814 views | Part inspection | 4stroke

The new Harbor Freight 224 Predator is a DUCAR 224cc non-hemi head clone. This review compares the 224 Predator Max Performance engine with the old 212 Predator (224 vs 212), covering shared features and differences. After a close look it is a DUCAR 225 engine, so high-performance aftermarket parts are easy to find and no special cam is required; any clone camshaft can run in the Predator 224 Max Performance engine, though you may need to clearance the cam for the 58mm stroke crankshaft. The 224 Predator block is reinforced, a feature worth about $100 aftermarket. Numbers and features: 1. The crankshaft is a 58mm (2.283") stroker with a connecting rod journal diameter of 1.178". 2. The cylinder head is a non-hemi type, unfortunate but not a deal breaker. 3. The camshaft has a shaft diameter of .549" on both ends and interchanges with other clone camshafts, so the 224 Predator now accepts clone camshafts. 4. Valves will be advertised as 27mm intake and 25mm exhaust, rounded up a few thousandths of an inch. 5. The cylinder block is a reinforced race-type dual bearing block with DUCAR raised in the casting inside. It is not a Tillotson block and not a Wildcat 223 block; the 224 Predator Max Performance block is new. Deck height is almost .025 taller than the 223 Wildcat engine block. For racers and engine builders the 224 Predator Max Performance engine is a DUCAR 225 engine.

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