GT22-8 Modifying GT14 to 8 speed and 22hp Predator

[953 nut 55,376]

That will be one tough looking Horse!

[Aldon 4,826]

Waiting on an engine mounting plate and a couple other odds and ends. But decided to trim some fenders and fit to see if I could get by with stock fender vs total customs to clear the rear tires. While it's close, I believe it will suffice for my needs.

[19richie66 17,508]

Pure meaness there.

[GT14 243]

Stock looks great!

[Aldon 4,826]

In order to squeeze the Predator into it however the hood will have to be modified. Although I hope to retain enough of the look that it will still look GT14 like.

Edited August 20, 2017 by Aldon

[fast88pu 3,324]

15 minutes ago, Aldon said:

In order to squeeze the Predator into it however the hood will have to be modified. Although I home to retain enough of the look that it will still look GT14 like.

Mount it up and send it this way.   After you hear the predator you don't want anything else

 

[WVHillbilly520H 10,373]

2 hours ago, fast88pu said:

Mount it up and send it this way.   After you hear the predator you don't want anything else

 

How about some video sound bites of that Predator through that open header?

[fast88pu 3,324]

8 minutes ago, WVHillbilly520H said:

How about some video sound bites of that Predator through that open header?

I can't get it to load. Send me an email and I will send you one

[AMC RULES 37,132]

 You can upload your video to Youtube for free...

it's really easy...then just cut & paste the video link into your post here. 

[WVHillbilly520H 10,373]

@fast88pu, thanks here's your video, Jeff.

VID_20170819_171651.mp4

[Texas Todd 1,025]

Thats a fitting sound for that beast you are building Aldon! 

[Electro12WH 50]

How hard would it be to make a copy of that back fender that was wide enough to cover the tire? Nothin' different, just wider.

[Aldon 4,826]

21 minutes ago, Texas Todd said:

Thats a fitting sound for that beast you are building Aldon! 

 

6 minutes ago, Electro12WH said:

How hard would it be to make a copy of that back fender that was wide enough to cover the tire? Nothin' different, just wider.

Mine will have muffler but hope it retains some of the rumble.

 

Fabricating a wider fender is plausible but it would be really difficult without a metal brake.

[19richie66 17,508]

Hmm, can't see the video. I have thought about a wider fender for mine but they are arched in two different ways. Without an english wheel it would be difficult. It would be hard to cut two fenders in half and widen them. It would be cool though!

Edited August 21, 2017 by 19richie66

[953 nut 55,376]

I was thinking that if you put a spacer between the axle housing and upper fender to raise it up enough and make a new longer front panel which would end up a bit further forward it would get the job done and look stock to the untrained eye. Don't know that covering the width of the tire is that important.

[GT14 243]

17 hours ago, Aldon said:

In order to squeeze the Predator into it however the hood will have to be modified. Although I hope to retain enough of the look that it will still look GT14 like.

 I had to do the same when installing the Kohler commander in the GT

[Aldon 4,826]

Well the US postal service seems to have misplaced a couple of my shipments and it's slowing my project a bit. Took the opportunity to do some odd jobs in the shop and then figur d why not install the 3 point. At least it clears the parts off the bench for a while. Pretty sure I installed cylinder incorrect but for mock up it is fine.

@19richie66 handwork is in one of the pics.

 

[19richie66 17,508]

Hey that almost looks factory. 

[ztnoo 2,298]

 

Very, very impressive Aldon!!!

I was wondering where the second hydraulic control valve was going to be located.......now it looks like I know.

Also, what are those corrosion streaks and pitting on the left side frame "C" section panel??? Corrosion from a previously leaky battery?

Edited August 22, 2017 by ztnoo

[Aldon 4,826]

@19richie66 fabbed up the independent hydraulic control valve handle so kudos to him for the assist.

 

@ztnoo I don't know root cause for the corrosion but the parts cow i pulled it off of sat uncovered in field for a long time. I have a better option that will be used on the actual build. Once I've determined all the necessary modifications, holes, cuts etcetera.

Edited August 22, 2017 by Aldon

[PeacemakerJack 10,738]

Aldon--that is a MEAN MACHINE on so many levels.  I like all your work in general and I didn't think you could do any better than your last GT build.  Boy, was I wrong!  This thing is awesome.  I love the fact that you have recognized the weak points of the original design and are in the process of beefing those areas up for long lasting durability.  I love the stance and the tire choices.  I can't wait to see it finished parked next to an average sized GT! It is going to dwarf them.  I will say that you will have to grow some extra limbs for operating a bucket with a gear jammer...

keep up the good work. As has been said so many times before, I can't wait to see the next post!

[Aldon 4,826]

Engine mounting plate came today. Unfortunately it did not pan out as planned. Forged forward and mounted engine directly to frame. It turns out I may very well be able to keep the original GT14 look for the hood. I had to do MAJOR surgery on the predator shroud. I'll have to seal it off to keep debris out and allow it to cool properly but i like that the hood stays stock. I tried positioning it towards the back but could not gain enough room to allow for use of GT14 gas tank. So I went with plan B. Moved engine into the nose and will go with a Bseries style tank where the battery would ordinarily go. I will fab up a heat deflector similar rob gt14 set up to protect the Bseries tank. Then I tore it back down to start the process of installing the clutch and brake assembly off the donor. 2 steps forward and 1-2 steps back. Slow going but progress is happening. The whole roll of tape under tank is for rough spacing. First pic the engine is solidly mounted.

 

Edited August 23, 2017 by Aldon

[ztnoo 2,298]

6 minutes ago, Aldon said:

misprint surgery

 

I'm intrigued and perplexed by your terminology, Dr. Trimble.

Perhaps you could clarify?

Also.....where is the battery going to be located with the plan you are currently undertaking?

[Aldon 4,826]

2 minutes ago, ztnoo said:

 

I'm intrigued and perplexed by your terminology, Dr. Trimble.

Perhaps you could clarify?

Also.....where is the battery going to be located with the plan you are currently undertaking?

That is supposed to be MAJOR. Dang auto correct crap program. As for battery, it will likely go under the Gas tank. There is more room under there since I won't be using the hydraulic lift for now. The gear reduction impedes too much. I can still make it work but doubt I'd use this for mowing so not worth the trouble to engineer a work around at this time.

[fast88pu 3,324]

Put battery where original tank goes