Harbor Freight Predator 224cc Max Performance ~ Worth It?

Today we unbox, talk about, and look at the new Harbor Freight Predator Max Performance 224cc Engine. We break down the differences between it and its brother the Predator 212cc. 2FT-LBS of torque from a stroker crankshaft and a stronger block makes the 224cc a good value. Stay tuned for a full build on this engine- parts linked below. Like, subscribe, and comment to keep the videos coming!!!
Parts For This Engine
Billet Rod - bit.ly/2Jr5HVm
Billet Flywheel - bit.ly/3scRGAg
70mm Flat Top Piston - bit.ly/3opq7lV
Billet Rod For Flat Top Piston - bit.ly/3ulIVq9
Fire 265 Cam - bit.ly/3HwY9MH
Gauge Ratio Rockers - bit.ly/3yFOkaP
Champion Rockers - bit.ly/3ihcH5Y
Billet Side Cover 6057 - bit.ly/2Jtikzf
Cut To Length Push Rods - bit.ly/34bHpwe
24mm Mikuni Kit - bit.ly/31TsUWm
Mikuni Velocity Stack - bit.ly/38VQ3Li
Silver Billet Valve Cover - bit.ly/3HqKB5p
Black Billet Valve Cover - bit.ly/32WGyPj
Valve Cover Spacer - bit.ly/34ffrj2
Clear Valve Cover - bit.ly/2JsuFn6
Build Your Own Header Kit - bit.ly/2NDPdM9
Top Plate - bit.ly/3buiBOs
Spark Plug 3910X - bit.ly/3qCKjCk
Jet, Air Filter, Air Filter Adapter Kit - bit.ly/3kZ96wr
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
Tube Buddy Affiliate- www.Tubebuddy....
Help support us on Patreon - patreon.com/redbeardsgarage
Want to donate without the commitment? - paypal.me/redbeardsgarage
Want to send us something?
Red Beard's Garage
P.O. Box 572
Sweetwater, TN 37874
Facebook - redbeardsgarage
Instagram - redbeardsgarage
TikTok - redbeardsgarage0
Pinterest - redbeardsgarage
Twitter - redbeardsgarage
Instrumentals by Chuki Beats - / chukibeats
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*********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

[@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!

[@maxwelln7296]

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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@Tylerm.944]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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]

👍🔥

[@JacobSherwood]

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

[@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.

[@metalofthedeath]

You should test the performance parts with the plastic cam gear and see how strong it is.

[@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!

[@jeffbelton9796]

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

[@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!

[@dickbrugh5562]

Looking forward at getting my 224 on my Dingo. I’m replacing my 12 yr old 196 cc harbor freight clone that’s had the governor removed and other modifications. I have beat the shit out it and it’s just now starting to get some blow by. I’m putting the 224 on bone stock with the governor to see how it runs. Then I’m gonna start adding mods. I’m hoping my old rev 2 billet flywheel from the 196cc clone will fit the 224.

[@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!!!

[@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?

[@tannerwilson1557]

New favorite channel

[@micayiah1]

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

[@Turbo44mag]

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

[@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.

[@cameronwebb3959]

I am excited to see these builds

[@hulenweston]

Excited to see a performance 224cc.

[@Josephjanuszeski]

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

[@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.

[@lloydbaker7099]

Look forward to the comparison

[@tylertimmons5543]

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

[@kontrolledkhaos4853]

I want the all the insane mods taking to the sky

[@thescottishhammer7570]

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

[@WyFoster]

Best engine they've ever sold.

[@ronaldfoster2954]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@106mudmowers4]

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

[@jeff7389]

For me...torque and speed are a definite must have. I want to be able to tear up the mountain trails...and have the speed needed to give my self a heart attack.

[@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

[@YK-nh7zo]

I got the 224🔥🔥🔥💯

[@FarmerFpv]

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

[@mikebutters4540]

Okay first you're going to take a new engine and you're going to rebuild it to test it you should be testing it straight out of the box as is no modification and see what it runs and how it performs that way first

[@kartnerds]

That new 459 looks good too

[@MrSaabviggen]

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

[@dieseljunky8505]

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

[@brandonmcewan7637]

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

[@sethbice]

Will the predator 224 crank fit the predator 212?

[@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.

[@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.

[@glenwhitacre2754]

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

[@lizzard7473]

I got my 224 right now!

[@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

[@jaredbudzinski8434]

my biggest worry was if the connecting rod would fit. Glad that it fits

[@deltacx1059]

You should put a CDI kit on them too.

[@ronaldmajette8154]

I just got 1 today

[@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

[@igokarts4510]

Love it!

[@jtjadams2011]

224 moves out!

[@elijahwalling4894]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@cupwalker24.7]

Tilliston 💪 9000 to 12,000 or more rpm with heavy heavy laps with a billet rod and billet side cover cheap cam and some springs and like 3000 more dollars and you got a good open modified haha I can't wait to see how much that predator can take it will be so much more cost efficient for us die hard racers

[@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?

[@joshsneed5195]

224cc I got one an love it

[@SmokeNGunsBBQ]

Might replace my mud motor on my smaller boat with this 'stroker' 😂

[@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???

[@peterchristlieb]

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

[@rhargarther1]

Awesome comparison. I would definitely go with a 212 unless you are going to upgrade just due to the fact they have a plastic cam gear. I honestly think that it would have been in harbor freights favor if they would have just put metal cam gear on a performance engine.

[@francisroy4485]

I got one Today for $136.73. next weekend the 212will be on sale at $20.00 off.

[@HouseOfThe8Strings]

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

[@robinmiller986]

I will pick the predator 224

[@brianthomas869]

You should do a video on the 420 and 459

[@RedBeardsGarage]

It’s on its way sir

[@brianthomas869]

Thanks

[@skinny7347]

Just killed my first Predator 212! Crankshaft broke in half. That's what I get for racing on a MX track. 🤣

[@WoLFSkYBLuE69]

I hope she builds well

[@timterell6671]

Will a 212 cam fit in the 224?

[@NubsWithGuns]

I think Ike broke a STOCK rod once over the years so far that we were shown on a 212. They will take a beating, I know I have beat the crap out of mine and I went out and put that cord 2x times today and it fired right up after sitting a week.

[@ralphcantrell3214]

It occurs to me that, though the nylon cam gear is a non-issue for performance obsessed builders who will be changing everything anyway, non-mechanical folks who want durability and maximum service life must consider the cost of replacing it with a metal one, and maybe even paying someone to do it. This will add considerably to the cost difference of the 224, and would probably be a deal breaker for some. Just laying this out there for debate, that's all.

[@NubsWithGuns]

Right now its only $199 at my local HF. Daddy said cubic inches/cc make power. haha. I wouldnt bother with a 212 for that price.

[@RedBeardsGarage]

It is a lot better on the torque side of things

[@NubsWithGuns]

@@RedBeardsGarage But then they didn't have any and I am not unhappy one bit with my Hemi 212. Just a stage 1 so far but it's so torquey I love it. 223 Wildcat keeps catching my eye and giving me ideas though. I like the stuff I have read about the head they use.

[@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

[@JoeNassty916]

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

[@jacobchandler2083]

I just found a 224 for 135 at HF on their “refurb table” gonna see if it lives. I got 5 days to see

[@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

[@patrickharris2807]

Definitely the 224 over the 212

[@brianprice5942]

Had the 212cc on mini bike, just got the 224cc to swap.

[@angelrangel5812]

I actually was luck to find a 224 at my local hf 🤟🏾

[@samsgarage1716]

I bought the 224cc engine and it’s way better than the 212cc.

[@danielmott8830]

For sure moar powerrrrrr!!!!!!

[@Skiridr22]

A few minutes later my question was answered 🤣🤣

[@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

[@jeffjohnson3912]

212 block has provisions for electric start. Does the 224? That’s the main question for me.

[@old1234]

That's a good question

[@dirtfootracing8788]

Harbor Freight stepping up the game .....lets see if others follow their lead

[@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

[@bulikliktv7513]

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

[@kylearnett192]

This is badass man i just bought one for 200 and about to trick this biotch out

[@davidowen888]

Any extra gravy hauling torques would always be worth it 🍳🥘😄☮

[@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.