24 Oct 2008 Posts: 389

You are totally right Howie... Like I said in the post, :"$1,000 or whatever it is" I am not sure of all of the details of pricing and claimers.. I think that usually with claimers it is a hundred or two above the sale price. I heard that pricing to buy the engine new will be very very fair..

But, you and I are on the same page. There is a need for a cost effective, consistent, and reliable alternative to the C-51... So far, we know two things about the Honda:
1.) It will last a long time .... it is a generator engine that is meant to stay on all day long. The prototype that I have has been run on a dyno and on track for over 100 hours so far.
2.)Pricing will be lower than the C-51 ($895 retail, Not including blueprint)

Unknowns:
3.) Honestly, the only unknown is Variance/consistency. I have heard that the variance from one engine to the next is very small.. But, until we get ten of them on track, it is all theoretical. But, we all know the quality that Honda brings to the table.. So, I am taking a small leap of faith.

The difference that HPD is offering from the $400 version is that they have a "Complete" bolt on package that is factory sealed.... I dont know anything about four strokes. But, with the cases sealed it will prevent a lot of the tampering.... It also has all of the linkages, and engine mount adapter that make it a totally bolt on solution. I know that John Motley and Troy McCall are working hard to get this product to market. It is BADLY needed and I
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Stewart Willis · Joined: 24 Oct 2008 Posts: 389

We just got done testing again in the Honda... It was great. You can tell that the engine is comfortable running in this application. It was just humming along at 8,000 rpm..
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Joey Guyon · Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2012 5:12 pm Post subject:

Is the Honda comparable to the Briggs LO206 novice? The Honda must be lighter, but the Briggs only revs 4100