Harbor Freight 459cc Predator Max Performance Teardown

Today we teardown the Harbor Freight Max Performance 459cc Predator. This is my new favorite big block engine. It has pressurized oil system, light weight piston, big valves, and bigger exhaust ports. Specs are 2800rpms, 24.5ft-lbs of torque, and 15.8HP. This is engine is definitely an upgrade from the predator 420cc. Follow us on the journey to more power!!! Check out the links below and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe.
Parts For The 459cc Engine
34mm Mikuni Kit - bit.ly/2V4WmZa
Performance Kit - bit.ly/3O12rQ0
Header Kit - To Be Announced
40 Series CVT Kit - bit.ly/2Q6mjG7
Chromoly Pushrods - bit.ly/36tsskn
.308 Cam - bit.ly/2Y7SDfP
.275 Cam - bit.ly/2x7EN1O
Billet Rod - To Be Announced
Billet Flywheel - To Be Announced
50lbs Valve Springs - bit.ly/3cYYj0x
65lbs Dual Valve Springs - bit.ly/3HU7GxC
Merch & Events - bit.ly/33YbmtO
Check Out Go Power Sports for all your Go kart needs! bit.ly/2viX9vP
Parts & Tools used on the channel - amazon.com/shop/redbeardsgarage
Quantum Machinery- Siegmund Welding Table - bit.ly/36PHm6G
- Nargesa CC60 Bender - bit.ly/2xWDVxj
Prime Weld Tig 225x - bit.ly/2EbSIqK
Prime Weld MIG180- bit.ly/2Q44l5V
Benchmark Abrasives (cut-off wheels, flap discs..) bit.ly/2SENg4f save 10% REDBEARD10
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Sweetwater, TN 37874
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*********Disclaimer*********
Please do not try to re-enact or recreate anything you see in these videos. We are trained professionals. Red Beards Garage does not take any responsibility for injury's created by doing so.
#RBGKarts #RedBeardsGarage

[@TimelessMotors]

Biting my nails over here waiting for more 459 mods. Just picked one up this week. Keep us updated please brother.

[@iain9541]

What did u end up doing to yours

[@Troygehring]

It’s pretty cool that predator is making new engines!

[@downtoearthconstruction7768]

Words come out of my mouth when I talk!

[@Tahmanakki]

pretty sure that "predator" is not making any engines and they buy and rebrand ones from chinese brands (loncin, ducar etc)

[@beardedbaldguy4359]

Umm nope. They are built in California

[@dustysrandom5079]

“Always sucks pulling apart a new engine” I agree. Every time I do one I think…. This may never run again…

[@dwightschrute3862]

But it sounds like they always do since you keep doing it!

[@mack9120]

But when you start it when finished man what a prideful feeling

[@charlesgraham9954]

back in the 70s we had zero after-market. sweet thing was, my grandpa and dad had a small engine repair shop. i had a Briggs 15hp tiller engine on my mini-bike. bad thing was, the clutch was also the rap around rope start. something u wouldnt want to get ur leg caught in.. lol later my grandpa took a old dirk-bile clutch and put it on my mini-bike to get ride dangerous rope-clutch. that dirt-bike clutch made that mini-bike way more fun to ride. thanks for the video and ur time bro.

[@papabits5721]

Thanks for doing all you do with these engines, I have been repairing small engines for a long time but I always learn something new.

[@AmishStud98]

Bought one of these engines to replace a clapped-out GX390 Honda engine on a Brister's Chuckwagon. Engine swap was quite easy with no mods needed, except wiring for the starter. Very solid sounding engine and incredible difference in performance. Very torquey. I think this will be a great platform for performance improvements.

[@christiansanchez1486]

Love your videos man I remember getting one of your videos recommended to me, it was the predator 212 Schwin stingray mini chopper and thought it was really neat been into building and learning ever since you’re videos help a boat load when it comes to referencing for help

[@greggthompson7]

I appreciate your stance on using engines like this instead of motorcycle engines.

[@randytravis3998]

it's like the power wheels they just keep doing the same thing over and over . then they put a bigger motorcycle engine on it's like see how fast we can hit a tree ,, love seeing Red Beard build the engines the way he does ,, it's new ..not a copy of 15 other people .

[@mikesbarn1858]

Sweet. Also see if you can find the gapless compression rings. Love seeing the tear down on new engines. Also I enjoy see tear down of failed engines. See what went wrong.

[@kenjohnson5498]

Can't wait to see what can be done with them before buying one. Thanks for the tear down comparison

[@peanutsmcgonnagle2458]

Thanks, Red! Great video! And really appreciate your enthusiasm and innovative ideas for more HP.

[@michaelkosinski5671]

Hey man I just came across your channel and I honestly regret not finding it sooner. I had purchased the 420cc a couple of weeks ago. It's been in the box, but I've done the research and decided to upgrade to the 459cc for the price difference. Thank you for the videos and please make more.

[@tonytaylor5789]

Thanks for what you do to advance our knowledge on these new engines. Love the channel, keep up the good work!

[@jusa6er]

I just bought a dirty max because of the build yall did on it. Loving the full break down. I'm still trying to figure out the best carb and adapter for it. Red Beard, you're a stud. And your beard is magical. Rock on!

[@jamesweideman4834]

Thanks for the great video. So much useful information. I can't wait to get one to swap into my Hammerhead Twister cart.

[@jasonketchum4052]

I am kinda excited! I haven't worked on any of 212's as they don't need it other than oil changes . Plus I have been busy playing around with my 2013 Dominator 800 . Looking forward to seeing what you guys come up with .

[@FredGarrison-tn6zn]

Very informative, can't wait for the aftermarket world to catch up, people like you are a driving force for it. Thank you

[@rebeccacherry5870]

We just put this engine on an Ariens 1336DLE PRO and it is AWESOME. Super interested in seeing a video on building this engine to be a torque monster but with longevity in mind. We need both for snowblowers and this engine is about the largest size wise, that we can fit on our snowblowers. If you make this video, it will also go viral. People around Buffalo need more for their blowers. Thanks in advance.

[@johnconnell1424]

Pretty awesome I love these smaller but powerful engines .build on Red Beard.love the channel ❤️

[@kjell-richardlvdal373]

Thanks for Great walk through of the engine, would be Great on my snowblower

[@timsnyder4891]

Have you been able to confirm that the 625cc exhaust flange fits the 459cc engine?

[@countrychase3873]

Great video, love these!

[@henzoemckoy805]

Always the best. you are a blessing

[@MoondyneJoe]

Greg I thought I would pass a tip onto you for notching tubes I know that they are initially expensive but instead of using hole saws get yourself some end mills of the appropriate size they are quicker, more rigid, can be resharpend and lasting a lot longer, like the hole saws make sure you use cutting oil to extend the sharpness and assisting in keeping them cool You also use the same mills used with a MAG drill as well I hope that this will speed up and improve your notching Tony from Western Australia 🇦🇺

[@Tattedteddygram]

Mr.Red beard , Thank you for what you do for Small Engine Community, ... You've help me in ways can't even imagine, lost brother an Best friend , in 2020 an 2021 an stop working on small engine, an your videos , keep my mind in right place! Have few questions, 1. What days do you drop videos ? 2. Can you drop more videos love your channel ! 3. can you build drag lawnmower ! Please 🙏 Thank you for your time.. God bless

[@NCMATT]

Like the look of the new motor.

[@jon-christiankaczor5384]

On that balance shaft, I worked in a foundry and rhat window cast into the balance shaft is usually just not cast into stuff as to save on material and it does help a Lil with balancing but just a cost cutting measure

[@cortjester1985]

Man that thing is going to be like the old 330 ci engines of the 60s. Short stroke and big bore, rev to the moon baby. I cant wait

[@BubbaB43]

I have one of the new WildCat 460cc. I did exactly the same as you, tore it completely down and went billet everything. Everything in my motor was comparable to the aftermarket world. BTW they now make reverse gearboxes for a 40 series torque converter. I've got one on the way. I can't believe that crankshaft taper is different, just use a 69mm "stroker" crankshaft, I've got several and i work in sweatwater every night. The WildCat block is super beefy and looks a lot like that one. The WildCat has a flat top Piston. It's crazy that the harbor freight engine is a 7 bolt.

[@joeyt4855]

Where did you get your "new WildCat 460cc"? Did you just get it from EC? They just told me they don't have any in yet - not until April.

[@gokartmozart1567]

I am REALLY impressed with this engine. The piston looks like an f1 or sportbike piston.

[@danbennett8026]

I’m past ready for the build!! Going to put her on a mini reaper chopper!

[@davidsuarez1279]

Had in issue with one when deleting the governor and tore the gasket so I rtv it and it made the cam seize up put ill loosen the bolts a 1/4 turn and it would free up so I believe you need to use the gasket for the correct spacing due to it riding between the block and that cover

[@frederickwoods5943]

At 18:30 it would have been nice to have a scale to compare the piston weight. That is a nice stock piston as far as can be seen in the video. I had 92mm pistons in an air-cooled VW with the stock 69mm stroke years ago; it is a very popular mod. ARC needs to build the rod and flywheel so you can spin it up 😏

[@averyintrusive7610]

Awesome video. Looking forward to some advanced inspection. Maybe a carb cleaner leak down on those valves?

[@1620GarageAndFarm]

Great break down. Just scored one yesterday for 424.99 with the 15% off at harbor freight this weekend. I’m dropping mine into American Sportworks UTV replacing and old Honda GX390. Planning on doing a swap and review video on it !! Thanks for all you do covering the small motors.

[@lloydbaker7099]

Very exciting information

[@coleswolemma]

Red beard you da man brotha! Love ur channel

[@larrybreuer4495]

Very well presented! 👍👍❤️

[@bryduhbikeguy]

I'd guess the 2nd 'magnet' location on the flywheel is for a V-twin being built.Hopefully.Your measuring everything was Awesome.Best analysis I've seen on an engine tear down.Are the cam lobes timed correct enough,as the stroke is not the same,and also where the lobes are placed for the lifters in width?Thanks Greg.I'm always learning something.

[@joekeiser582]

Very informative video

[@carnivorecave]

You've come a long way big guy...

[@anonymousproductions1792]

I’ll usually drill an oiling hole in the rod cap on those predator engines, and polish down all the casting marks and flaws. Rlly helps.

[@redneckasmr-xd1gg]

i read somewhere that if u increase the volume between the engine and turbo it makes the turbo more effective on single cylinders because it delays the pulses. but im sure it it's a trial and error thing dependent on engine size.

[@trikermoe]

Good stuff nice to see dyno numbers vs seat of pants opinions

[@charlessimms6456]

Any updates on new mods for the 459 ? Getting ready to buy one for my golf cart and would love to upgrade before installing it.

[@adhdgaming7463]

Just got one the other day planning to put it into at old yamaha g1 golfcart

[@johnsmithfakename8422]

The oil system in my opinion is the biggest merit of the redesign and something I think the .224 desperately needs.

[@edkent2287]

Can not wait to see how this new engine develops with time. I purchased one to repower. Is there any info out on how much the charging system puts out? Thanks again for all you do with these engines.

[@anonymousproductions1792]

It definitely gets good lubrication. I mean it has an oil pump and a oil dipper from the rod for even more

[@gulfport69]

Great video, thanks very much. This is the same engine on A-IPower’s generator model SUA12000E. I got one from my neighbor last week who said it was locked up and wouldn’t run. Only had 56 hours on the meter and looked brand new. Oil level was very low and the crankshaft would not turn over by hand with the cover removed. I’m thinking the low oil sensor failed possibly and it threw the push rod(s) or broke the cam journal? Am hoping to get in there to see what failed and your video was a great help.

[@darrinbunston5932]

In your opinion do you think you could utilize the 3 bolt-holes coming off flywheel to add an extra belt pulley to power something power something separately other than what you put on the shaft side of the engine

[@igokarts4510]

Love it! Got one to put in an Odyssey fl250.

[@Plan_v8]

Have you completed it already?

[@igokarts4510]

@@Plan_v8 just getting started. Check out "I ❤️ Go karts" for build updates.

[@cbr600rx7]

Hey red beard. Can you verify the 670 twin exhaust flange is the same for the 459 single. We have the 459 on a little junior pulling tractor for my daughter and really need to finish up the exhaust for for. The 420 duromax we removed has a completely different exhaust flange orientation as well.

[@randytravis3998]

I would like too see a screw on oil filter system .. that way you can check it / cut it open / with out having to drain the engine .. also will the new rod keep the splash knife on it for the oil system ?? also if you did a oil filter system you could add a oil cooler to the system .. what is the inner and outer dia of the crank for the flywheel .. looks like a old B&S apposed twin vertical engine have a few of them flywheels kicking around plus a few others in my barn ,, 40 years of collecting and working on mowers .. great video Red Beard

[@igokarts4510]

Can you do a video on the oil pressure gauge install?

[@USAF33]

Awesome video. I need a backup engine for my 440 Predator heavily modded gold dredge motor and this 459 should work. I would need an open element air filter on to and a header. How about roller rockers like I have in my 440 hemi head? Would they work in this motor?

[@byker283]

Thanks redbeard! Great video. I have already built my exhaust flange and purchased 1. 1/2 pipe and was planning on using my gps silencer. Do you think I should use 1 1/4 instead for back pressure? I know it’s test and play at this point, just curious! Love your testimony btw! I have family in sweet water

[@osojayydoubleoseven9222]

Hey rbg i love your videos i watched them every day to learn. Can the 420 adapter fit on the 459 engine?

[@brighambaker3381]

Another great video! Thank you, man! It's been a few months since you did this one, is there any update on the rod and flywheel??

[@michaelmcevoy7756]

I'm having the same problem with my Harbor Freight Max Performance 459cc. I cannot find a Billet flywheel nor Billet connecting rod anywhere eventhough this engine has been on the market for just over a year now. Had I known this in advance, then I definitely would have went with the older Predator 420cc. I am in desperate need for some professional advice from absolutely ANYONE who has the same Max Performance 459cc who is also having some of the same problems thatcgv.,

[@daniellopatin567]

@@michaelmcevoy7756 I just installed a 34mm Mikuni from go power sports massive improvement! Also the other two compatible parts I bought were 65lbs Valve springs and a .308 Cam from go power sports that’s what I’m installing next, so far 75mph with a 50T sprocket on a ct200u no governor 🤙

[@andrewkuczinski3683]

Hey RB I’m building a mud boat with the 459 and I did the governor delete I was wondering the best carb to put on trying to get most power thanks for help hope you get some exhausts for them soon!

[@kwatt-engineer796]

I don't pretend to be an expert in this. But this new engine reminds me a bit of the old 350 vs 400 cu inch Chevy small blocks. The 400 had a longer stroke and did not compensate with a longer con rod. the rod had a much larger angle from from big end to to wrist pin. The outcome was that the 400 was rev limited compared to the 350. Stock 400s fell out of favor because of this. It will be interesting to see the performance potential of this engine compared to the old 420.

[@jamest.5001]

Back in the day I was looking for a over head cam motorcycle head to swap on to my flat head Briggs, maybe find a 4valve head, maybe convert to timing belt, along with port work, it should make alot more power, definitely a better rod and flywheel, I also was thinking about swapping to a motor cycle ignition, and rotor, cdi ignition, that would spin up fast, may not idle slow, so mays well cam it up!

[@jmangus83]

Should have measured the piston to head clearance to see if it we can close the squish gap to raise compression with a longer rod

[@randy8296]

Great video! On the 212 when you upgrade the exhaust and air cleaner you have to change the main jet. I imagine that will be the same thing with this engine. Do you know if the air cleaner kits and jet are the same as the 420? will the parts interchange? Getting ready to put the 459 in a golf cart and I'll have a modified exhaust and air cleaner kit, probably going to need to re-jet it. So far I can't find parts listed for the 459, except a complete new carb.

[@This_Guy1]

A gentleman on Ebay sells exhaust headers for the 459cc at a good price. Can also do custom variations of his products

[@jaysunkreuze1466]

I'll be honest, the moment you build this engine the video will go viral. Please be sure to give us the spec on the pushrods that you build as well. I'm really, really invested in buying this engine for a mountain buggy build for this winter so it will be ready by summer. I've got my eyes on supercharging it due to my elevation that can exceed 7000 feet here in the Montana Rockies. I hope you can do this soon. And I hope gopowersports gets building billet parts for this right away. Also, that stock cam looks good as is and will most likely push more torque than a bigger lift lobe. It would be nice to see a longer duration cam for more torque but right now I think that stock cam would do everything I need it to.

[@RedBeardsGarage]

I'm still waiting on parts to come back but I'm ready as soon as they get here.

[@dr.jonedevonmanhattancarmo1355]

Who should I send a stock casted connecting rod to, in order to have a custom Billet rod made? Please let me know... I appreciate you and Thanks

[@hookedwithbryan]

Will you still be doing this build ?

[@jefferylambert7978]

Will you still be doing this build

[@brianrhubbard]

I have noticed HF has been stepping their marketing game up the past couple of years.

[@ttank1994]

So it appears the functions of the oil pump are to passively filter the oil through a screen which probably has a decently larger micron rating than the average spin-on, to provide some pressure to the assumed low oil ignition cutoff switch, main and balance shaft journals. Does that sound accurate? I was a little surprised not to see a ball bearing support for the PTO and MAG side of the crank shaft but I guess if it gets supplied with pressurized oil it really shouldn't matter as much in the long run.

[@mingusbreeze]

Thanks.

[@cohocarl]

Flywheel removal- 2 ball pein hammers. Round ball on one hammer in center bolt hole on the crankshaft & hit it with the other hammer. No pry bar needed.

[@firzout]

Hey there RB! As always another great informative video! I picked up a 459cc to swap into my Yamaha G9 golf cart. My question is will a 780 primary clutch fit the 459cc as it does the 420cc Predator engine? Also any luck on updates information on what carb and exhaust upgrades exist for the 459cc if any yet? Thanks in advance

[@bradengiffin285]

Did you ever find an answer for the clutch? I’m trying to do the same thing in my ezgo

[@1620GarageAndFarm]

After getting mind installed I love the performance. My complaint right now... The motor is COLD blooded and it almost always needs choke to start. And the choke lever does not have an option to mount a remote cable like the GX390 and predator 420 does ... I will need to bust out the 3D printer and fab something up.

[@gjghrs]

Con rod taper on small end is a weakness. Wouldn't it be better to use a standard rod small end and mill out piston for adequet rod to piston clearance?

[@jacobcollins7407]

I and many others need performance parts for this engine

[@rilo79z]

What would you do to it for a club car precedent and would it work

[@PRBB25]

Thanks for sharing RB! I just put in an order for it on the HF website. I’ll be highly interested in any parts you get fabbed up for this thing ( minus the fly wheel) my plan is to use it as a surface drive motor on a boat.

[@chuckb9867]

That's a good one I didn't think of that hope it works for you

[@bryduhbikeguy]

Nice.I'd love to see the set-up.I've been brain-putting about trying to do power for a canoe that's not flat-backed.

[@NN1Ckl.]

@@bryduhbikeguy It needs basically a big stabilizing plate on the bottom aft at the same level as the middle of the prop. It smooths the water flow in a way that you'd get some speed out of it(makes it actually really plane out). Makes it kind of a torpedo like shape in the water looking

[@kennethboisan]

I plan to use it for a mud motor, too 👍

[@jumper5029]

Been using this engine on my 14-36jon with swamp runner kit

[@hankhill5860]

The rod is a bit shorter but the height of the wrist pin holes on the piston might play in the difference Maybe?

[@nitewatch2.027]

Think I just found my future engine for my Owasso Trike

[@joshvandruff1790]

I’m sold. I’m gonna get me one for my buggy build.

[@caleballen5592]

Is there a crank with the same stroke but GX390 tapper out there so you can run a GX390 sized flywheel?

[@carltruviso5081]

so how this engine stack up to the duro max 440 ? out of the box ? and whats the atvantage now ? a bigger bore and valves and oiling perks ?

[@Confuzd70]

What was the weight difference in the pistons and the lob height difference in the upgraded cam and the factory cam

[@terifunk3861]

do you know if they make a larger charging coil that will fit the new engine

[@Parents_of_Twins]

I would suggest Dyechem on the crank to see which flywheels fit and which do not. It will give you a more accurate fit then paint and isn't any more expensive.

[@moyeet7]

hi, i tried connecting a battery to my 459cc predator and white smoke started to come out of the right side of the motor near the pull start and now it wont start even off of pull start, I know im dumb, just trying to learn and it backfired, any ideas what it could be? im thinking ignition coil maybe? any help would be awesome please

[@hankhill5860]

That black plug on the sump cover looks like it leads to the oil pump what's inside it beyond that plug? Is there a screen and magnet or something?

[@charliehollis5614]

Do you think it will have more power than 18 horse 440 and torque at 15 hp ?

[@Band-Maidfan]

Short skirt piston looks really good. How long it last is the million dollar question?

[@tonytrv]

Hey Bud what’s the best torque converter to use for this beast!?

[@rowdyhoundsman]

Hey have you built up any V-twin diesel engines? There’s a Winsun 20 hp V-Twin diesel that looks like a good engine to use.

[@Antogfishing]

Remove the pin on balancer in cams to stable the idle.

[@jerrybradley1420]

when you were working on using the polaris ctv where did you get the taper sleeve?

[@rebeccacherry5870]

Can this engine accept dual charging output coils, so it will power heated grips and aux led lights on a big snowblower ?

[@samsgarage1716]

I really want to go get a 459cc engine now.

[@harleyj3938]

Interested in a parts list for a stage 2 set up.

[@jumper5029]

What do I need to do to upgrade my charging system on my predator 459 mud boat? Just want a lightbar, phone charger depthfinder

[@jamesbryant7355]

I know this is off topic but have an older manco dingo with 40 series torque converter and looking to try and add reverse to it any help you can offer

[@tommycowger9585]

Got a question, can you bore them over? Don't think I've ever heard anyone say that

[@idiocracy5114]

where would the best place to pull pulse for a fuel pump on this engine?

[@dwightschrute3862]

I’m a bit sad, I contacted GPS and they said they have no current plans to build parts for the 459. I was kinda hoping to lightly modify one.