Glad to blow a hole in the case.

[doug]

Flathead definitely has the cool factor but if you just want a runner to ride for shits and giggles just slap a predator ghost on there and you'll be smiling like happy hour at the whorehouse

A ghost you say. That’s another pro.

 

[Minimichael]

Cool is good. How much fab for Predator I wonder?

This site is full of that information.

 

[massacre]

Flathead definitely has the cool factor but if you just want a runner to ride for shits and giggles just slap a predator ghost on there and you'll be smiling like happy hour at the whorehouse

Blasphemy

 

[sparkwizard]

He spelled RAPTOR incorrectly and autocorrect made it look like GHOST.

 

[massacre]

It's not hard to make a flathead run great. predators are a crutch imho and they look wrong.

 

[Thepaetsguy]

Flathead briggs is cheaper to build also

 

[sparkwizard]

No rockers, no pushrods, no plastic parts, no fuel lines no ugly valve cover, and no ugly backward slanted cylinder.
Why would you use one of those high maintenance modern Chinese things?

 

[Mr. Pink]

Why would you use one of those high maintenance modern Chinese things?

Yeah, I'm heavily into preserving the classic Briggs engines with points and Pulsa Jet carbs.
But ya can't beat the convenience of picking up a brand new Predator at Harbor Freight for just over $100 on sale.

 

[massacre]

Selling out to China for convenience
Just my stupid opinion
Everyone is different

 

[Augiedoggie]

70 years ago hot rodders and purists had the same arguments about flatheads vs overhead valve motors. No secret who won the debate. I respect the "flathead forever" argument from the traditional purists but some non mechanical/lazy/ spare time strapped mini bike/kart enthusiasts and hobbyists will take the easy route and run out to Harbor Freight or Pep Boys and pop $120 for a cheap clone motor and enjoy their ride. Certainly not as cool as your Briggs but riding nonetheless. Given the choice, most of us would opt for the traditional motors we grew up riding, but some folks just want to ride and don't look down at what's driving them.

 

[sparkwizard]

Yeah, I'm heavily into preserving the classic Briggs engines with points and Pulsa Jet carbs.
But ya can't beat the convenience of picking up a brand new Predator at Harbor Freight for just over $100 on sale.

Sure thing. Great replacement for the kid's Coleman, but not a Boonie Bike, Rupp or the Powell in question here.

 

[Mr. Pink]

Selling out to China for convenience

Often times when I'm faced with a choice of purchasing a product one made in America and the other not, I will spend the extra money for the one made in it USA.
But there is not always a choice.

 

[sparkwizard]

70 years ago hot rodders and purists had the same arguments about flatheads vs overhead valve motors. No secret who won the debate. I respect the "flathead forever" argument from the traditional purists but some non mechanical/lazy/ spare time strapped mini bike/kart enthusiasts and hobbyists will take the easy route and run out to Harbor Freight or Pep Boys and pop $120 for a cheap clone motor and enjoy their ride. Certainly not as cool as your Briggs but riding nonetheless. Given the choice, most of us would opt for the traditional motors we grew up riding, but some folks just want to ride and don't look down at what's driving them.

All good points. You failed to factor in the country of origin. I not only suspect this, but I KNOW part availability and price will kill these flatheads just like it did for automobiles and tractors. Enjoy them while they last, Fellas!

 

[Minimichael]

Just sayin' a flathead would be an easier swap. If you do get a predator, do yourself a favor and just leave that governor in place. If all you want to do is ride, you'll rest easier without all the aftermarket and upgrade possibilities ruining your sleep

 

[Augiedoggie]

Vintage eye candy for the purists
I love these old warriors as much as the next guy. These are current pictures of running race cars

 

[funky ole]

Vintage eye candy for the purists
I love these old warriors as much as the next guy. These are current pictures of running race cars View attachment 303964 View attachment 303965 View attachment 303966

come to pittsburgh and check out the vintage gran prix at shenley park.

 

[doug]

I’ve decided no Predator on my Powell.

I realize this B&S on my chipper is not a flat head. Is it considered a honda clone? Is it even made in US?

 

[cl350rr]

Vintage eye candy for the purists
I love these old warriors as much as the next guy. These are current pictures of running race cars View attachment 303964 View attachment 303965 View attachment 303966

I like the near complete lack of chrome, paint and machine turned aluminum take it's place

 

[Triley41395]

I’ve decided no Predator on my Powell.

I realize this B&S on my chipper is not a flat head. Is it considered a honda clone? Is it even made in US?
View attachment 304199

Don't think it's made in the US
Old flatheads are around.

 

[Augiedoggie]

I like the near complete lack of chrome, paint and machine turned aluminum take it's place

Caddy powered drag car uses an old camshaft as front frame connector. I did a double take when I first saw it. That is real vintage ingenuity.