The predator motor is a wildly popular choice for go karts and mini bikes for two main reasons.It is based from the bullet proof Honda motor design. Reason number two is that Predator has mass produced this engine and made it inexpensive.These motors are very popular for mini bikes and go karts. Two of the most popular are the 212 cc and the 240 cc versions of the motor.Right now, you can get the Predator 212 cc version for 124.99 and the 240cc version for $379.99
Here is the Harbor Freight listing
?This Predator 212cc gasoline engine has gas-saving overhead valves for cooler, cleaner performance and longer life. The horizontal shaft is ball-bearing mounted, making this gas engine an ideal replacement for most standard engine configurations. The powerful gas engine features? https://www.harborfreight.com/65-hp-212cc-ohv-horizontal-shaft-gas-engine-epa-69730.html”
Another reason is decent quality on this Honda clone motor-
?Another pleasant surprise was the castings and finish. Unlike the grainy castings of many of the other clones, the Predator is closer related to the Honda as far as detail and quality. It comes with the usual features?https://www.kartpartsdepot.com/product_p/001.htm ?
So, our mission is to take this stock motor from Harbor Freight and add a little more horsepower? so starts our quest.
Old school hot rod motorcycle knowledge tells me that there are a few ways to get more power from a motor. Increase the amount of fuel and air to the combustion chamber is the main method.Actually a great article about ?Hotroddin? the Predator? is here https://www.kartpartsdepot.com/product_p/001.htm . This article details the boost of a Predator 212..
?So off comes the gas tank to be replaced with an aluminum top plate for added strength. Then the air box and stock filter to be replaced by a K & N racing style air filter and adaptor. Next, let?s complete this motor?s breathing improvements and get rid of that very restrictive exhaust system??This guy goes into detailed motor work which is out of our scope for trying to make a little more horsepower, so we settled for the basics. K&N filter, larger main jet and a better flowing exhaust.
One of the quickest ways to get more power is get more mixture in (replace the intake breather and exhaust system)So that is our quest. A basic Predator stage one kit install. How to install Air Filter adapter kit and main jet, on 212cc Predator https://youtu.be/K8eBsBrWwYwI was watching another video ?Predator 212 Carburetor Jets and Performance Air Filter https://youtu.be/wGsgFyoAzkA” and see this guys has a problem? look at his exhaust (insert picture)Here was another good video detailing the stage one build, Predator Performance Mods: Stage 1 Kit https://youtu.be/UTUQvR4A9DsThe stock exhaust is epa approved and very restrictive. So we need a replacement.
At this point in the article above he doesn?t give an option for the exhaust, so off we go on the quest. Ok Google, we searched predator 212 performance exhausts.We found this gem a site called Robertson?s Torque Tubes.This is a small company in Rapid City South Dakota that produces all kinds of exhaust headers..
Here is an excerpt from the article I found??Its one thing to know the mechanics of how a stepped header exhaust works. Your chosen exhaust make more horse power for your Predator 212 motor? The only way to build a header that produces the most torque and horsepower at a operating rpm range is extensive dyno testing.This is done from years of experience on what shapes and sizes produce the best results? https://www.robertsonstorquetubes.com/post/small-engine-exhaust-how-to-get-more-horsepower-from-your-predator-212-motor ?
Robertson?s Torque Tubes boasts this description:
?Custom Performance Exhaust Headers for Small Engines.Small engine exhaust pipe headers for go karts, mini bikes, mudboats, mowers and other small gasoline powered small engine equipment.Performance header tubes for mini bike exhaust and go kart exhaust are our specialty.?
These pipes are designed from over 20 years of experience with getting the most power from a small engine. The owner, Rex Conrad is tireless. He designs and dyno tunes the pipes to get the best design for a predator motor.
OK done, solid motor with some more horsepower! Mission accomplished!
Resources:https://www.harborfreight.com/65-hp-212cc-ohv-horizontal-shaft-gas-engine-epa-69730.htmlhttps://www.kartpartsdepot.com/product_p/001.htmhttps://youtu.be/K8eBsBrWwYwhttps://youtu.be/wGsgFyoAzkAhttps://youtu.be/UTUQvR4A9Dshttps://www.robertsonstorquetubes.com/post/small-engine-exhaust-how-to-get-more-horsepower-from-your-predator-212-motor
