Chinese 1.3L Diesel V-Twin Engine Fitted to Go-Kart by YouTubers: A Wild Build Review

Shopping on the internet can be hit or miss, but it still delivers surprises—like a massive Chinese-made V-twin diesel engine listed on AliExpress. The YouTubers at CarsandCameras recently purchased the 2V98FDE V-twin, installed it in a go-kart, and documented the entire process.

The 2V98FDE displaces 1,300 cc, produces 26.8 horsepower, and revs to 3,600 rpm. The engine weighs 244 pounds dry and cost $1,999.73 at the time of purchase. However, discrepancies in the listed specs—including the weight—required the team to verify measurements by placing the engine on a scale.

Shipping and Quality Control Issues

The engine’s journey from China to the U.S. was far from smooth. It took months to arrive, and when it did, the crate it shipped in had holes in the cardboard sides. Even worse, the engine wasn’t secured or bolted down for transport.

Once unboxed, the team discovered multiple quality control issues:

• Poorly cast engine parts
• Bits of still-wet Loctite residue
• Overspray on components
• The manufacturer’s name on the valve covers was upside down
• A random bolt piercing the intake manifold

On the brighter side, the engine arrived with several useful features:

• Electric start
• A supplementary electric fuel pump
• An emergency valve lifter to prevent runaway combustion

The engine fired up without issues, but fitting it into a go-kart presented a new set of challenges.

Fitting a Diesel V-Twin into a Go-Kart

For context, the go-kart originally came with a 98cc engine, though it had previously been fitted with a 400cc diesel. Most go-kart engines max out around 670cc, making the 1,300 cc V-twin a significant upgrade.

When filled with fluids and equipped with the kart’s CVT transmission, the diesel V-twin weighed about 300 pounds—nearly as much as a conventional go-kart with a rider.

To accommodate the engine, the team made several modifications:

• The rear axle was moved back six inches
• The engine was mounted on a subframe and steel plate reinforced with angle iron
• The final setup was about as tall as a seated rider

Despite the engine’s size and weight, the 26.8 horsepower and diesel-style torque delivery allowed the kart to spin its tires with ease. The main hurdle was the transmission, which required modifications to ensure full engagement.

Could This Diesel V-Twin Power a Car?

The team at CarsandCameras believes the V-twin is powerful enough to propel a car, though such a swap would likely prioritize fuel efficiency over speed. They compared the build to a Chevy S-10 diesel conversion, suggesting it could be better suited for utility rather than performance.

Alternatively, they mused about the engine’s potential in a go-kart tractor pull, where raw power and torque would shine.

"The engine fired right up, but fitting it into a go-kart was a whole other challenge."

The full build and testing process was documented in a video by CarsandCameras and shared on YouTube.