How would 4hp perform?

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lilbowser

New Member
Jul 9, 2015
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Spokane
I am planning out a build with a Honda gc160 engine, Honda states they make 4.6hp at 3600rpm. I will be running it with a torque converter, can anyone with similar hp tell me what kinds of performance they get? Just as a reference, and what sprocket you are using, etc.
 
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curtisfox

Well-Known Member
Dec 29, 2008
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minesota
Look up sportsman flyer he has built a lot of bike with Hondas,the 160 should be a good engine ..............Curt
 

Tony01

Well-Known Member
Nov 28, 2012
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sf bay area
It's going to be good. A TC with stock springs will engage at 2200rpm and shift/ hold your engine around 3300. I have 3.5hp and tried many different transmissions. I tried messing with the TC springs and stuff, see my thread "speed acceleration not satisfied". The TC is kind of weird in that you don't hear the engine rev as you accelerate, but you do hear a slight whooooooooshhhhh as it shifts up.

If you are willing to tweak or adjust the governor I would suggest you you go with a single speed centrifugal or disc clutch, as the acceleration isn't so good but the response is much more predictable, smoother, and sounds right with the revving. Also, you won't be losing performance as time goes on due to belt wear.

The cvt works great if you keep the engine in the original rpm specs, but when you open it up to find your powerband from 3000 to 5500, the cvt becomes extremely disappointing. It really only makes use of 1000rpm of powerband for smaller hp motors, and you can decide where it starts. I adjusted mine to engage at 3300, it shifted around 4100 and the low speed drivability was much worse. If you find a way to get the TC to make use of at least 2000 rpm of powerband LMK.