not many builds with briggs inteck 6.5 ohv's.

joshua. c.

Well-Known Member
#1
I keep seeing lots of threads about briggs 5hp flathead builds in this section but not many threads with the briggs and straton over head valve engines. The briggs 6.5 ohv is the engine the animal racing engine was based off of so can use all the hop up parts made for the animal. It has just as many aftermarket parts as the briggs 5hp flathead and its a far more powerful platform to start with. I have watched mildly modified over head valve engines outrun heavily modified flatheads and in my personal opinion briggs over head valves they are far better built engines than the predators or clones. I love briggs flatheads as much as anyone but don't forget about their over head valve offerings when you want more power. especially because you can snag them used at flee markets for 50$ or less sometimes. far cheaper then any predator. lets see some over head valve builds!
 

nightgrider

Well-Known Member
#2
I think for most there's a nostalgia factor for the old flat heads and they look at home on vintage frames. Predators are super popular right now, mostly for the entry fee and output. Good for beginners who do not want to hassle with tinkering to get an older engine running again and want reasonable power. Plus they are plastered all over youtube. I personally like the look of a flathead especially on a vintage bike. But I do have a Predator on my bike, it came with the frame. I think the Predators are ugly looking engines, but I'm pleased with its performance in stock trim.
 

joshua. c.

Well-Known Member
#3
I'm not recommending people to ditch the engine they already have, I'm just letting people know about a grate option for cheep power that is way to often overlooked. I think bringing this option out into the light will be helpful to people when deciding on there next build. also over head valve briggs are newer than flatheads and have fixed jets so there is no tuning to worry about. so it doesn't take much more than a coil cleaning and a carb cleaning to get them running if they aren't running already. even new engines sooner or later need that type of maintenance. if the engine needs more than that its usually pretty clear after a good pull of the pull cord, smooth turning with compression = good rough turning and or no compression = bad.

so if you need an engine try a used 6.5 ohv briggs. good power, good value and good reliability. also as a bonus they are a beautiful looking engine.
 
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#5
I am currently building up a 6.5 intek with an animal rod and a jr racecar flywheel as well as animal valve springs. Only thing that is different is there is no bearings in the block, just bushings wich is kind of a major issue.
 

toomanytoys

Well-Known Member
#6
I was always tecumseh and briggs flat head.

After doing a stage 2 predator with a mikuni I'm sold on Predators. Especially on these coleman, motovox and megamoto frames I play with now. I would NEVER use a predator on a vintage frame!
 

delray

Well-Known Member
#7
if want to get into a full bearing animal block you can do some crazy stroking with a 5hp flathead crank stuff into that block.
here is a aftermarket head buddy is using on his 206 animal so he can keep up with the clones....lol (racing)
race head 2.jpg
race head1.jpg
 

Doc1976

Active Member
#17
I've definitely seen a change in the trends with minis. A lot of people are jumping on the predator "race" minibike thing. The vintage style seems to be only with the older guys (me included) there's nothing wrong with predators in my opinion, but like everything else they have their place. Vintage frames are not it. I would love to see the younger crowd get into the vintage style but it's only cool to us because we had them as kids. Just my thoughts. But flatheads will still find a home in most of my builds (even if they have a few custom touches)
 

Harquebus

Well-Known Member
#19
I would love to see the younger crowd get into the vintage style but it's only cool to us because we had them as kids.
Well it's you guys that drove the vintage bikes through the roof {$$$-$$$$$}, hahaha

So, maybe the kids are left with the newer/new production Tacos, Indians and Azusas and whatever vintage mill they can cobble together because otherwise, it's the China bikes and OHV engines that are the most visible.

I'm kind of shocked that minibikes are as popular as they are in 2021. Craigslist is littered with Colemans, Bajas and Monster/Mega Motos, etc etc.
 
#20
Well it's you guys that drove the vintage bikes through the roof {$$$-$$$$$}, hahaha

So, maybe the kids are left with the newer/new production Tacos, Indians and Azusas and whatever vintage mill they can cobble together because otherwise, it's the China bikes and OHV engines that are the most visible.

I'm kind of shocked that minibikes are as popular as they are in 2021. Craigslist is littered with Colemans, Bajas and Monster/Mega Motos, etc etc.
You can still find bargains sometimes. I usually do pretty good at swap meets. Not somuch with complete bikes, but you can often find rollers and frames for a bargain I bought a vintage sears frame last month for $40.
 
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