Is building a 196cc engine worth it? Should i use TQ or just build

#1
Hey all, i was wondering, firstly, is a 212 that big of a diffrence compared to the coleman 196cc, also, should i use billet parts and stuff and a carb to build my engine? or should i get a Torque converter CVT and just adjust sprockets and stuff, would it make it more tourqy and faster?
 

SAS289

Well-Known Member
#4
So you are thinking of getting a new bike and then buying a 212?

Over the years a lot of guys have got 212's for their new Coleman bikes to make the torque converter install easier. They bought a new engine just for a 3/4" crankshaft. Then they would credit the 212 for power gains when a large percentage of the gains noticed were from torque converter gearing. Crankshaft size is not a concern on the new Coleman bikes.

For the 196 versus 212 thing I don't think the extra expense is worth it unless you plan to do a big power build. For that you want to start with a bigger engine. 196's work well with mild to moderate builds. I would use that money for the 196 or other things on the bike like a torque converter.
 

VeritableFox

Well-Known Member
#5
As long as the 196 has a 3/4" shaft I'd just strap a TC on it. The primary differences between a 196 and a 212 are a 68mm vs 70mm piston as I recall. The HP rating is the same on both and 212's are usually rated at 0.1 ft/lb more torque than a 196 when stock. At the point I'd replace a 196 I already had I'd be looking into a Tillotson 236R crate engine or building up a 263R short block.
 
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