Predator 212cc engines are an excellent option for go-karts intended to race or have some fun around the yard, as they are less costly than Ghost engines and can be modified easily into faster performance with some simple upgrades and parts.
This engine employs gas-saving overhead valves similar to those found in pressure washers, pumps, and rototillers. Our compatible replacement engine parts make finding one less of a task in your garage!
Intake
Gas-powered small engines have become extremely popular for mini bikes and go-karts as a power source that is both cost-effective and virtually indestructible. Many copies or “clones” of Honda motors produce a good amount of horsepower per size, providing riders with plenty of performance options to maximize horsepower output from these well-liked motors. There are various methods you can employ to extract even more horsepower out of these motors.
One simple solution is adding a high-flow air filter and intake system, which easily bolts onto an existing carburetor and is an affordable DIY project that can dramatically boost horsepower. These motors require plenty of clean, dust-free air in order to produce horsepower; unfortunately, stock 212cc predator engines often feature restrictive intake systems, which prevent more air than necessary from reaching their carburetor.
Upgrading the exhaust system is another effective way of increasing horsepower and torque by installing a performance header that gradually steps up pipe size in stages for optimal flow and resistance characteristics. This simple modification improves horsepower and torque as well as makes your mini bike or go-kart feel much faster!
The stock Predator 212cc engine produces plenty of horsepower, making it an excellent choice for custom garage build projects. Used on everything from generators, pressure sprayers, and pumps to pumps used for roto-tillering and portable utility equipment like lawnmowers or log splitters, with replacement predator engine parts readily available and an extensive array of compatible accessories there’s no reason why home go-kart or mini bike builders must scour second-rate junk engines from local hardware stores or salvage discarded units from broken mowers or log splitters when building home go-kart or mini bikes or mini bikes from scratch!
Exhaust
Exhaust systems are an essential component of most mini bikes. They work by reducing back pressure and diverting fumes away from the engine while altering engine sound (making it louder), as well as meeting specific performance regulations in sanctioned races.
Your Predator 212 offers several exhaust pipe options that vary in price and features, but each will do one thing: reduce back pressure and direct fumes away from your engine. Some even feature threaded exhaust tips that allow for the installation of mufflers that can muffle any exhaust sounds.
RLV Predator 212 Exhaust Header Pipe is one of the best and most cost-effective options available for your Predator 212 engine. It is constructed of mild steel with an aggressive matte black finish for an aggressive appearance. Furthermore, this exhaust comes complete with all necessary hardware, such as gaskets, nuts, and washers, compatible with your Predator 212 engine for quick installation. It is an excellent addition for mini bikes or go-karts.
Re-Jet
This 212cc gas engine packs plenty of power into a small package. Featuring fuel-sting overhead valves for cleaner performance and extended engine life. Plus, it features a horizontal 3/4″ shaft to mate with most standard mini bike clutch designs for seamless go-karting or backyard mini-biking builds without having to search through secondhand “junk” engines found behind your neighbor’s rototiller or cement mixer!
Go-karts typically fall into one of two categories: race karts and fun/yard karts. Recently, however, these distinctions have blurred as affordable predator 212cc go-kart engines can now be made to perform just like expensive racers by purchasing some inexpensive performance parts.
Install a Predator 212cc performance intake system to increase the amount of air and fuel entering your engine by installing one quickly with a wrench and screwdriver. This system will draw in additional air into the motor for increased horsepower and torque production. In addition, consider installing a high-flow exhaust header to enable extra air into your machine with minimal resistance for increased horsepower and torque production.
Stock predator 212cc carburetors are limited, only allowing engines to rev at around 3600rpm before they begin to float. Ghost engines, on the other hand, are capable of accelerating to over 6000rpm when you disconnect their governors. Suppose you plan on achieving higher RPMs on your ghost engine. In that case, re-jetting will need to occur to provide adequate amounts of fuel into its combustion chamber and prevent overheating, which destroys and overheats engines when their governors are no longer connected – this can be achieved by drilling out more jet holes that allow more fuel into its combustion chamber and avoid ‘lean’ conditions which overheat and overheat engines when left alone without its governors in charge.
Disconnect the Governor
The predator engine is an ideal motor to use in a Go-Kart or mini bike. Unlike larger engines, its purpose is to run at a constant RPM of approximately 3600. This allows it to remain damage-free for as long as possible; an adjustable governor limits the throttle to about half the maximum speed, but you can easily remove this limit and rev the engine more rapidly.
Start by draining your engine oil. To do so, turn your engine upside-down over a bowl or tray and unscrew and remove the short 10mm nut on its bottom side, circled in red below. Once this step has been completed, lay the engine to one side.
Next, remove the governor gear from the top of your engine by loosening it and then removing its nut with a 10mm socket. Additionally, you should take off its washer under it – to help with this step, a magnetic TPS screwdriver might prove beneficial – then put all components back together again using screws as before.
Once you have successfully unbolted and removed the governor gear, a small lock clip should be visible at the base of your engine. A hammer and screwdriver can be used to tap this, although this step is unnecessary as you will eventually dispose of your governor. Expansion of lock rings may take some time, so do it carefully if expanding them is a lengthy process.
At this stage, it’s time to begin taking apart the governor arm from the outside of your engine. It should be held securely by a ten mm nut, which you can remove using a 10 mm socket or wrench. However, getting to the washer beneath the governor gear might prove more challenging; a magnetic tip screwdriver can come in handy here.
Once the governor is out of the way, you can adjust your throttle linkage and make your go-kart much faster. Note that without it in place, your engine could rev up to around 5000rpm maximum; for safety’s sake, if keeping a slower pace (e.g., for children), leaving it is recommended.