Heald VT-8 top engine support bracket.
- Thread starter Sprocket86
- Start date
When I first rode my VT-8 and applied the brakes I was surprised how on/off they were without any way to effectively modulate the brake application. This can't be how these were designed and then I seen a picture of that ever so important band brake pin holder. It helps with the self energization effect of the brake band. Looks like I have another part to fabricate.
More like I'm just tricking it out just little.... lol. block is in real good shape and all. just needs a quick hone . new rings, valve job and maybe little cleaning up the ports if any bad casting flaws. plan on running a flat side 24mm mikuni, advance timing just a tad, stock cam with maybe stock springs unless i find something i feel will work better. stock cam setup will pull power right to 4700+ rpm's all day. nothing worse than riding a minibike and then getting to 3600 rpm's and have it fall on its face with the stock rod and governor setup.
It would be pretty cool to do a mild build on a HM Tec. I was always told and read that the stock rod will let go if revved past 4k RPM but I don't believe that. It's too bad you cannot get an ARC billet rod for the 8hp. The ungoverned Mikuni 24mm sounds really cool and would probably bolt right up to the stock intake. Yeah hitting the 3600 rpm wall is mega boring lol. Do all HM engines have a cast iron cylinder liner?
not all 8hp and 10hp come with sleeves. not sure on the rod journal size on the 8hp and the rod length and pin/piston bore size...etc. but if it was only the rod journal that was different on a 8hp. guy could have the journal rewelded and grind to a 10hp size and then run a billet rod. that's a BIG if. need to do some micing and research first.
Made a lot of progress on this Bronc today.
Finished the engine support bracket. Works amazing and I strongly recommend this mod for any Bronc owner.
I filled in any unnecessary holes that were drilled over the years and I made a kickstand mount reinforcement plate that greatly stiffened the engine plate where it bolts up. I fixed the crack and added two additional welds on the backside of the plate.
The bike has way less vibration and the engine feels locked in the frame now. Huge improvement.
Another big upgrade was the brake band pin holder I made up. The bakes work way better and you can actually modulate the pressure and not lock it up. Another must have.
Finished the engine support bracket. Works amazing and I strongly recommend this mod for any Bronc owner.
I filled in any unnecessary holes that were drilled over the years and I made a kickstand mount reinforcement plate that greatly stiffened the engine plate where it bolts up. I fixed the crack and added two additional welds on the backside of the plate.
The bike has way less vibration and the engine feels locked in the frame now. Huge improvement.
Another big upgrade was the brake band pin holder I made up. The bakes work way better and you can actually modulate the pressure and not lock it up. Another must have.
Thank you sir! I can remember when I first joined OldMiniBikes.com I read a lot of your posts/replies regarding the big Healds and I have wanted one since.