18hp engine build

nitro1 · 10-19-2020, 09:58 AM

Hey guys I’ve been looking for a engine to do a big block build and came across a 18hp vanguard that is leaking oil is that worth picking up ? Should I keep looking or purchase and do a rebuild

slonomo · 10-19-2020, 10:28 PM

If you can get it cheap it's worth a gamble. I'd spin it over make sure there are no "sounds" and just plan on tearing it apart to clean/inspect at a minimum. Non running Vanguards should be $100-$200. Running in ok condition should be $300-$400.

These engines sell fast, so if you find one, get it before someone else does.

BIKERMIKEYBLACK · 10-19-2020, 11:05 PM

Ditto wat slo said also pull the valve cover off both if they will let you an 18 hp will have 35 ci stamp in the head or a 16 will 30 ci it’s very easy to change the fan shroud an fool someone a good running one (1

will generally run you around here 300-400 $

BIKERMIKEYBLACK · 10-19-2020, 11:07 PM

Also a determining factor will be your mechanical ability if it need rebuilt

nitro1 · 12-02-2020, 08:15 PM

Pulled the trigger on a 18hp vanguard what mods should I look into getting first ?

I’m looking for mid range speed but torque I want the most to climb hills and pull items around the Hunting camp

slonomo · 12-02-2020, 09:14 PM

CPP has all the parts you need. Cam, rev kit, clutches, and belt. I like the 780. Use a good stock secondary with a HD Kevlar belt from Dayco. Ask them about gaskets. If they don't have all the gaskets get genuine Briggs and Stratton. Make sure your heads are in good condition, valves, valve seats, valve guides, etc.

I like the stock Vanguard for reliability. But with a Cheetah style cam and rev kit they really wake up. For high rpm use you should invest in billet con rods and pushrods with the double springs. Otherwise keep rpm below 5000.

nitro1 · 12-02-2020, 10:50 PM

Thanks slonomo, only thing about the build is the rev kit on how it’s installed

BIKERMIKEYBLACK · 12-02-2020, 11:48 PM

I prefer using two more steel pushrods and isky valve springs from cpp instead of the rev kit which is just shims on the springs cheaper too
If you can afford it the cheetah cam made by precision is the way to go too
And of course remove the governor

nitro1 · 12-03-2020, 12:05 AM

Thanks Biker I’ll have a look into that, I think I’m going with the cheetah cam, only thing I probably won’t have done is machine work since I have no one around my area that does engine work

nitro1 · 12-03-2020, 10:43 AM

Here is a pic of the engine I bough

10-19-2020, 09:58 AM	#1
nitro1 Gone Wild Join Date: May 2010 Location: OHIO Posts: 1,517	18hp engine build Hey guys I’ve been looking for a engine to do a big block build and came across a 18hp vanguard that is leaking oil is that worth picking up ? Should I keep looking or purchase and do a rebuild

10-19-2020, 10:28 PM	#2
slonomo Searching for The Way Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Medina, Ohio (NEOHIO) Posts: 11,442	Re: 18hp engine build If you can get it cheap it's worth a gamble. I'd spin it over make sure there are no "sounds" and just plan on tearing it apart to clean/inspect at a minimum. Non running Vanguards should be $100-$200. Running in ok condition should be $300-$400. These engines sell fast, so if you find one, get it before someone else does.

10-19-2020, 11:05 PM	#3
BIKERMIKEYBLACK Gone Wild Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Kingston Springs Tn. Posts: 874	Re: 18hp engine build Ditto wat slo said also pull the valve cover off both if they will let you an 18 hp will have 35 ci stamp in the head or a 16 will 30 ci it’s very easy to change the fan shroud an fool someone a good running one (1 will generally run you around here 300-400 $

10-19-2020, 11:07 PM	#4
BIKERMIKEYBLACK Gone Wild Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Kingston Springs Tn. Posts: 874	Re: 18hp engine build Also a determining factor will be your mechanical ability if it need rebuilt

12-02-2020, 08:15 PM	#5
nitro1 Gone Wild Join Date: May 2010 Location: OHIO Posts: 1,517	Re: 18hp engine build Pulled the trigger on a 18hp vanguard what mods should I look into getting first ? I’m looking for mid range speed but torque I want the most to climb hills and pull items around the Hunting camp

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12-02-2020, 09:14 PM	#6
slonomo Searching for The Way Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Medina, Ohio (NEOHIO) Posts: 11,442	Re: 18hp engine build CPP has all the parts you need. Cam, rev kit, clutches, and belt. I like the 780. Use a good stock secondary with a HD Kevlar belt from Dayco. Ask them about gaskets. If they don't have all the gaskets get genuine Briggs and Stratton. Make sure your heads are in good condition, valves, valve seats, valve guides, etc. I like the stock Vanguard for reliability. But with a Cheetah style cam and rev kit they really wake up. For high rpm use you should invest in billet con rods and pushrods with the double springs. Otherwise keep rpm below 5000.

12-02-2020, 10:50 PM	#7
nitro1 Gone Wild Join Date: May 2010 Location: OHIO Posts: 1,517	Re: 18hp engine build Thanks slonomo, only thing about the build is the rev kit on how it’s installed

12-02-2020, 11:48 PM	#8
BIKERMIKEYBLACK Gone Wild Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Kingston Springs Tn. Posts: 874	Re: 18hp engine build I prefer using two more steel pushrods and isky valve springs from cpp instead of the rev kit which is just shims on the springs cheaper too If you can afford it the cheetah cam made by precision is the way to go too And of course remove the governor

12-03-2020, 12:05 AM	#9
nitro1 Gone Wild Join Date: May 2010 Location: OHIO Posts: 1,517	Re: 18hp engine build Thanks Biker I’ll have a look into that, I think I’m going with the cheetah cam, only thing I probably won’t have done is machine work since I have no one around my area that does engine work

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