What kind of mods are available for Helix and Carbide with a GY6? - BuggyMasters.Com - An On Line Mini Buggy Forum and Go Kart Forum

BuggyMaster · #1 07-29-2009, 10:30 PM

There are many things that can be done. The best bang for the buck are clutch mods. The clutch has two parts, a variator in the front, and a clutch assembly in the back. In the variator, you can change the rollers to a different weight. What this does is put the engine at a higher RPM range before you start moving. Higher range = more power so you will launch harder. In the rear, you have a main spring and also regular clutch arm springs. Changing the main spring will delay when your torque converter will go into "2nd gear". Again, the idea is to keep the RPM's in the upper range longer thus keeping you in your power range across the transmission functions. Changing the clutch arm springs will delay when the buggy starts moving at all and are very much like a stall converter in a car.

Performance CDI's are available. These change the ignition timing, advancing the curve, and remove any rev limiters. It is very important that if you have an American Sportworks machine, that you get a DC powered CDI. The majority of buggies are AC based and those CDI's are won't work in American Sportworks. CDI's are worth about 2 mph top end.

Cam mods: Many aftermarket cams are available. A GY6 performance cam is sold with a number assigned to it. For example, they have an A9, A10, A11 etc. The lower the number, the more geared to top end (RPM) performance. Your style of riding and your goals will give you an idea of which one to go with. An A9 was worth a few mph at the top end but I lost a lot in the bottom end. If you are riding in a lot of hilly terrain, you would not want an A9. Maybe an A11 or A12 which gives you better bottom end and mid range.

Exhaust: FMF makes a pipe called a tubine core 2 universal spark arrestor. They make two different ones that will fit out buggy. One has an inch and a 1/4 inlet and one with an inch and 1/8th. Either one works fine and makes the buggies sound awesome plus really lets the engine breath which is great for performance.

Air intake mods. Many people like the UNI air filters. They really do allow the engine to get more air and perform better.

Note that any time you adjust the amount of air the engine is moving, you need to accomodate that by rejetting the carb.

24evanwilson · #2 07-29-2009, 10:35 PM

wow so many things to do now, thanks!

BuggyMaster · #3 07-29-2009, 10:37 PM

you have to be careful what you do though. One of my videos shows my heavily modded helix against my stock one and the stock one spanked it everwhere but the long race. The modded one was in fact modded for top end and that's what i got.

24evanwilson · #4 07-29-2009, 10:39 PM

yep nice vid 2!☺

booda72 · #5 08-02-2009, 03:37 AM

i have a 150 that has all of the mods above dome alreadyy. i really cant tell you how it runs yet because i hurt my back and havent been able to take it for a good ride yet, but it does sound a whole lot different. i can acually get the wheels to break free now. cant wait to get better and beat on it a little.

BuggyMaster · #6 08-02-2009, 12:00 PM

What exhaust did you go with?

PatNY · #7 08-03-2009, 01:46 PM

One of the best mods that you can do to your
buggy that won't hurt your pocket.

1. Air Performance
Remove the stock airbox and replace it with a free flowing
two stage UNI Filter will increase the amount of airflow through
your engine

Remember: Changing the MAIN JET in your carburetor will be necessary

2. CVT
Dr Pulley Slider Weights and Main Torque Spring

Remember: The lighter the slider weights, the more low end power
you gain. But you may lose some top speed.

3. Electrical:
Performance CDI, Coil, and Iridium Spark Plug

These are the mods recommended to start with, as they are
generally inexpensive and provide a lot of bang for your buck.

booda72 · #8 08-04-2009, 10:21 AM

i gutted the exhausta long time ago. probably a big mistake.

BuggyMaster · #9 08-04-2009, 11:40 AM

Booda, what all mods did you wind up going with?

booda72 · #10 08-04-2009, 11:55 AM

i have the uni filter set up, 127.5 main jet, white koso main spring, yellow clutch springs, performance cdi,iridium plug,12 gram sliders, and i gutted the muffler.

BuggyMaster · #11 08-04-2009, 12:03 PM

I can almost guarantee that you are running lean. Take a minute and go look at your spark plug. If you can take a picture of it, that would be great.

booda72 · #12 08-04-2009, 12:23 PM

i dont know how to add the photo to this post but it is on my prophile pics

booda72 · #13 08-04-2009, 12:33 PM

having trouble posting the pic, they say i have to resize it.

BuggyMaster · #14 08-04-2009, 12:36 PM

No prob, I sent you a PM with my email address. Send it to me and I will host and post.

booda72 · #15 08-04-2009, 01:18 PM

just sent that pic to you

BuggyMaster · #16 08-04-2009, 01:34 PM

Here's a picture of your plug

That's kinda ugly but not quite what I was expecting. I was expecting it to be much whiter. Here's the thing:

American Sportworks carbs tend to run lean in stock form. I've got a wide band O2 sensor that allows me to exact which jet I need. With an aftermarket exhaust and a cam, a 140 main jet was required. When I added the UNI, it went up to a whopping 150 main jet to get the correct AFR!

In stock form, a helix likes a 128 or a 130 main jet (your 127 would be fine). With your mods, you need to bump that baby up. Give me a sec, and I will find the pic of my plug with the proper AFR. If you run lean, your engine can (and probably will) go boom. Hang on just a sec for the pic of what your plug should look like. I am going to move this thread to the GY6 tech section.

booda72 · #17 08-04-2009, 01:40 PM

what size jet do you think

BuggyMaster · #18 08-04-2009, 01:42 PM

The attachment below is what your plug should look like on a properly running /tuned GY6.

What you need to do is get a fresh plug, put it in and then go on a top speed run. Then pull the plug again and take another shot.

Now..all that said, this is not what is causing your issues that you mentioned.

When we first modded ours, we used the yellow clutch arm springs and found that we didn't need the thing revving THAT high for take off. What we found was that just the sliders in the front and the yellow main in the rear were a perfect combo. A lot of times, the clutch mods are really designed for the guys running in very hilly type terrain. Seems to me you said that this is not what you really do. Is that correct?

booda72 · #19 08-04-2009, 01:44 PM

yes, i run on flat soil

booda72 · #20 08-04-2009, 01:45 PM

do you think i should go back to the stock clutch arm springs

BuggyMaster · #21 08-04-2009, 01:49 PM

I would definately take the yellow clutch arm springs out. We did and were really happy with that decision because our style riding is the same as yours. In all honesty, I have a set of 12g dr pulleys sitting here and a yellow main to put in the new helix when I feel like it. I have to wait (hopefully today) for a few more parts and I will be able to have mine on the road so to speak. What I plan on doing from here forward is actually marking the amount of time it takes to run my track, then I will make the mod, and run it again and see what I picked up.

I also use a hand held GPS (Garmin NUVI) to verify my speeds so I know if I am going faster or slower after mods. Do you have access to one of those? I'd like to know how fast it is really going. I can tell you that after the sliders and the main spring, you should still be able to hit about 40 mph and with a CDI and a little bigger tires, maybe a little more.

BuggyMaster · #22 08-04-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by booda72

what size jet do you think

Based on your mods and my experience with them, I would start with a 140 and get a plug reading.

booda72 · #23 08-04-2009, 01:55 PM

ok will do some work and let you know.

BuggyMaster · #24 08-04-2009, 01:59 PM

I should also note that American Sportworks is unique in this heavy jetting. I have had HammerHeads that were happy with a 130 with your mods. Granted, I wasn't using the WideBand at the time but from plug readings, they were much better with smaller jetting than what the ASW machines use.

BuggyMaster · #25 08-04-2009, 02:02 PM

If your plug looks like what's attached below, that's bad. This is what I was expecting yours to look like. I can't wait to see a new plug against a top speed run.

24evanwilson · #26 08-04-2009, 07:20 PM

ill have to check mine

PatNY · #27 08-04-2009, 08:07 PM

That plug is perfect BuggyMaster

When the plug is light gray or white, it's running lean.
and you need to go a size bigger on your main jet

When is dark brown or black, you're running rich.
You might want to down size to a lower jet.

Like Buggymaster said, if your're running lean "That's Bad"

It's always better to run rich than lean.

booda72 like Buddymaster suggested, put in a new plug
and go for a good 15 minute run and check the new plug
afterwards. And go from there

BuggyMaster · #28 08-04-2009, 08:15 PM

believe it or not, that plug is after four months of running with a 140. Mods were an A9 cam, a slip on FMF, running stock air box.

booda72 · #29 08-04-2009, 10:43 PM

picked up new plugs and some new jets today at the local honda dealer. will take it for a run tomorrow.

24evanwilson · #30 08-04-2009, 11:49 PM

nice, man flatout(local dealer) is always closed!

BuggyMaster · #31 08-05-2009, 01:33 AM

Awesome. Can't wait to see how it does.

Quote:

Originally Posted by booda72

picked up new plugs and some new jets today at the local honda dealer. will take it for a run tomorrow.

PatNY · #32 08-05-2009, 10:52 AM

Check this video out guys.

This is Tom Stevens (KidnMe).
He's the president of MBRA Assoc.

GY6 150cc Prototype Shorty Clutch Install and new Variator
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK09DGEh0t4

24evanwilson · #33 08-05-2009, 11:02 AM

hehe cool

BigBoss · #34 08-05-2009, 12:04 PM

Does the carbide have transimission fuel

BuggyMaster · #35 08-05-2009, 12:40 PM

Not fuel but there is fluid in the gearbox behind the main clutch.

24evanwilson · #36 08-05-2009, 12:49 PM

hm....

PatNY · #37 08-05-2009, 01:26 PM

I use Royal Purple 75w90 Gear Oil

booda72 · #38 08-05-2009, 05:01 PM

here is a pic of my plug after i changed it along with a 140 jet

booda72 · #39 08-05-2009, 05:02 PM

i posted those pics to my page

BuggyMaster · #40 08-05-2009, 05:21 PM

Sure looks a hell of a lot better than your first pic! How's it run?

booda72 · #41 08-05-2009, 05:37 PM

runs a lot better, i changed the clutch arm springs back to the stock ones too. feels a lot peppier.

BuggyMaster · #42 08-05-2009, 05:46 PM

I'd run that for a while and check it again. Ya, those springs back to stock are the right combo in my opinion.

PatNY · #43 08-05-2009, 09:06 PM

Much Better

Good job

24evanwilson · #44 08-07-2009, 10:32 PM

my turn to do it! i need to get out NOW

BuggyMaster · #45 08-08-2009, 12:17 AM

You need to at least pull your plug and take a look at it.

24evanwilson · #46 08-08-2009, 12:59 PM

yea ill try to get a pic post it

booda72 · #47 08-09-2009, 11:41 AM

gonna go riding tomorrow so i will post a pic of the plug tomorrow night

BigBoss · #48 08-09-2009, 05:09 PM

i need to get a mod that woud make my carbide to get to top speed faster

BuggyMaster · #49 08-09-2009, 06:02 PM

Do you use every bit of your top speed? You could always change your rear sprocket to the 39. It will be a lot quicker to top end but less top end. Also, clutch mods will get you up to speed a little quicker. Cheap mod too.

booda72 · #50 08-11-2009, 09:39 AM

went riding yesterday and ran very well. lot faster on the trails. only thing is it doesnt want to stay running at an idle without foot on gas. do you think the carb needs cleened. it is the stock carb on it still. other than that it ran very well.

BuggyMaster · #51 08-11-2009, 10:58 AM

You have to adjust your idle mixture screw on the side of the carb. Ironically, on this new helix, mine fell out this past weekend! Fortunately, I have a parts carb here that had a good screw in it.

Anyways, you should start out at trying 1.5 turns out. The goal is to get to the point that provides the highest smooth RPM. I call that the sweet-spot. As you are turning that screw in or out, the RPM will raise or lower as you get near or past the sweet spot. You have to balance it between the idle screw itself too. If it won't idle at all, turn the idle screw up until it does and then adjust the mixture screw from there.

24evanwilson · #52 08-11-2009, 11:21 AM

but watch out for the automatic choke. it likes to trick you when it kicks in in about 5 secs

booda72 · #53 08-11-2009, 11:56 AM

is this the screw by the throttle cable or is there another screw somewhere else?

booda72 · #54 08-11-2009, 11:57 AM

can you post a diagram of the carb?

BuggyMaster · #55 08-11-2009, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by booda72

is this the screw by the throttle cable or is there another screw somewhere else?

It is on the opposite side of the carb. Kinda hard to see. Some machines have a cap over this screw, and some don't. I'll try to post up a pic in a few.

BuggyMaster · #56 08-11-2009, 12:08 PM

Check this thread here:

http://www.buggymasters.com/forum/showthread.php?p=791

BigBoss · #57 08-11-2009, 09:42 PM

where is a good place 2

BigBoss · #58 08-11-2009, 09:51 PM

Get mod for carbide

BuggyMaster · #59 08-11-2009, 10:02 PM

check with one of the supporting vendors. Depends what you want to do too.

24evanwilson · #60 08-12-2009, 12:35 AM

aka bige

bige · #61 08-12-2009, 03:18 AM

like was said in the above post, there is alot that can be done to the 150's. its all depending on the terrain and what you want to get from your buggy.

the cvt mods are the easiest and cheapest to do

BigBoss · #62 08-12-2009, 08:55 PM

clutch mods and uni pod filter

BuggyMaster · #63 08-12-2009, 09:08 PM

You're in luck. Stand by for a few and look for an email.

BigBoss · #64 08-12-2009, 09:22 PM

I ok i will

BuggyMaster · #65 08-12-2009, 09:29 PM

I'm gettin there...

foxracer45 · #66 08-18-2009, 01:13 PM

is there an easy thing for a small speed or power boost?

BuggyMaster · #67 08-18-2009, 01:17 PM

The best quick/easy more power mods come from getting more air through the engine. The cheapest would be a UNI filter (just like the one being given away in the contest) as it will open it up some. You will need to rejet your carb to accomodate it, but that's cheap too. A jet is only a few bucks.

foxracer45 · #68 08-18-2009, 02:07 PM

cool where can i get it?

24evanwilson · #69 08-18-2009, 02:16 PM

any moto dealer

booda72 · #70 08-23-2009, 02:17 PM

i am finally posting a pick of the plug after a few good runs. almost looks like the old plug.

BuggyMaster · #71 08-23-2009, 02:24 PM

Hmmm...that is interesting. What all mods do you have? What kind of fuel are you running? Is that the correct / stock plug?

BuggyMaster · #72 08-23-2009, 02:34 PM

In particular, are you using any fuel additives?

booda72 · #73 08-23-2009, 03:17 PM

no additives and the plug that it calls for

BuggyMaster · #74 08-23-2009, 03:31 PM

Using just regular fuel in it? Are you in a heavy ethanol area?

booda72 · #75 08-23-2009, 04:04 PM

toledo ohio

booda72 · #76 08-23-2009, 04:05 PM

higher octane maybe?

BuggyMaster · #77 08-23-2009, 06:18 PM

Well the reason I asked about the additives is that is what plugs look like after using octane booster like super 104. Other additives could do the same. Not sure about ethanol though which is why I asked.

Are you running high test gas in it? (like 93 octane)

booda72 · #78 08-23-2009, 06:24 PM

87 octane

foxracer45 · #79 08-23-2009, 08:22 PM

i got a uni filter! lol

foxracer45 · #80 08-23-2009, 08:24 PM

wait what does it mean rejet your corroborator?

PatNY · #81 08-23-2009, 10:00 PM

Foxracer45 here is a link with great
explanation to re-jetting

http://www.buggypartsnw.com/****-inf...t-a-carburetor

BuggyMaster · #82 08-23-2009, 10:03 PM

If you are still using your stock jet, you will my all means need to rejet. These are lean from the factory.

foxracer45 · #83 08-23-2009, 10:25 PM

well im not taking that apart im just gonna send it back....

foxracer45 · #84 08-23-2009, 10:35 PM

never mind i followed that link i can do that .....thanks

BuggyMaster · #85 08-24-2009, 12:02 AM

I was gonna say..its not hard, In fact, I am uploading a vid showing how to do it. Will have it done shortly.

BuggyMaster · #86 08-24-2009, 12:27 AM

Here, check out this thread:

http://www.buggymasters.com/forum/showthread.php?t=168

foxracer45 · #87 08-27-2009, 01:16 PM

my uncle says not to mess with the carb and to take it to a mechanic so im going to and me being stupid i ordered the 2 inch not the 1/2 inch so its gonna take another 2-3 weeks............................

24evanwilson · #88 08-27-2009, 02:03 PM

dang be in dumb stinks

PatNY · #89 08-27-2009, 02:27 PM

With some reading and a little education from our members,
I believe anyone here can learn and do it themselves.

That's part of the fun of having these buggy's.....
To be able to work on them yourself, instead of a mechanic
that you have pay.

Read, learn and Do it.
I guarantee you, you're be proud of your achievement.

24evanwilson · #90 08-27-2009, 02:33 PM

oh no not this speech again eeewwww

RyanFig · #91 09-07-2009, 08:48 PM

Should I remove the case around my uni air filter to make it out in the open? like this one http://media.photobucket.com/image/u...air-filter.jpg

BuggyMaster · #92 09-07-2009, 08:48 PM

Your uni will not be in a case when installed. You remove your current air intake setup, and put the uni on instead.

RyanFig · #93 09-07-2009, 08:50 PM

oh ok that makes more sense thanks

BuggyMaster · #94 09-07-2009, 08:53 PM

You are going to need and extension off of your carb. you use drain tubing from lowes to make that. Take a look at the original thread for contest one and look at the prize. That shows the UNI with the extension on it.

24evanwilson · #95 09-08-2009, 03:10 PM

COOL! man

((

foxracer45 · #96 09-08-2009, 07:20 PM

would a 150cc Go-Kart Performance Exhaust Kit from hammerhead work on a helix?

24evanwilson · #97 09-08-2009, 07:42 PM

i think it might just work!

PatNY · #98 09-08-2009, 07:46 PM

Foxracer45 wait until these experts chime in.
They have a better idea if it does.

RyanFig · #99 09-08-2009, 07:58 PM

Does anyone know where I can get some big cheap 4 ply tires for my Carbide?

foxracer45 · #**100** 09-08-2009, 08:02 PM

and a helix? (tires)