Harbor Freight Predator 224cc Max Performance ~ Worth It?

[@BuildBreakRepeat]

Great comparison on the engines, can’t wait to see the detailed build video!

[@JacobSherwood]

sweet hearts lolol

[@quinngratrix9329]

I just got the predator 224. I was using a stock 196 on my ct200u ex and all I added was a torque converter, it would do 43mph. I put in the 224 and now it will do 46 and I can feel the acceleration increase, definitely more torque!

[@Amberligma7296]

Is that with or without the governer

[@KfromtheBAY]

I got a 224 and straight chained it. Added a curved intake, a genuine vm22 Mikuni carb, and a straight pipe. Mine does about 60. Bought an aluminum 60t sprocket, now it's a rocket.

[@george230]

​@KfromtheBAY where did u buy the chain and sprocket from if i may ask.

[@reviewaccount469]

Impressed you kept a straight face with the "right meow". I definitely caught it and had a good laugh. RBG is an honorary Super Trooper!

[@carnivorecave]

OK Salty...!

[@cayminlast]

It will be interesting to see the end results. I picked up a regular 212 for an old mini bike build, may get a pipe and carb in the near future. Thanks for passing on all the knowledge and experience, it helps a bunch.

[@thedude7726]

Get a 70$ tourqe converter they 100% change these bikes

[@wheelies4days547]

@@thedude7726 the juggernaut is necessary if not governed. I’ve had a chines drive pulley break apart and injured my leg, not fun. That was a stock tillotson 212 with a mikuni and header.

[@brianmorgan7081]

And a fair priced carb jetted if not buy jets too

[@mashakamakarov4296]

Men just got in to mini bikes I’m 41 and 280 pounds fasting and I’m impressed how the Coleman b200r move me with the stock engine I like it so much that got me the new model with suspension

[@Tylerm.944]

I just bought a 224 for my mini bike and about to do a full build awesome engine!!!

[@JacobSherwood]

Nice job man! Definitely makes me want to build mine!

[@ruthgreen7733]

I bought two Predator 212s from Harbor freight in a row both locked up within the first week! The predator 224 hasn’t given me any problems so far.

[@srcobra50]

Its made by Ducar it’s a 225cc. Says Ducar on the carburetor and inside the block. I think it’s worth the money. Like you said the block and crank is worth that alone. Can’t wait to see you build one. Build it with the same mods as a 212 and compare them on the same bike or kart. 👍🏽 👌 👍🏽

[@UnknownQwerty275]

Just bought one! im super excited for the build, all in only 375 for engine, frame, and a throttle assembly!

[@georgesteffens7489]

Looks like a good value so far, looking forward to what you do with it! If I needed an engine I would certainly roll the dice on the 224!

[@wesleyammon8425]

I would definitely get the 224cc, it would also be swapped onto my trailmaster. Love you content, keep up the excellent work.

[@alternatemusicaddict5226]

Perfect application

[@kermitmidthun4306]

I put a 224 on a Troy Bilt tiller, runs strong and never bogs down. Far more powerful than the original Tecumseh LL60 and was Fred Flintstone easy to bolt on.

[@kennethrobinson1672]

Is the 224 predator a good engine

[@longpipegang]

@@kennethrobinson1672 only downside so far is when breaking it in you’ll notice the inside of the engine spent too much time in Vegas and it’ll flush a lot of glitter on the first few flushes. Take note it is about an inch or so taller than the 212 because of the stroke, stock airbox and heat shield are bigger. The rip cord side is also wider which can make foot pegs a tighter squeeze on mini bikes. Bolts in the exact same as other 6hp engines. With all this mentioned is it worth the extra $20 over the 212? Like redbeard said: ABSOLUTELY. It’s just a 212 with noticeably more torque, parts that bolt on the 212 fit the same, and there’s many guides out there for internal part equivalencies. Many people predict if it wasn’t for strict racing leagues they’ll sunset the 212 soon!

[@reesemartin9456]

I am 44 and completely green to mini bikes. Never had a motorcycle, quad, etc. I bought a ct200ex a couple months ago. Ran it outta oil like a dummy. The one time I didn't check the damn oil..I will know better from here on out and learn the proper maintenance for these things. It's been down for a week and I purchased a 224 yesterday based on the recommendation of a guy I met when I was out riding. Anyways, I am waiting on a 3/4" clutch I ordered last night and hopefully will be here today. Original engine was 5/8", I was heartbroken I couldn't put it together yesterday. Hope I can put it together and ride it today (Sunday). This is the most fun I have had in a lonnnng time. It's nice to have a hobby, but for some of us it is just hard to find ORRRR it loses its appeal over time. Anyways, Iike your vid....

[@wesclark9088]

Hell yea man have fun

[@joshporter5459]

I just bought a Manco American Express (finally found one). I drove 2 hours and picked it up, on the way home I went to my local H.F. and bought the 224. I'm pretty excited to get it going.

[@RedBeardsGarage]

Enjoy it

[@DSAutosports]

Great comparison vid. Just bought one and it was only $20 more with membership. Looking forward to next video so me and the team can was out there to try something new!!!

[@denverwilson4408]

I'm not even going to lie I was in harbor freight looking at the motors and you help me decide. Ps I got the 224

[@RedBeardsGarage]

👍🔥

[@ronaldfoster2954]

Thanks for the overview. I’m just before buying an engine for my Cyclekart. The 224 is going to be my choice.

[@SirNC89]

I appreciate the guidance. I plan on ordering a carb, flywheel, etc

[@toddstewart9922]

Very cool. I grabbed the 1st 224 at my local Harbor Freight. I'm going to put it on my Trailmaster when the weather clears up. Can't wait to see what it will do and also see the mods you do to yours. ✌

[@jonyoung6405]

How do you like the 224?

[@jeffbelton9796]

Just got one it's going on a go cart I'm almost done painting

[@cameronwebb3959]

I am excited to see these builds

[@spicydeath82]

kinda chuckling about ever one upset about the plastic cam gear. honda has used full plastic cam shafts on their over head cam small engines. don't think i've seen one of them dead yet and those were on power washers and generators. my hisun engine on my coleman still has the stock cam, ie, the plastic gear one. had it for years now and still works great. and i've ran that motor hard.

[@Deucealive75]

My thoughts exactly. I just did a side by side compare of the 224 stock cam and the Hisun 196 cam. The Hisun cam appears to be of better quality than the 224's cam. haha. I have another mainly stock Hisun on bike that is governed to 5K RPM. Going on 6 years old and still runs great. You just gotta keep clean oil in it.

[@micayiah1]

Just bought one last week for 159.99 on sale. They are normally 199.99 here in Houston.

[@mikedraper453]

Bro, I brought a 224 for 159.99 and some change for shipping. Great deal!

[@DawsonTyson]

I'm mostly curious of the power and torque gains with all of these parts.

[@MH-pc2ky]

Power gain vs. $$$ spent

[@DawsonTyson]

@@MH-pc2ky I've been torn between the 212 and 420 for an ultralight F.A.R.103 I've been designing and the biggest push for the 420 is electric start and power/torque. If the output gain is good enough with a re-jet or new carb and a custom exhaust it may be worth re-lining the recoil and having less HP with more wing area. H.F. claims a gain of up to 10% but list specs for this unit at 6.6HP/10.23lb Tq. The 212 shows 6.5HP/8.1lb Tq. There is also a new 459 performance version of the 420 that shows 15.8HP/24.5lb Tq. Curb lb 41 vs 92. Part 103 weight limit is 256 for a dry craft.

[@johngardiner1630]

@@DawsonTyson Been doing the same! My SkyPup original engine 20hp 2 smoke, weight 40 #. I've compared Duromax 18 Hp @ 80#. with this /\ Predator 224 cc max performance. In aircraft there is a Double Weight penalty.... 20# overspec needs additional tail weight to balance. I have decided the above engine with all the mods (Red Beards Garage) best fits my needs..

[@DawsonTyson]

@@johngardiner1630 maybe we'll see each other at Oshkosh one day. Be safe, live long, and prosper!

[@tannerwilson1557]

New favorite channel

[@hulenweston]

Excited to see a performance 224cc.

[@JoeNassty916]

Can a stock 212cc cam go into a 224 to replace the plastic one ?

[@glenwhitacre2754]

Stick the 212 cam in the 224 will it work?????

[@spartan7417]

I love it, it's very quite with exhaust upgrade compared to the 212cc Predator. I did feel better acceleration and top end torque, very nice for the price.

[@bulikliktv7513]

Question, can the ghost be faster than an upgraded 420cc?

[@dieseljunky8505]

Just bought the 224cc for my rear tine garden till and wow. Huge difference from the 5hp briggs and stratton engine.

[@lloydbaker7099]

Look forward to the comparison

[@timterell6671]

Will a 212 cam fit in the 224?

[@coreyd7060]

So if im running a 212 with springs exhaust and upgraded jets like a stage 1 upgrade but still running the governor for life of the motor for my sons gokart would this motor be stronger than that? Also to be noted its a live axle with the juggernaut torque converter set up. With governor he goes about 28-30. Would the 224 max be stronger and faster stock with governor still active. Also would the 224 max be stronger/faster than the tilletson 212???? Lastly could I swap the upgrade parts from the 212 to the 224???

[@aaronosb7787]

I have a b200r and I want to build it but I want to keep the charging coil what is the best way for that to happen?

[@nativeson3233]

I just ordered the 224 for my coleman cc100x yesterday directly from HF. Cheaper from HF than Amazon guys. No lie. I didn't know that at first.

[@mkuhlman77]

I'd for sure buy one. Problem is GPS doesn't have the performance parts in stock to turn her up to stage 4 when I checked today. They seem to always be out of the stage 4 kits.

[@hunterarcher550]

I wasn't sure if the 301 would fit in my mini bike with out changing anything it's a Coleman BT200X so I went with the 224, let me know if I made the wrong choice

[@joshvandruff1790]

Would you be able to take a stock cam gear from a 212 and add it to the 224?

[@glenwhitacre2754]

Do it red let's see

[@Cstrong278]

I was wondering the same thing

[@Deucealive75]

Only if the cam comes out of a hemi.

[@jajuanrentas7798]

What should my valve lash be set at if I took the governor off inside block and outside with Mikuni carb on it?!

[@josephpatterson911]

Wondering if anybody knows if the same 212 valve springs will fit into the 224/18 or 22 is it compatible?

[@thescottishhammer7570]

Just picked up a Manco Dingo with a stock 224 Predator and it rips

[@tylertimmons5543]

I’m buying it for a 1964 pull behind tiller for my tractor. I’ll be getting the tried and true 212.

[@Josephjanuszeski]

I bought one for my mini bike I like the engine.

[@lugnutdean]

What Flywheel and chaging coils do I need to have them work on this Predator 224 engine? Would like a dual coil set up to run lights

[@rykerinthewild1155]

Hypothetically if I put a flywheel on my 212 and was dumb enough to not do the rod and I blew the engine up and upgraded to a 224, could I use that flywheel again on the new 224?

[@brandonmcewan7637]

I can’t wait to put one on my trail master

[@accordv6er]

Got one on sale for $160 the other day... 212s were $99. Should have grabbed one of those too but it would have just been sitting tbh

[@butchybaldwin1831]

I have a question. If I bought that 265 cam could I replace just the came and nothing else. ?

[@ammonjohnson9531]

Is the mounting pattern the same as the 212?

[@TG-vg3qe]

I'd love to run this engine on my pressure washer and safely get 8 hp so I don't have to use a bigger/heavier engine. From what I've read it makes about 7.4 hp stock. Is there away to do that cheap without too many mods? Since it'd be carrying a heavier load I'm guessing I'd need to increase torque with fuel/air mods along with an increase in rpm.

[@thinkingbubba32]

Bought the Predator 224 on the recommendation over the 212. Originally had the Ghost, but I did not see the $120 price difference in value, so it went back. Stripped the top garbage off the 212 and put a Chin-slide carb on. My question for the vastly more knowledgeable audience is, what happens when I leave the governor shaft and tension bar free range (no springs, or other attachment)? That and the install of the oil catch are the only things I have left to address. I've got big plans, but the outlay for the Moto 212, motor, carb kit, muffler and a couple other add-ons have squeezed the purse until the wife squeaked. Cam, springs, rockers, billet flywheel and rod are summer fun (as long as I don't tell the wife - shhhhhhhh). Thanks to anyone who takes the time. I'm a new new newbe to small engine Do It Myself.

[@TheNikbkr]

What start cup did you use

[@jessepayne6757]

Now I just bought one I'm not doing gov delete I just want to do stage 1 for exhaust honestly. So do I need to worry about that plastic gear?

[@YK-nh7zo]

I got the 224🔥🔥🔥💯

[@jeremygraton5072]

Will the 30 series torque converter for the 212 work on the 224

[@elijahwalling4894]

Probably picking one up this week since I can't find a tillotson 212r

[@kartnerds]

That new 459 looks good too

[@mikerodriguez3132]

Will this work on a log splitter?

[@bobd1805]

They are using a slipper piston, common in drag racing. Low drag, high performance but will not last as long as a fully skirted piston. The Honda CRX car used these piston types to achieve their incredible mileage figures.

[@lilmex8965]

Would you be willing to do a Vertical Shaft motor build?! I would be VERY interested to see that!

[@jakesdronelife6307]

I believe he has already

[@lilmex8965]

Really? I must of missed it! Any idea what the title is?

[@MultiBassman55]

Thinking about this engine for my Yamaha golf cart…(original engine is about gone). Not looking for speed. Question can this engine be set up for electronic ignition.?

[@alfredomendoza1522]

Mine is topping out at 25 any tips??? My 196 was going faster both stock

[@lizzard7473]

I got my 224 right now!

[@carnivorecave]

I was just looking at this engine to put on my MB200, just because I am at about 250lbs. My bike can haul my ass around at 45mph with just the stock engine with stage 2 mods. I want a little more off the line pull...It will be interesting to see the comparison. Black66 did a comparison also...

[@jbrou76]

Did you ever get the 224 on your mb200? I’m about to do the same and was wondering if it mounts perfectly or what did you have to modify to mount it in the frame. Thanks.

[@actionjoejackson9880]

I’m thinking about changing my old club car from electric to gas never did anything like it yet just watching you tube family on how to do it

[@deltacx1059]

You should put a CDI kit on them too.

[@MrSaabviggen]

Glad you like go power sports i orered once and will never give them a cent again

[@tbarnes00]

Anyone put this 224cc engine on a trail master xdx? Looking to do so soon. Torque converter as well.

[@itshighlesshippie]

Will the same carburetors fit on this one

[@brianthomas869]

You should do a video on the 420 and 459

[@RedBeardsGarage]

It’s on its way sir

[@brianthomas869]

Thanks

[@jakobs2lazy]

where do I find a exhaust for a 224 😅

[@apexlucas]

What would be a good clutch to run on a 440cc duromax engine

[@btk342009]

Any one know if the electric start kit for the 212 will bolt up the same?

[@RedBeardsGarage]

Not sure. Haven’t tested them yet.

[@paulwilkerson5117]

Is the shaft RH or LH threaded? thx

[@FarmerFpv]

It really should be a no-brainer for people. Unfortunately, we have lots of no-brainers out there, literally, lol.

[@madness_-yg3lw]

I currently have the 224 my plan is to build it to the moon as well i but now have seen too many people saying what rod is the right con rod for the 224 as each rod will fit slightly differently and i want the one that is stock length and fits as close to stock as possible but is much stronger hopefully resulting in less clearancing having to be done the less we have to take out the stronger everything will be

[@bodeine454]

I kinda look at it this way as far as value for the $, I remember looking at small engines back in the early 80s at all kinds of stores, Montgomery Wards, Twin Fair, Farm & Fleet, Rinks, etc etc and I don't remember even seeing a Briggs 3.5 hp for under $150 back then it seems to me, my memory could be wrong but small engine prices like the Predators and Duromax and the like are cheaper today than they were back in the early 80s. You can get an 8 hp engine today for what a 5 hp would have cost back then.

[@jacksonreed2819]

I’ve already been thru 3 of those 212’s in a year

[@332ARA]

Does the 224 suffer on the top end?

[@msracingcomponents6550]

Does the electric start kit from a late model 212 bolt onto the 224? Looks like it will.

[@devond1]

It always says the sales don’t include predator engines. Any tips?

[@ratedredneck96]

I had a tecumseh engine on a manco big cat fat tired mini bike that had the plastic cam and i did not know. I removed the governor and was scootin down the road and it just stopped dead. It blew up on me over a mile from home and i had to push that heavy thing home. Threw a briggs on it as soon as i got home and it never acted up again motor wise but the torque converter locked up on me and i couldnt get it stopped a couple times. Once was down a mountain, it was my first step into two wheels and it was almost my last several times haha

[@WyFoster]

Best engine they've ever sold.

[@riccardojohnston9516]

Can you use a hot 265 hemi cam on the 224

[@Deucealive75]

Yes. The so called hemi cam is just a clone cam. The 224 uses a clone cam.

[@Nicky_Pin_It]

QUESTION: Would this engine be a good upgrade in a snowblower application? where torque is key. Looks like the specs say so anyone want to chime in? I've swapped in dozens of Pred 212's in snowblowers and they have ran excellent

[@HouseOfThe8Strings]

About to start 2 go kart builds. I think the 224cc is the way to go

[@milesbrannan3504]

Can you use the Go Power Sport Stage 1 upgrade kit for the 224 cc engine

[@austingilmore7997]

I want one for sure I got a 212 hemi with a carb kit and big pipe with very heavy porting it's on a smaller mini bike with a 10 tooth smaller sprockets it feels like I doubled the hp with my porting job I rounded the ports and port matched I what to see what it can do before the rod blows it picked up a bit of revs as well but I think the valves are really flouting now lol so I might throw some valve springs in it it spins the tire no problem up to 40 I just hate the valve pockets on these I'm trying to find a cheap and easy way to fix that I'm thinking about easy weld sticks it should work on the cold side but idk about the hot side I seen a guy fill a hole in a flat head head so it gots a chance but I'm thinking I'm going to have to put the head in the oven and get it hot then take a torch to it to get the stick to do there thing I love doing my hand made mods way more then bolt on it makes me feel like I got a one of a kind bike I'm just be wondering how far I can push it with stock cam and rod I really need to take the flywheel off before it takes me out lmao

[@HLBMason]

What sprocket is used for it

[@santretaylor4352]

I want to know how to put a alternator on one of these so I can run a headlight

[@drakehostetler5846]

You don’t use an alternator. What is required is called a magneto. It goes under the flywheel.

[@santretaylor4352]

@drakehostetler5846 I'm talking about when you remove the flywheel and put on a billet aluminum flywheel if you can put a alternator on there with a belt

[@106mudmowers4]

I bought one and after comparing to the 212 for the extra 30 bucks I say it's worth it

[@austinmatos6917]

You said it's a non-hemi but have a hemi fire265 cam in the description. So would it work?

[@peterchristlieb]

Lots of old Fords out there still running with an aluminum / plastic timing gear

[@jacobezell9521]

I went to buy a 224 and they had a 212 in the open box section for $120 and I asked if he could do a better price and got the 212 for $95

[@old1234]

Just like the good ole days when the 212 was $99 w/coupon that was always available

[@oimfc37]

@@old1234 haha old days were only a year anda half ago!

[@justconcentratee]

Watch out. Some people that use aftermarket carb and exhaust and take off stock then will use the engine for a bit, drain oil and wash it down with brake fluid and clean it up out back on stock header and carb and return it for a new one and repeat

[@kiixgviikk4270]

Quick question do you know if that 224 comes with a Hemi head maybe in a different state?

[@RedBeardsGarage]

I'm not sure.

[@scorpioslab]

If I'm building for others, and they want the extra I'm getting a Tillotson 212R. If I want my own builds. I use Lifan 250cc with a manual transmission on bikes, semi auto with reverse for karts.

[@Silentroller93]

I would go with the 225 predator if I didn’t already have a 212 on my mini bike. The first thing I would do is remove the rev limiter and put a metal cam gear in though.

[@Deucealive75]

rev limiter?

[@gabrielmorales9908]

@@Deucealive75 i think he means the governor gear