Predator 420cc $209 !!

[1arunem]

Stopped in to Harbor Freight today and happened to walk down the engine aisle. Noticed a $209 tag on the 420cc. Thought at first it had to be a mistake but it was not. There are certain p/n's for the engine (apparently there are multiple 420 p/n's) that are on Clearance. Apparently they are changing p/n's (although the engines are all the same) and clearing out the old P/n's.

All they had left was the display which they said they could not sell. They gave me a rain check to pick one up Friday after the truck brings another shipment..

Thought anyone looking to pull the trigger might want to know.. As you know they are normally $359 and occasionally go on sale for $299 so $209 is a DEAL.

[raydhd]

As long as it is not the ill fated hemi version. It is easily identified by it's rectangular valve cover as opposed to the polygon one of the wedge with all the spare parts and speed equipment.

[1arunem]

So the hemi version has the rectangular v/c?

[raydhd]

Yes

[sho305]

Normal clone is a hex shape.

This is sitting on my airbox, showing the pcv fitting and the fuel pulse fitting.

[Shepard]

Originally Posted by raydhd

As long as it is not the ill fated hemi version. It is easily identified by it's rectangular valve cover as opposed to the polygon one of the wedge with all the spare parts and speed equipment.

A lot of the parts for the GX390 fit the 420H. As far as the head being an issue -- no one has any hot rod parts for it. The engine will except most billet rods - pistons - camshafts. IMO the head is very stout as is and should handle 42-4500 rpm. The 420H has 1.5+ more torque then the standard 420 and if you have the opportunity to pop the valve cover off you'll find that it has standard automotive valve springs and keepers instead of the light weight clone valve springs and keepers. There shaft mounted and heavy duty.

PS Yes it needs an adjustable carb. The factory carb is junk.

[raydhd]

There are issues with higher cam lifts with piston clearance , some have found carb clearnace issues, and no high quality or higher lift rocker arms seem to be available. For a mere $57 more you can get the proven lifan delivered to your local home cheapo with its great return policy if anything isn't just right. IMHO for the mere $57 difference make this easy choice if I were buying one.

[Skoal82]

For 209$ it is a great deal. Especially if you would like to leave it stock.

[Shepard]

Originally Posted by raydhd

There are issues with higher cam lifts with piston clearance , some have found carb clearnace issues, and no high quality or higher lift rocker arms seem to be available. For a mere $57 more you can get the proven lifan delivered to your local home cheapo with its great return policy if anything isn't just right. IMHO for the mere $57 difference make this easy choice if I were buying one.

This is what happens when you send the wife to pick up an engine at HF. I gave her a note that said 420cc predator engine. This is what she came home with and she unboxed it destroying the box. It's going to work perfect as a governed engine. The 460 was way to much engine.
Have you looked at the top of the 420cc Hemi -- it has shaft mount rocker arms? It has adjusters that are perfect as is the valve springs and keepers are all automotive grade. Yes if your going for a High Lift Cam you'll need to have the ability to machine the reliefs in the piston top. The pistons I looked at for the Hemi were forged and beautifully cut and relieved.

[raydhd]

My main issue is that it is a dead end engine.I swapped out both of my carts engines that were no longer supported. I just cannot see the logic to buying an engine that HF is discounting to get them out of their supply chain. I don't see even the much heralded 212 hemis being promoted much by the racing suppliers. But that is why they make vanilla and chocolate. To each his own.