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Engine Swap Into Custom Frame?
Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 11:18 pm
by Justinsane
hey all, im wondering, would it be possible to swap a spree engine in to a custom frame such as this?

i would have to get different tires i think... and the obvious question that follows... what kinda mods would i need to run a larger rear tire?
Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 11:33 pm
by darat
wow that crazy
Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 11:59 pm
by noiseguy
Anything's possible. Keep in mind that the Spree engine is integrated from crank to rear wheel, so you only need half that frame. Hardtail's probably out of the question.
Never seen a good scooter chop. Mopeds really work best for that, check mopedarmy.com for some examples. Problem is you sit directly over the motor, so it's hard to get the lowered seat position with forward pegs. Lends itself instead to an Akira-style semi-recumbant (I have seen these in the works.)
I can kindof envision a Spree chop, but it would require lengthening the stock frame and reinforcing. A lot of welding... might be a good project for a found Spree with no body work.
You could, I suppose, run a sproket from the rear axle of the Spree plant to your proposed rear wheel here, but that's a lot of bulk.
Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2005 12:06 am
by Justinsane
ok, cuz im gonna use a spree engine, make it nice and fast, and then put it into this frame, i have all the pipes bent and stuff so all i need is to weld it together and drop that engine in..
Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2005 12:13 am
by noiseguy
OK. You cut the frame halfway into the motor plate, and create a hinge there for your Spree motor. Doing that, your rear wheel should end up about where the original wheel would have gone. Run a shock up to just under the seat plate. Move the fuel tank up front, and create a Harley-style oil tank for under the seat. Run a Spree wheel in front.
I think it could be done, but the proportions would be wrong... these are meant for gocart back wheels and bicycle front.
Interesting line of thought... let's keep discussing it.
Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2005 9:07 am
by Justinsane
im wondering if i should save some trouble and find a chain driven mini bike engine?
Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2005 9:20 am
by noiseguy
That would be easier. That or a 110cc Honda knockoff engine. Or a pocket bike engine. Either are available on Ebay.
Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2005 5:18 pm
by Justinsane
time to do some research for it.
Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2005 5:23 pm
by vette76
those frames are very heavy. spree engine would have a lot of trouble pushing that and a big tire. i built one of these (building) with a 5hp briggs, and a 8sp atc gearbox. (semi auto). seems to work ok.

Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2005 11:13 pm
by Justinsane
haha, nice Huffy front tire...
Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2005 3:41 am
by maddog
go with an nu-50 honda express, add a top tube for the tank extend the forks to 5 ft with a dio motor, less welding and its a legal moped, we have one running here and its hot!
Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2005 10:25 am
by noiseguy
maddog wrote:go with an nu-50 honda express, add a top tube for the tank extend the forks to 5 ft with a dio motor, less welding and its a legal moped, we have one running here and its hot!
Got any pics of it?
Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2005 2:05 pm
by noiseguy
Here's an example of a moped chop. This is a modified stock frame. Mopeds are easier b/c they are chain driven and the motor sits b/t the wheels, rather than behind. This is from mopedarmy.com, there are many more pics there.

Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2005 2:15 pm
by noiseguy
I knew I'd seen this somewhere before. I think you can come up with something cleaner than this. But this is a good use for an Elite with no bodywork:
http://www3.telus.net/dougsimpson/TurkishChop.html

Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2005 2:20 pm
by vette76
maddog wrote:go with an nu-50 honda express, add a top tube for the tank extend the forks to 5 ft with a dio motor, less welding and its a legal moped, we have one running here and its hot!
5 ft! forks or total length? my chopper is 8f 6 in. in length. almost impossable to ride slow.