How Much Power Does This Engine Make?

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Timothy Klatte
Posts: 56
Joined: Sun Mar 13, 2016 4:21 pm
Vintage Karting items owned: Simplex Challenger Mk4
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How Much Power Does This Engine Make?

Post by Timothy Klatte » Sat Dec 01, 2018 3:18 pm

I have a Chrysler West Bend 580 that runs pretty good. The model number is #58041 and the serial number is #1210.
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Does anyone know how much power this thing makes compared to an older model? And, is it period authentic enough for a Simplex Challenger?
Thanks for any info.

ted johnson
Posts: 1685
Joined: Fri Jun 15, 2007 7:59 am

Re: How Much Power Does This Engine Make?

Post by ted johnson » Sat Dec 01, 2018 4:49 pm

Timothy, the 3-port 580 makes around 5 to 5-1/2 horsepower, which is the same as an earlier 580. The parts are interchangeable, and it's perfect for the Simplex. When you decide on more power, you can add a second 580. There are often "5-port" kits showing up on eBay. They consist of a cylinder with two extra intake ports and the accompanying piston. The kit will add about one horsepower to the engine. The 580 responds well to all the "normal" hop-up tricks. Ted

REAR
Posts: 1221
Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2007 10:19 am

Re: How Much Power Does This Engine Make?

Post by REAR » Sun Dec 02, 2018 9:57 am

Tim,

The WB-580 is a great little mill.

If your looking for some quick and easy bolt on performance upgrades from what you have, get a exhaust header to open up the exhaust flow and a different intake manifold with either a pyramid reed cage or the larger 4 petal 'V' style West Bend cage.

R.E.A.R.

Timothy Klatte
Posts: 56
Joined: Sun Mar 13, 2016 4:21 pm
Vintage Karting items owned: Simplex Challenger Mk4
User Agreement: Yes

Re: How Much Power Does This Engine Make?

Post by Timothy Klatte » Sun Dec 02, 2018 1:27 pm

Thanks for all the info, guys.
Two more questions-1) You'll notice that I have a shaft adapter on the crank to bring the diameter up to 5/8" for a normal clutch. Will this create any problems?
2) How and where do I mount a fuel tank?
Again, thanks-your info is greatly appreciated!!!

ted johnson
Posts: 1685
Joined: Fri Jun 15, 2007 7:59 am

Re: How Much Power Does This Engine Make?

Post by ted johnson » Sun Dec 02, 2018 4:38 pm

Timothy, I, along with many others, do not like clutch adapters. They often work around on the crank and damage the end of the crank. Look around on the various forums for a real clutch to fit the 580 shaft. If you want a really good clutch, get a Max Torque from Jim Donovan. His clutches are tough and he's a prince of a guy who's a real friend to the vintage crowd.

Jim Donovan
(630)369-9600
2180 Corporate Ln,
Naperville, Il 60563
jim@maxtorque.com

They're not cheap, but are great clutches.
Since you have a diaphragm carb, you can mount the fuel tank where you like. On the back of the seat, on the front floorpan, Etc. eBay always has tanks for sale. So soes Chuck Giacobbe (Strokerace). The kart came originally with a seatback tank, but you can put the tank anywhere that's safe to mount it. There were factory mounts that mounted the West Bend tank right on the engine, but they aren't "cool", though they work O.K. Ted

REAR
Posts: 1221
Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2007 10:19 am

Re: How Much Power Does This Engine Make?

Post by REAR » Sun Dec 02, 2018 4:52 pm

Tim,

Have been running a sleeve on my personal 580 to increase the crank diameter from 9/16" to 5/8" and have experienced no issues what so ever.

R.E.A.R.

ted johnson
Posts: 1685
Joined: Fri Jun 15, 2007 7:59 am

Re: How Much Power Does This Engine Make?

Post by ted johnson » Sun Dec 02, 2018 5:16 pm

Timothy, Rob and Bob both know a lot more about 580's than I do! Just in case you may be interested in an original style chrome seatback tank for the Sprint, you might get hold of Greg Gouveia. He sells several kinds of reproduction tanks.

Greg Gouveia
102 Cross St. Suite 100
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
gregsspeedshop@att.net
1-805-541-4310

Chuck Giacobbe, who I mentioned earlier, has tons of vintage parts. Contact him at:


Chuck Giacobbe (Strokerace)
bev4sim02@aol.com

He's in New Jersey. Ted

Timothy Klatte
Posts: 56
Joined: Sun Mar 13, 2016 4:21 pm
Vintage Karting items owned: Simplex Challenger Mk4
User Agreement: Yes

Re: How Much Power Does This Engine Make?

Post by Timothy Klatte » Mon Dec 03, 2018 8:45 pm

Thanks for all the info!!!!

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