Gas Club Car Carryall I Engine Swap

[jscola]

Update as of today:

I reached out to Vegas Carts, and they said that my plan would not work, as there is no direct conversion for my cart. However, they did say that if I decided to go with the Predator 670, then there is a direct conversion, and it allows me to keep the original gearing. I would, however, need to get a lift kit as well. Although this would be a bit more pricey than I was anticipating, this raises a few new questions for me.

With the Predator 670, would I be able to keep the original Club Car starter/generator? I wanted the functionality of the cart to be the same, but someone who I know that has the Predator 670 said the charging circuit on it is more powerful than the Club Car starter/generator, and that I could just use the electric start and charger on it. If I did want to kill the engine when the gas pedal is not engaged, could I keep the stock starter/generator for the "original" feel?

[raydhd]

I have seen a few Vtwins keeping the S/G, however with the space issue with the Vtwin some pretty well planned fab work was involved

[slonomo]

The original starter/gen takes up a lot of space. It's not impossible. I did it with my first swap on my VC440 and didn't really like how it operated. I ended up switching it to key start. Most people just use a key switch like a car because it's much more simple and less expensive, still very reliable. I've used a few 670 engines and they are finicky to get to idle well, seem to be hit or miss with quality, being a Chinese made engine. I have a couple threads about what I had to do to get them to idle and run correctly, some tuning will be required. If your starter/gen is in good condition it should turn the big 670. I'd recommend installing new and larger gauge battery/starter/gen cables and upgrade the battery if it's older. You'll need all the power you can get. The 670 can be hard to start if it spins slow.

If there is a "bolt in kit" for you to be able to run the engine the correct direction, that might be your best option. The 670 is huge and space is a premium in these carts. Not that it's impossible, just need to be aware of that and be willing to work out any space related issues. Exhaust seems to be a tricky issue for most people, I have always used the factory muffler on the 670, while not "quiet" it was good enough for my uses.

One thing to note, the bolt pattern on the 420 and 670 are the same, I have used multiple engines on a "clone" motor mount. Even my current project was made for a 670 and my Vanguard bolts right to it. Remember, the parts don't care what engine is sitting in there lol. You might choose to use a 420 or 440 engine with the parts kit you are buying, it should bolt right in. Wiring will be slightly different, but similar. All big block engines will mostly be interchangeable. Exhaust is the big difference. Most of the big blocks being used have the 1" crankshaft so you can use the 1" clutch in the kits.

You'll find on this site that there are alot of people who have used one type of engine like a clone, and some will recommend engines that they never have used. Just take advice with a grain of salt and make sure you are getting info from someone who has actually done what they are recommending. None of us are perfect, but we do our best to help. Research is key in this kind of project. I find the dealers who sell the engine swap products sometimes know the most, if you can get them on the phone with a list of questions you'll be doing yourself a favor.

[jscola]

Update:

I have decided to go with the Predator 670cc, 22hp (v-twin). I have already installed the required 4-inch lift that the vegas conversion kit requires. I will be getting the vegas conversion kit, so my install should go smoothly.

The only question I have left, that I could not find any information on is, how will the new choke work? I'm guessing I will need to install an extension cable?

[raydhd]

With that choice you have the assured outcome particularly with the CW rotation Club Cars

[slonomo]

Originally Posted by jscola

Update:

I have decided to go with the Predator 670cc, 22hp (v-twin). I have already installed the required 4-inch lift that the vegas conversion kit requires. I will be getting the vegas conversion kit, so my install should go smoothly.

The only question I have left, that I could not find any information on is, how will the new choke work? I'm guessing I will need to install an extension cable?

I used a universal choke cable on mine, was fairly easy. There's a few different types out there. I have found some at local lawn and garden dealers and even at auto parts stores. I have even modified the stock golf cart choke cables to work.