Author Topic: FXS engine - GX390 or Briggs 33??  (Read 4547 times)

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Offline Tom Price

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FXS engine - GX390 or Briggs 33??
« on: November 04, 2016, 12:33:12 pm »
Hey guys, been away from the sport for awhile and getting back into it.  Since I sold my B/P I have been itching to build an FXS and I am finally doing it.  Can you guys help me decide between the gx390 or the Briggs 33??  What are advantages and dis advantages of both setups??

Thanks, Tom
#5 Tom Price
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Offline Jeff McKelroy

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Re: FXS engine - GX390 or Briggs 33??
« Reply #1 on: November 04, 2016, 07:43:16 pm »
OK, I'll bite. Everybody's got their opinions, and they're all valid, let me add. Both engines have distinct advantages...
1. For the purist, an OHV mower engine is the only way to go!
2. For the cutting edge racer ready to really push some limits, a horizontal engine is the only way.
3. You can take your CP engine and throw it on an FXS/T class roller and go race.
4. Parts are cheaper for the horizontal engines.
5. Neither one lives any longer than the other.
6. Either way you may run into difficulties obtaining parts at the track if you were to get in a bind.
7. I would not recommend building just one engine. Drag an identical spare with you. Try not to use it until finals.
8. Having built a 33 for FXS, I love the torque it produced, but it was also on alky with a giant Tilly on the side. Another limiting factor is you can get 3,000+ more RPM out of a horizontal than an OHV due to the inherent limitations of the crankshaft.
9. A GX390 will only get better through the years, as new designs for heads, valve technology and supply vs. demand continue to take effect. The aftermarket loves these engines, as well as its clone version.

Offline Tom Price

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Re: FXS engine - GX390 or Briggs 33??
« Reply #2 on: November 04, 2016, 09:54:11 pm »
That is the kind of answer I was looking for Jeff, one that breaks down the advantages of both.  Thanks!
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Offline BIG AL 202

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Re: FXS engine - GX390 or Briggs 33??
« Reply #3 on: November 05, 2016, 01:02:38 pm »
JEFF, DO YOU MEAN VERTICAL RATHER THAN OHV?
ALWAYS VOTE FOR ED!   FONGS BROTHER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER!

Offline Jeff McKelroy

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Re: FXS engine - GX390 or Briggs 33??
« Reply #4 on: November 05, 2016, 11:24:22 pm »
JEFF, DO YOU MEAN VERTICAL RATHER THAN OHV?

When I say OHV I am referring to an OHV vertical lawnmower engine.

Offline BIG AL 202

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Re: FXS engine - GX390 or Briggs 33??
« Reply #5 on: November 07, 2016, 11:00:32 am »
THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT I WAS JUST MAKING SURE.
ALWAYS VOTE FOR ED!   FONGS BROTHER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER!