Heymow - Lawnmower Racing Forum

Engine Help => Kohler Engines => Topic started by: Jeff McKelroy on December 11, 2012, 08:43:39 pm

Title: Best Kohler Single OHV to Build
Post by: Jeff McKelroy on December 11, 2012, 08:43:39 pm
Okay, I am always wanting to experiment, and I think my next engine project oughta be a Kohler.  I have always been impressed with their power and longevity when I was working with the twins, repairing carpet steam cleaning machines, just had fewer problems.

Anyway, I really don't know where to start.  It seems like there are a few posts about what people are working with, but I really don't seem to find what is the most popular.  I have looked on ZKB's site, and that's mainly twin stuff, and MWSC has lots of parts for singles, but with dirt oval racing, I don't seem to see much.

So, Kohler guys, what do you see to be the best single cylinder, OHV engine to run in CP class with?  I really have no clue as to where to start, so please forgive my ignorance.  I know I am painting this question with a pretty broad brush, but I woud like to start a debate on what has worked the best for everybody.  Not to mention parts availability is a very important factor. 

Your comments are appreciated, please provide an engine model if possible.
Title: Re: Best Kohler Single OHV to Build
Post by: redline on December 11, 2012, 08:49:33 pm
A Command single, not a Courage, thats for sure.
Title: Re: Best Kohler Single OHV to Build
Post by: Cromwell C4 on December 11, 2012, 08:55:31 pm
MWSC is your one stop shop for Kohler Command V-twin and Single parts. They just developed a new line of parts for the Command singles for lawnmower racing. Most of the parts are listed in their newest catalog. If you can't find what you need, just give them a call  8) I believe the new Kohler singles will be the engine to beat in the OHV classes. Drew Burton did very well with his MWSC Kohler single, and set some of the fastest lap times at the track of all the prepared classes.  As far as what engine to start with, personally I would use the CV493 18hp engine. It is a bigger CI and the block has a taller cylinder for the longer stroked crank.
Title: Re: Best Kohler Single OHV to Build
Post by: Burton for Certain on December 11, 2012, 09:24:37 pm
Ran against the best all year with a kohler big and small single. Set the fastest lap times at every track except for the races chuck miller was at in the prepared style chassis classes. If you want more proof look at the first four laps in the video from finals, when my tie rod fell off.  Super Cub built that motor. Doesn't matter which one you build, it'll be tough for any other brand to hang with it. Midwest has multiple different combinations and you can get a complete motor minus carb for around $2500. And remember you can spend more than that and go faster if you want.
11-16 hp same block different bore. Heads don't matter cuz you're going to weld them up if you want to be competitive anyway.  Good luck finding a big block. Had to buy mine new from kohler for $500 as a short block.
Title: Re: Best Kohler Single OHV to Build
Post by: stahlwerks on December 11, 2012, 10:29:39 pm
The Kohler 1cyl Commands, we can build them from 30 cid to 44 cid.  The bigger engine makes about 70 ft lbs of torque and around 90 hp, but that one costs a little bit more to build.  The 30 cid one is like Burton said around $2500.00.  But I would use the CV 491/493 block.
Title: Re: Best Kohler Single OHV to Build
Post by: Burwell555 on December 11, 2012, 10:46:58 pm
Seeing driving and racing against the 30 cube motor, that's enuff to run up front. Good luck finding the 491/493 though.
Title: Re: Best Kohler Single OHV to Build
Post by: Jeff McKelroy on December 11, 2012, 11:30:41 pm
Would that be the p/n 1252269 Block (CV493-27530)?
Title: Re: Best Kohler Single OHV to Build
Post by: Burton for Certain on December 11, 2012, 11:44:34 pm
Looks like it.
Title: Re: Best Kohler Single OHV to Build
Post by: Caseracer on December 12, 2012, 04:50:00 am
So how much are the 491/493 blocks worth?  I have run across them in the past.
Title: Re: Best Kohler Single OHV to Build
Post by: racinjason003 on December 12, 2012, 06:20:34 am
Hey Drew are you sure about the fastest lap times? Double check PA, I think a wounded vanguard was running pretty good there!   ;)
Title: Re: Best Kohler Single OHV to Build
Post by: Burton for Certain on December 12, 2012, 08:06:57 am
Ah yes, I forgot about PA when you were there. *Noted.
Title: Re: Best Kohler Single OHV to Build
Post by: stahlwerks on December 12, 2012, 11:15:24 am
its easy to identify the cv 491/493, it has 5 cooling fins on the oil pan side of the block instead of 4 like the smaller engines.  As far as what they are worth, I purchased a few over the past year (just the block) and paid anywhere from $45.00 to $95.00.  You can buy a new short block for around $500.00 from Kohler.  Here is a listing from Partstree

Kohler Engines 12-522-78
CV493 SHORT BLOCK Your price: $753.53
0 of these in your cart   
Title: Re: Best Kohler Single OHV to Build
Post by: Gui961 on December 16, 2012, 10:47:45 am
Those Command single are interesting, i'm wondering with the same cube if they could compete with a twin... they should be cheaper to build

Title: Re: Best Kohler Single OHV to Build
Post by: Burton for Certain on December 16, 2012, 12:23:49 pm
Depends on what is done to the twin. I ran a 35 cube single at finals this year and was faster than all the bp's. Granted ome of the bps were in a battle so they couldn't quite go as fast. But I would say a 40 cube twin built would beat the 40 cube single built. With the command singles it is possible to go from 26.5-44 cubes.