Engine & Clutch

Engines in General:

It may be hard to believe, but you CAN have too much power for racing. These two engines have just the right amount of power, without being overkill on the power or on the price. However, there are a lot of great engines that I am not mentioning here. Ask around for opinions on engines and make an informed choice for yourself. I remain convinced (as of 2/26/05) that the best deal for the money is the Mach .26. Go find one on eBay, complete with flywheel and clutch, for around $120. You ain't gonna beat that deal.

One more thing, when you get a big engine, get a drill start or roto-start. Pull-starts just don't seem to last too long on a powerful engine. Your knuckles will thank you!

Drivetrain Concerns with a New Engine

When you get a powerful new engine, you will be subjecting the entire drivetrain to more stress. Consider the poor little parts as you hammer the snot out of your truck. Without some respect, they will be breaking on you.

Here are a few things you should do when you upgrade your engine:

1. Drive smoother, avoid crazy holeshots and jamming brakes.
2. Maintain CV and axle joints. Driveline slop will promote the slamming effect, causing damage.
3. Use two wheel nuts (and maybe even some loctite) to hold on your wheels.
4. Pay more attention to small maintenance items (clutch, loose screws, etc.).
5. Tighten the slipper ALL the way, but drive smoother to compensate.