Harbor Freight is a go-to destination for budget-conscious DIY enthusiasts across the United States. While the brand is known for affordability, projects involving its products can sometimes escalate in cost. This is vividly illustrated by the recent Predator 670 engine build showcased by Red Beard’s Garage on YouTube. Starting with a $950 V-twin enginethe builder invested significantly more than many would spend on an LS V8 build.
The Predator 670 build is anything but ordinary. It stands out as one of the most extreme Harbor Freight engine projects ever seen. Red Beard’s Garage equipped this engine with components typically reserved for high-performance vehicles, not go-karts. The extensive list of upgrades includes a Holley Sniper EFI system costing $1,400an upgraded camshaft at $530and a Garrett GT1241 knockoff turbo priced at $400among other high-end parts.
The Predator 670’s Remarkable Upgrades
The build incorporates a wide array of premium components. The Holley Sniper EFI systemcomplete with a proprietary USB cable, was a significant investment. The upgraded camshaft enhances engine performance, while the Garrett GT1241 knockoff turbo and its oiling accessories ensure efficient power delivery. Additional upgrades include billet pistons and connecting rodsan alternator kita billet flywheeland an electronic ignition system.
The engine also received extensive head work, including porting, milling, and the addition of O-rings. Other notable upgrades are billet valve covers and rockersa fuel cellAN linesan intercooler corean exhaust manifoldand an intake adapter. The build also features springs and retainersan intercooler pipe kitintercooling pipe couplersa boost reference fuel regulatora fuel pumpand chromoly pushrods.
The Cost of the Predator 670 Build
Including the base price of the Predator 670 engine, the total cost of the build amounts to $7,225. When taxes and shipping are factored in, the total rises to $8,725. This substantial investment raises the question of whether a more powerful ATV engine could have been acquired for a similar price. However, the builder’s goal was to explore the potential of the Predator platform, known for its ease of mounting, low maintenance costs, and serviceability.
Red Beard’s Garage already owns a supercharged Predator-powered go-kart. The builder plans to compare the performance of the turbocharged engine with the supercharged one. According to the latest video, the turbo engine will operate at a lower boost level of 12 psicompared to the supercharged engine’s 14 psi. The exact power output of the turbocharged engine remains unknown, as it has not yet been tested on a dyno.
The builder acknowledges that a more powerful ATV engine could have been purchased for less money. However, the allure of pushing the limits of the Predator platform drove the project forward. The result is a testament to the potential of budget-friendly engines when equipped with high-performance components.
