Converting Kart to LO206 – need advice and help

[Chuck Stovall Jr]

I sold my Rotax engine and I’m converting to LO206 for 2017. I know very little about the LO206 class and the engines. I have confirmed with a few folks (including brad at IMI) that the engine will fit into my Arrow kart. I am 42 yrs old and 185lbs. The Arrow Kart is a 2008. Please help with any and all advice especially these questions:

1) Should I buy a new LO206 complete package or is used an option?
2) I have heard Briggs has had many problems with the motors. Is there any advantage to waiting and buying a LO206 complete package in early 2017?
3) what kind of motor mount do I want?
4) Do I want a Hillard or other clutch?
5) Do I want the Sr (straight) exhaust or do i want the Jr (curved) exhaust?
6) where should I buy the LO206 complete package (who has the best deals and who is best to work with – local Denver or National USA)?
7) How important is motor break-in? Can I do it my self or do i need to have the company where i buy the motor do it?
8 I have heard that 50 hours is the max on a LO206 engine. Is that time frame correct? When the engine needs to be replaced can one just replace the bottom end or does one have to purchase a whole new engine (carb, head, valves, etc) at $580?

If there is any additional links, posts or resources on converting and/or purchasing a LO206, please let me know.

Thanks for the help and for supporting a new entry/team for 2017. I am looking forward to racing with you all in 2017.

Hammer Down,

Chuck Stovall Jr

[Doug Welch]

The best thing you can do is buy local and buy from someone who will be at the tracks where you race. Buy a complete package. Then you won’t have to worry if this or that fits.

Remember that most LO206 racers do nothing more than oil the chain and put gas in them. The only thing you can tune is needle clip and the idle screw. Everything else is stock. Again the local shop will be able to guide you as to what works at the tracks you drive. An out of town seller can’t give you that. Yes you may pay a few pennies more but the service and questions you have will more than offset any additional cost.

[Charles Schendzielos]

“I have heard that 50 hours is the max on a LO206 engine”

In the 4-cycle forums I’ve heard a LOT more than that. How about 3500 hours?:)

Doug is spot on. Buy it from a local dealer and they’ll be happy to set it up. Podium….Brad up at IMI has a few I think.

It’s a robust package that is under-stressed and makes lots of torque with few revs (6100rpm max).
Think of it as a single cylinder baby Harley-Davidson engine (literally, it’s made in Milwaukee).
There are guys with 100,000+miles on their Twin Cam Harley motors. This follows the same sort of low stress environment.

It’ll be a fun year in 2017. A lot of guys are digging out old chassis and slapping a Briggs LO206 on them.

[Chuck Stovall Jr]

Thanks Doug and Chuck. Who all sells the LO206 Packages locally?

Also, what kind or brand of clutch and Jr/Bent or Sr/Straight exhaust pipe?

[Rodney Ebersole]

Chuck, here is the link to the rules. http://www.briggsandstratton.com/engines-racing/~/media/Files/product_catalog/Briggs%20Racing/Briggs2016206%20rules_FINAL.pdf?la=en

5506 or 5507 are the only pipes allowed. 5507 is what is used with a right side motor mount kart like your Arrow. I think the 5506 is designed for a left side motor mount kart like the Beneck kart.
The Hillard flame or blaze work well, even the old Norams. I would suggest utilizing 219 chain drive gears as the od is smaller and will add with clearance at your rear cross member of the frame.
I like the burris 5 degree mount.
Brad is the only local dealer that I have heard that advertises and stocks most everything.
Faster Motors/ Jim France has also provided many packages to our local racers as well I am sure Podium Karting has too.

The many problems you have heard about are quite rare yet always centered around premature wearing of the cams nose which is most vulnerable during the early life of the motor. Use the 4t spec oil and keep the rpms above 2500 for go splash lubing early on.
Feel free to contact me for all your stupid questions as I have all the stupid answers. 😛

[adam_kasick]

Easiest and smartest thing to do is to get a package from greg welch at podium karting. Everything will work correctly and he also has all the gear recommendations for the local tracks.

Imi is fine to buy parts from if you know exactly what you need. Otherwise, greg is your guy.

Extended break in talk is just nonsense. Most people don’t even mess with a proper 10-20 minute break in. They are lawnmower engines. Just change the oil after every other track day, put a close gear on it, and work on driving and setup.

It really is that simple, which is what makes the class great.

Ps- Rodney Ebersole is the local 4 cycle genius. (Replied to the post above) He can answer any and all technical questions.

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