Thought I would post this thread after having some customer questions about the different brands of engines available for DB motor swaps.
First of all and not to repeat on other existing threads regarding the HF engine, But there is a issue with the new HF and greyhound engine having a taller gas tank. This puts the gas cap really close to the frame rail and makes fueling them up not as easy as the older design. This is more of an inconvenience than anything but could be worked around. But If you choose to install a different tank you just cannot use a Honda clone tank in place of the existing tank. The HF-Greyhound engine block is a different casting and does not have the rear tank mount tabs. The new style block also has a different side cover and you cannot use Honda or Honda clone gaskets which are readily available from the Kart engine builders.The valve cover is also different. Another thing I would like to share is the ol "ya get what ya pay for". The new HF engine seems to run good. It's the cheapest buy around. But for those who bought one with dreams of hot rod hop up's I would take a look at the pics I have attached. And I would not advise running a new style HF engine with the Governor removed or the engine modified. Paying $20 to $50 less for it may bite your fun in the butt.The pics are of the internal parts of a new HF engine I inspected today compared to a Honda clone engine I know is worthy of modifications.
HF Crude drilled crank balancing
Good Honda Clone crank!
Honda clone cam and HF cam
(note the thickness of the two and the crude grinding job done to remove the casting slag on the thinner HF cam on the right.)
HF side cover and Honda Clone Side cover
( look at the difference in the thickness of the webbing that supports the load on the side cover)
HF
Honda Clone
Side by side comparison. ( the HF side cover still has the gasket attached)
First of all and not to repeat on other existing threads regarding the HF engine, But there is a issue with the new HF and greyhound engine having a taller gas tank. This puts the gas cap really close to the frame rail and makes fueling them up not as easy as the older design. This is more of an inconvenience than anything but could be worked around. But If you choose to install a different tank you just cannot use a Honda clone tank in place of the existing tank. The HF-Greyhound engine block is a different casting and does not have the rear tank mount tabs. The new style block also has a different side cover and you cannot use Honda or Honda clone gaskets which are readily available from the Kart engine builders.The valve cover is also different. Another thing I would like to share is the ol "ya get what ya pay for". The new HF engine seems to run good. It's the cheapest buy around. But for those who bought one with dreams of hot rod hop up's I would take a look at the pics I have attached. And I would not advise running a new style HF engine with the Governor removed or the engine modified. Paying $20 to $50 less for it may bite your fun in the butt.The pics are of the internal parts of a new HF engine I inspected today compared to a Honda clone engine I know is worthy of modifications.
HF Crude drilled crank balancing
Good Honda Clone crank!
Honda clone cam and HF cam
(note the thickness of the two and the crude grinding job done to remove the casting slag on the thinner HF cam on the right.)
HF side cover and Honda Clone Side cover
( look at the difference in the thickness of the webbing that supports the load on the side cover)
HF
Honda Clone
Side by side comparison. ( the HF side cover still has the gasket attached)