Author Topic: $99 Harbor Freight 212cc = Pushrod class?  (Read 4263 times)

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Offline bubruins

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$99 Harbor Freight 212cc = Pushrod class?
« on: April 08, 2019, 06:20:47 PM »
Thumbing through the rulebook here: the $99 harbor freight motors have pushrods and I believe fit the rules for the pushrod classes based on cam location and pushrod length. Before I start throwing money at this not-so-$99 idea, can anyone think of any reason it would not fit the class or to avoid it? Any reason not to do Pushrod Blown Fuel with this combo?

Offline Milwaukee Midget

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Re: $99 Harbor Freight 212cc = Pushrod class?
« Reply #1 on: April 08, 2019, 06:35:27 PM »
Bike or car?
"Problems are almost always a sign of progress."  Harold Bettes
Well, I guess we're making a LOT of progress . . .  :roll:

Offline bubruins

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Re: $99 Harbor Freight 212cc = Pushrod class?
« Reply #2 on: April 08, 2019, 09:27:30 PM »
Bike. Thinking 250cc APS-PBF

Offline Stan Back

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Re: $99 Harbor Freight 212cc = Pushrod class?
« Reply #3 on: April 08, 2019, 10:28:31 PM »
"Blown" may be the word you remember.
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Offline Koncretekid

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Re: $99 Harbor Freight 212cc = Pushrod class?
« Reply #4 on: April 08, 2019, 10:51:57 PM »
Depends on which venue you are talking about.  Loring allowed one in the 250-APG class but I don't have my other rulebooks handy to check.  I believe that AMA only allows motorcycle motors.
Tom
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Offline donpearsall

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Re: $99 Harbor Freight 212cc = Pushrod class?
« Reply #5 on: April 09, 2019, 02:24:34 PM »
I agree with Tom. For motorcycle classes you can only have motors that actually were built for motorcycles with a production run of 500 or more.  The rule for BMST is "All classes are to use motorcycle engines. A motorcycle engine is defined as any motor that was specifically designed for use in a motorcycle." I am pretty sure SCTA is the same.

Don
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Offline wobblywalrus

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Re: $99 Harbor Freight 212cc = Pushrod class?
« Reply #6 on: April 09, 2019, 03:59:44 PM »
It might be a good idea to start with an engine having better design and more robust materials than a $99 Harbor Freight specimen.

Offline salt27

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Re: $99 Harbor Freight 212cc = Pushrod class?
« Reply #7 on: April 09, 2019, 08:18:26 PM »
The local cart racers have a budget class that specifies the unmodified (yeah right) HF engine.

They thrash them pretty hard and they seem to stand up.

I don't think they would be considered a bike engine though.

Maybe mini bike?   :roll:

Offline bubruins

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Re: $99 Harbor Freight 212cc = Pushrod class?
« Reply #8 on: April 09, 2019, 10:26:43 PM »
I had a feeling I was missing something. Thanks to all for the feedback. I bought a EFI turbo predator 212 project from an friend a few months ago and had it running on a kart but began a mini bike conversion. My goal was to use this on a retro mini bike but I scared myself on it and the 6" wheels with a box stock motor so I figured I'd use the turbo motor on a larger/safer chassis. TBD.

Offline Sumner

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Re: $99 Harbor Freight 212cc = Pushrod class?
« Reply #9 on: May 01, 2019, 10:17:28 AM »
.. with a production run of 500 or more. ...

Is the 500 or more a new deal?  Denis was able to run the one off engine in the BUB Streamliner...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BUB_Seven_Streamliner

... since the engine only ran in his motorcycle streamliner, so was ruled a motorcycle engine back then.  I can't remember if more than one was ever made,

Sumner

Offline salt27

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Re: $99 Harbor Freight 212cc = Pushrod class?
« Reply #10 on: May 01, 2019, 11:35:07 AM »
Sum, I think motorcycle streamliners under 7.J.12 Class UG and UF are not bound to motorcycle engines.

At least that's how I read it for the SCTA, for the BMST I have no clue.

 Don
« Last Edit: May 01, 2019, 11:41:25 AM by salt27 »

Offline edinlr

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Re: $99 Harbor Freight 212cc = Pushrod class?
« Reply #11 on: May 01, 2019, 12:18:05 PM »
There are a few 250 cc push rod motors that you will have to compete with if you use the HF motor.  Think Triumph, BSA, HD and some of the Chinese Honda clone motors.  Besides lots of development, these all have gearboxes and clutches that can be strengthened for high speed use.  $99 for the motor wouldn't touch the rest of the expenses to make that thing competitive.  Try looking at some of the cheaper Chinese bikes and that may be your easiest entry point.
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Offline wobblywalrus

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Re: $99 Harbor Freight 212cc = Pushrod class?
« Reply #12 on: May 02, 2019, 12:13:45 AM »
Moto Guzzi, BMW, and Moto Morini all made 500cc pushrod twins.  Some surgery could be used to remove a cylinder.  The rest of the drive train should be able to handle the power.

Offline bubruins

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Re: $99 Harbor Freight 212cc = Pushrod class?
« Reply #13 on: May 08, 2019, 02:08:20 PM »
Interesting. I don't want to give away any secrets here, but it appears that 250cc S-PBF is wide open. Are motorcycle streamliners still permitted to be upright (Burt Munro Style) or do they need to be caged and enclosed (Costella Style)? If so, would the rider use leather riding gear or SFI fire proof?

Offline Stainless1

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Re: $99 Harbor Freight 212cc = Pushrod class?
« Reply #14 on: May 08, 2019, 07:42:13 PM »
All streamliners are enclosed with a cage... the rider wears a fire suit. 
Stainless
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