By Craig on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I have an ARGO with 18 HP B/S. I was wanting more power. I find that B/S now has available a new 23 HP engine. I still wanted more. Performance Karting, www.pki@perkart.com, 1-704-291-7825 has the capabilty of builing a 30 or more HP out of the 23 HP model. Cost around $1600 for engine and machine work. Not bad, as I used to build 350 Chevys and just the forged steel crank cost $2,500-3,000 (entire engine was around $12,000). Just thought you all might like this info. I am in no way assosciated with this compny.
Happy mud slinging. Craig

By TIM O'K on Unrecorded Date: Edit

HOW MUCH MORE H/P CAN I GET IF I WORKED AN 18HP VANGUARD? IS IT WORTH THE TIME AND MONEY TO DO IT? IS IT CHEAPER TO JUST BUY A BIGGER MOTOR?

By oldnatva on Unrecorded Date: Edit

How reliable are the four strokes once you start tweeking them up like that?

By bigkodiak on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Tim
After speaking with a couple of folks who have tried to beef up their 18, it is simply not cost effective to beef the 18.
If you change the carb on the 18 to that of the 20, you also have to replace the manifold. By the time you spend all that money you could have bought a new engine, and sold your 18 to make up what ever difference you had and maybe had money left over.
I know one person who bought a new tweaked engine and gauges and didn't really spend a ton of money to do it. He says he turns about 33 horse now and is considering adding a blower.
As far as reliability, so far this person has probably put over 20 hours on his machine since the conversion and has had no problem.
Russ

By Timothy Schotanus (Mudbuster) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I beefed up my 23hp. I raised the compression to 10.5 to 1 and made all the modifications to allow the engine to safely rev to 6000. The work included new pistons and rods and new push rods and valve spring retainers. I have about 40-50 hours on the "new" engine and have had no problems other than this:The factory starter doesn't like to turn the high compression(will do it),high octaine fuel is needed.I tried super with a can of octain boost and could still hear minor pinging. I now use 110 octain and have no trouble. I did the work myself and it only took a couple of hours(not including the engine r+r time)

By David Sanders Mudbug on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I have heard from a friend,,that Matt has a 33 Hp Briggs in his Big foot. Is this a fact? If so,,who did he get to build his motor? I watched a Badlands video with him in his blue Bigfoot,,and it sure sounded good,and ran good too! I have a 25 HP Kolier in my Max IV now,,but,,am thinking about more power!! I am also thinking about running two individual Super Trap mufflers off of each cylinder, staight up as well. Does any one think this will add any power over the stockl Kolier muffler that is on it? I believe,, if a little power is good,,then too much is just right!

By Timothy Schotanus (Mudbuster) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I got my parts from al hodge from perfomance v-twin. I do NOT recomend him. Matt got his engine from www.600racing.com

By matt435 on Unrecorded Date: Edit

David, I do have a 33 hp. Bandolero racing engine. You can buy the engine ready to bolt in with gauges for about $2,000.00 from 600 racing. thier number is 1-704-455-3896. The people there are great!!! Very helpfull and friendly. Keep in mind... no warranties apply. I have about 45 hours on the engine and it is running great. You will have to add a oil cooler and a forced air duct fan,and buy 100 or 110 racing fuel. I am running the stock argo muffler it works well and sounds great. I did install a racing header kit that was made just for my engine but I did not notice any power gain riding the trails and mud bogging. If you were on a race track and seconds count maybe, but what we do with the six wheelers the header is not worth the noise.

By David Sanders Mudbug on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Matt,,thanks for the website of the of the place where you bought your engine,,I will be calling them soon. You are the man I have been wanting to ask about this. I saw you and your bad to the bone "Bigfoot" on John Shwabs Bad Lands video. I must have watched it five times! I was really impressed with the things it was capable of doing compared to the other big foots that were on the video. HP and tires do make a big difference! Is it possible to install this same motor you have in your Big Foot, in my Max IV ? If so,,how much work is involved with this swap?

By matt435 on Unrecorded Date: Edit

David, you can give me a call at 1-574-903-5662 and we can talk. I will also be at the badlands this weekend. Matt