Which is harder to find.

[1stlegendtx]

A specific Engine or a specific bike? It seems that more times than not Mini bikes are sold with no Engine. Than you have the daunting task of trying to find the correct year and make of engine. What do you guys think?

 

[marksteinhilber]

Depends on how rare each is and how close a match you want. And that depends on how many of that exact model were made, engine or bike. While the engines wear out, a bike frame really doesn't. So it depends. A Tecumseh HS40 isn't that hard to find. Finding one with the old style shroud is harder, and even harder with a lighting coil and the serial number plate still riveted to the blower housing. Then, if you want all the series numbers to be a specific build or version, or even if you want the serial number to be correct within a range to place the engine within a certain build time frame for correctness, then it is even harder. Chances are, once you find the correct model frame you want, you're set, but finding the engine will be a matter of choice on how close a match you want. Personally, I'm happy with a newer Tecumseh HS40, I'll put on and old style blower shroud (and matching flywheel), and maybe that's just why the serial number plates get removed from the blower housings.