Engine for tractor pulling

[Chris65]

Hopefully someone here can help me out. I am getting ready to build a pulling tractor using an ATV engine and need some advice. These are garden tractors that are converted for pulling a sled just like the big tractors do.

The class I am interested in allows the use of an ATV/three wheeler engine. It can be up to 400cc, but has to be a single cylinder, four stroke engine. We are allowed to modify them, but they have to be run on gasoline, and are not allowed to use any form of supercharging or nitrous. We can start out with a smaller engine and use a big bore kit, but the final size must be 400 or less.

My question is, which engine would have the most power potential for something like this? I am not concerned about brand loyalty or anything like that.

Any help would be appreciated.

[marioweldinginc]

Could the motor be watercooled? If so I would go that route as you should be able to squeeze some more ponies with a WC engine.

[Chris65]

As far as I know the engine can be liquid cooled. The rules do not say otherwise. The only limitations are as I stated in my original post.

[marioweldinginc]

Well then probably a LTZ400 motor. I believe (dont quote me) they are watercooled and put out the most HP in the 400 class.

[Chris65]

Thanks for the info. Is there any year or years that are better than others, or did these engines stay similar through the years?

EDIT:

This may sound like a dumb question, but I am not ATV savvy by any means. After researching, I see people referring to the DVX400 and KFX400 engines as being the same. I know Suzuki and Arctic Cat have relations, but is the Kawasaki KFX400 engine also the same? If so, it will make searching for a donor quad a little easier.

Thanks

Chris

Edited July 24, 2013 by Chris65

[marioweldinginc]

Im not sure who built what for who. I would stick to the Suzuki motor unless you can find out who builds each others motor.

Im a Honda guy so hopefully a Suzuki expert can help you on years to get

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Edited July 27, 2013 by marioweldinginc

[oxidized_black]

EDIT:

I know Suzuki and Arctic Cat have relations, but is the Kawasaki KFX400 engine also the same?

Thanks

Chris

yes, i am pretty sure it was a kawi motor ...

http://www.atvrideronline.com/tested/100_0304_suzuki_quadsport_z400/index.html

Edited July 27, 2013 by oxidized_black

[Chris65]

Thanks for the info guys. I really appreciate it.

[marioweldinginc]

No problem please take pics of the build

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[Chris65]

It will probably be a while before I start this project, especially since I need to find a donor for the engine, but I will definitely document it. We are also planning a tractor build with a Vmax4 snowmobile engine for another class, and I am in the process of building a stock car for my friend's kid right now, so my plate is kinda full. We do document our builds of everything though, so I will share pics here when we get started.

[marioweldinginc]

Ya know the more time you spend online is less time for pics! We love projects too past present and future. 4 wheels and 2 wheels and 1 - 32 cylinders.