Heymow - Lawnmower Racing Forum

Engine Help => Honda and Clone Engines => Topic started by: rceagle1a on March 16, 2013, 01:26:38 am

Title: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: rceagle1a on March 16, 2013, 01:26:38 am
I stumbled across a possible new place for big block clone engines. I'm not going to post the web link just yet for this site to be sure it is Mower racing worthy, but I have a GX440 clone engine ordered and when it arrives I'll be posting pics during the unboxing. Followed by a teardown to inspect the engine further inside and out. Some details on these engines are: 440cc, 92mm bore by 66mm stroke. 18hp claimed stock out of the box. Engines are sold as long blocks without carburetors, Exhaust, Or fuel tank. They can be purchased in either electric start or pull only. To be race ready these engines will require a billet flywheel, rod, and head work. Balance shaft is included with engine as well to stop the eyeball popping some of these engines can cause. Representative from this company stated that they went to the plant where these are built with pluses and minues of all other clone engines built and made changes to these engines where needed to address clone deficiencies and further strengthen the good points. Engines come from factory with no governor to remove or oil alert sensors to remove(Block castings are blocked in these locations). Spark plug boot looks to be upgraded and coil is supposed to be non rev limiting. Cams offered by this merchant are ground by Tim Iskenderian at small engine cams. They have a few different cam grinds available. upgraded valves, and Billet Rods are offered from Parson's Racing Supply, Along with ARC flywheels and rods. Rockers and other various parts from raceseng are also listed. Base GX440 longblock is $329 for non-electric start and $349 for the electric start version. New stock bare heads are $28.00 so you could buy 2 or 3 heads and work on different porting and valve combo's and be able to test much easier. Here are the supplier sourced tech specs:

These engines are made to our specifications and are the only Straight-shaft 439cc Honda GX390 "big bore clones" available for purchase in the United States. They are EPA-exempt and are currently sold only in longblock form to racers and engine builders of racers.

 We maintain positive direct contact with our factory to ensure consistency and the ability to continually improve these engines as time goes on. We appreciate all feedback(positive or negative) and would like to hear from you, regarding what you (the racers) want in these engines.

 Specifications:
 -92mm Bore x 66mm Stroke
 -8.75:1 Compression
 -3 Angle Intake Valve Seat
 -36mm Intake & 31mm Exhaust Valves
 -32lb HD Valve Springs Factory Installed
 -Extra-thick Cylinder Head Deck (41cc Chamber) Can be milled over .150"
 -6 Amp Charging Coil
 -Uses all GX390 Parts
 -Cam journal is NOT 0.008 oversize like most clones
 -Lightweight 235gram Connecting Rod
 -388gram Piston & Wrist Pin (-7cc Dish)
 -Oil Alert and Speed Governor have been removed and holes plugged.
 -Balance Shaft included
 -All Engines are Test-Run before being shipped.

Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: Jeff McKelroy on March 16, 2013, 01:30:13 am
That's Interesting, Keep Me Posted!!
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: Burton for Certain on March 16, 2013, 01:33:52 am
Still only 27 cubes? Can it be punched out?
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: rceagle1a on March 16, 2013, 02:24:54 am
Drew, Jake Herrin's FXS is no slouch in the power department and it is only a 420cc.
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: George Herrin on March 16, 2013, 08:16:58 am
But Justin it aint no Kohler!!! But it will make em go out and spend lots of money!!!
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: cubcadet70 on March 16, 2013, 01:06:10 pm
I've been looking at this for a few months now since he told us when it's going to arrive. I'm a Honda fan as well as the kohler. But you can't beat a built kohler roller motor. But the price is nice on Honda and the clones.
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: George Herrin on March 16, 2013, 01:22:26 pm
But you can't beat a built kohler roller motor.

Dont bet your bank roll on that one buddy!!!
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: cubcadet70 on March 16, 2013, 11:26:12 pm
Haha George. Yes it's true. But the Honda has always been more reliable and cost effective. I have not built a kohler yet. I know there's more stuff for the kohler now than the Honda but... You get what you pay for!
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: George Herrin on March 16, 2013, 11:30:08 pm
Are you sure about that!!!
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: Burwell555 on March 16, 2013, 11:35:19 pm
I guess time will tell as the fxs class grows to more than a handful and some variety starts showing up!
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: George Herrin on March 16, 2013, 11:43:10 pm
Just remember David slayed Goliath!!!
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: cubcadet70 on March 16, 2013, 11:57:46 pm
Eh I don't know. I prolly spoke too soon lol. But them Honda are like one of the quotes from Uncle Si on Duck Dynasty, "I sting like a butterly and punch like a flea"    :lol:
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: Burwell555 on March 17, 2013, 12:03:51 am
Just remember David slayed Goliath!!!

Of course, but as my ole man always tells me, "light shines on a dogs rear every now and then, but consistency brings home the championships, boy. Does ya no good to be a one hit wonder if your tryin to be the big dog"
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: Darkviper on March 17, 2013, 12:33:07 am
Geroge is ur sons clone a honda gx390 or 420 clone cause i thought it was 390.
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: George Herrin on March 17, 2013, 01:00:15 am
Which one!!! He has several motors depending on the challenge at hand. Lets say he has plenty of motor for any challenge!!!
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: Darkviper on March 17, 2013, 01:04:03 am
Well at the moment i just bought my 420cc brand new lol just wondering if it was strong motor. Its in the box right now lol.
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: George Herrin on March 17, 2013, 01:07:16 am
storng enough for what? Jake !! if you build it right it will be there. But it takes a complete package. its not all about the motor though it does help.
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: Darkviper on March 17, 2013, 01:18:08 am
Ha if its cheaper then building kohler and beats my brigs for the same price its game for me lol. its not 390 clone honda.
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: rceagle1a on March 17, 2013, 08:21:48 am
Seems to me this thread has started some friendly bench racin, lol. I will say this, yes the k crew makes quite a bit of power but by my own research, it takes fairly higher dollar amounts to make a kohler into the beast I've seen run. Although all brands will act like a deposit only A.T.M if a guy wants. Also K singles TEND to be the heavy weight in the single arena weight of motor wise.  I'm not smearing any brand of engine here. I like kohler engines from the consumer products side. I work at an ag deere dealer and see how in real world the engines stack up durability wise. Some briggs are tough, alot are not. Some kawi's are tough alot aren't. Some of the later/last (sadly) tech's were tough and would have been industry beaters. Kohler has mostly been tough until the courage was born. And pretty much all honda motors can take quite a bit. So build what you personally like. Pretty much any brand has good and bad.
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: George Herrin on March 17, 2013, 09:11:44 am
YUP YUP mine all BAD... BAD I tell ya. Takes 5 or 6 to build one all used parts too. Just recycled scrap out the junk yard!!! BUT its cheap and its MINE!!! LOL. sorry for the thread jack. YOU can now have it back young weedthumper!!!
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: Jeremy_Conley on March 17, 2013, 10:17:21 am
I've been watching these for a few months also. I think I'm going to try and take a stab at it. Oh and by the way the price has went up $60 in a week. I'm almost positive the electric start models were $289.
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: rceagle1a on March 17, 2013, 06:47:54 pm
I've been watching these for a few months also. I think I'm going to try and take a stab at it. Oh and by the way the price has went up $60 in a week. I'm almost positive the electric start models were $289.
The price is still pretty dern good if they are as good as the seller says.
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: Jeremy_Conley on March 18, 2013, 12:17:28 pm
The price is still pretty dern good if they are as good as the seller says.

Yes the price is still good. Just saying I could of swore they were cheaper a week ago
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: vegascarts on March 19, 2013, 11:38:37 pm
Yes the price is still good. Just saying I could of swore they were cheaper a week ago


Jeremy,

In stead of charging $60-$65 for shipping on top of the engines price, we just decided to roll the cost of shipping/insruance/signature into the price and offer Free shipping to simplify the order process.

-Geoff
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: rceagle1a on March 20, 2013, 07:03:15 am
Shoot, the cats out of the bag now :doh: , lol. No it's ok I'm hoping this engine will be a good one.
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: Jeremy_Conley on March 20, 2013, 02:41:05 pm

Jeremy,

In stead of charging $60-$65 for shipping on top of the engines price, we just decided to roll the cost of shipping/insruance/signature into the price and offer Free shipping to simplify the order process.

-Geoff

Thanks for clearing that up. Will be ordering one in a few weeks hopefully. I'm in the process of buying a house and should be closing next week, so hopefully after things settle down here ill give ya a call.
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: vegascarts on March 21, 2013, 12:04:59 am
Good move buying a house! Let me know when youre ready.

-Geoff
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: Darkviper on March 22, 2013, 03:36:45 pm
I just took my brand new 420 predator back and in few days i should be ordering one.
I just ordered it cant wait to get it.
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: Darkviper on March 22, 2013, 08:01:45 pm
Thanks vegascarts for good customer service
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: rceagle1a on March 29, 2013, 12:39:07 am
I received my engine and over all it looks pretty good. The ports in the head are pretty clean and will just need some cleanup and slight blending to make flow. I will try to get some pictures up soon on what things look like inside. But so far so good guys!
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: vegascarts on March 29, 2013, 11:15:39 am
Really excited to see your buildup!

Post Lots of pics :)
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: Darkviper on March 30, 2013, 12:28:25 pm
I just got mine yesterday. It looks way better porting job then what we did to my brigs. Cant wait to get this one rolling oh one question do i need to get billet retainers and split lock valves to?
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: 2nstoys on March 30, 2013, 02:36:28 pm
You will need the retainers that match whatever valve spring you are going to use.
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: Darkviper on March 30, 2013, 10:13:50 pm
thanks glenn
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: vegascarts on March 31, 2013, 06:51:37 pm
Yes,

SS Valves, Billet Retainers & Split Locks are required for high performance use.

I wouldnt keep a stock valvetrain in my lawnmower :)

-Geoff
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: rceagle1a on March 31, 2013, 09:26:33 pm
Geoff, as soon as I get the motor mount tubes into my frame I'll start with pics of this enginebuild up. I was gonna use 1inch square tubing for the motor mounts but I have decided to use 1by2 rectangle Iinstead to make the mounts a little broader for the motor to sit on.
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: Darkviper on April 01, 2013, 01:58:18 am
Iv got build my chassi first then ill go for the engine it will be month oh so when i get all peices for chassi im coming close.
I think im using 1/4 or 1/8 thick steel to build my motor mount its i think thicker then my orginal motor mount.
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: vegascarts on April 01, 2013, 01:39:02 pm
Very Cool! I want to start a gallery on my site so If you have images...send them on over please.
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: Darkviper on April 02, 2013, 10:09:03 am
I will do
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: rceagle1a on April 13, 2013, 10:23:35 am
There is progress happening but it is slow going now. Will update soon.
Title: Re: Great News Possibly Developing!
Post by: goinbroke2 on August 09, 2013, 08:43:40 am




Hmm, looking at the third picture, either the intake gasket is on backwards or they cast the head wrong! LOL!