Hemiallen wrote: Thanks for the lowdown from Paul, Professor.
I realize Paul said what he hopes to add, electric remote start, but I suspect the over the counter, non deep discount's that allow some to say the Champion is a $300 generator is way off the remote start version.
I would wager a guess at a $750 price tag...???.... to consumers. When was the last time this unit was $300?
Thanks again
Allen
Allen, none of my comments should be construed as factual. I am projecting what I see as a good possibility. I have been wrong before, and very well could miss the mark this time as well.
The electric start add on kit will need to include the starter motor, flywheel ring gear, battery charge coil, push button start switch, bolt-on universal battery holder box, relay/solenoid and a few studs, bolts and some wire.
To install the kit will require removing the engine shroud, cutting a notch for the starter, attaching a "hump" that covers the starter gear. The flywheel will need to be pulled to attach the ring gear/charge coil and a hole drilled into a piece on the block to insert a mounting stud. A push button switch will need to be wired into the existing circuit so it will only work when the engine switch is in the "on" position.
One will need some mechanical inclination and a few tools, such as a drill, bit, wrenches, flywheel removal tool and aviation snips.
I seriously doubt that the battery will be part of the kit. I expect the kit to reference a small motor scooter battery that can be picked up at Wal-Mart or an auto supply store.
My projection is that the kit will come in at no more than $175 retail. Better prices may be possible - we need to wait and see.
As for the remote starter, we will need a radio frequency transmitter and receiver capable of at least 200'. The remote kit needs to include a solenoid to activate the choke.
On the engine side the transmitter will need an actuation circuit for on/off/start and choke. This function could easily be combined into one "start" button on the remote transmitter.
The kit will also require some wiring attachments as well as mounting of the choke solenoid. The purchaser/installer should have some ratchet, socket, drill and wire genes.
Again, my projection is that this kit will most likely retail in the $80 range.
Add those together and we have a projected upgrade cost of about $250. Again, based on what I have seen, a unit factory equipped with these items should not add any more than that to its cost, possibly less.
As for $299 generators, they come and go with seasonal sales. Tractor supply recently had a lower price sale (rebate). CSK for some reason decided to clear their warehouse of units at a bargan basement price (so they could turn around and order more). With Lowe's and NAPA picking up the Champion line, and the expansion in outlets due to the consolidation of CSK and Riely's, competion will surely heat up in some markets. I think the $299 prices will be there, but you will need to search them out. Generally, a flood sale of this type is posted on this forum. Of course, hurricanes and ice storms deplete inventoy and thus prices rise. If no major storms hit this year, it will surely be a buyers market by late summer.
Don't forget that the WEN PowerPro sold by PepBoys is also frequently on sale. It is a very well made unit, but lacks the customer support of the Champion. I would not hesitate getting a WEN if the price was right provided I had some mechanical ability and a desire to innovate should a component fail and need replacement.
Once again, NO INSIDER INFORMATION is contained here. I am inclined to do pre-analysis on such doododdies and patiently wait to see how close I come to the bulls eye.
Professor Randy T. Agee & Nancy Agee
Mechanicsville, VA
2005 Prowler Regal 330 FKDS
1999 GMC 3500 4x4 dually. 7.4L gas engine with homebrewed WATER/air/fuel injection. Better mileage, more power! Yes, I now burn water.
Prof95, It's a done deal. No more mention of any desires of better Chinese gensets with lower noise levels from Champion, from this end. For the foreseeable future my mission has failed.
The mention of reliability issues was in reference to your conversation with Mr. Cole, on the development of a possible new genset design or retro. Forgive my confusing wording. Please do continue with the Mr.Paul Cole story.
Floyd
* This post was
edited 05/08/08 03:35pm by Old & Slow *
My wife brought a rather strange but interesting response with her when she moved from Arkansas. I had never heard it, but like it and now occasionally find myself using it........
My wife brought a rather strange but interesting response with her when she moved from Arkansas. I had never heard it, but like it and now occasionally find myself using it........
Old & Slow wrote: Prof95, It's a done deal. No more mention of any desires of better Chinese gensets with lower noise levels from Champion, from this end. For the foreseeable future my mission has failed.
No, you did not fail. You are getting two out of the three (remote and electric start kit).
Old & Slow wrote: Prof95, It's a done deal. No more mention of any desires of better Chinese gensets with lower noise levels from Champion, from this end. For the foreseeable future my mission has failed.
No, you did not fail. You are getting two out of the three (remote and electric start kit).
That is success.
It's apparent you and this thread have some great influence with Champion. I have little to do with anything. This thread has added years to my life. The last year many happy hours I spent in the little GENHOUSE/shop (Yellow and Black), building sound lowering enclosures. Have I learned any thing? That remains to be seen. I have put the little Champ through some pretty tough stress. First in the HM factory genset compartment and then in the shop. I have this to say. She keeps cracking and puttin out some great power.
Yes, adding these new fangled kits would make it a strong contender to that $3000
Honda thingee you mentioned. With a simply sound lowering box I do believe one could hang their hat on it. Thanks Prof.
We will be waiting for a report on the completion of your Champion project. Maybe we can hear from others with the stories of retro success. Some are like Silent Sam. We have to make our fearless leader proud, if possible.
We will be waiting for a report on the completion of your Champion project. Maybe we can hear from others with the stories of retro success. Some are like Silent Sam. We have to make our fearless leader proud, if possible.
Floyd
Hey Floyd,
I have been in a holding pattern awaiting things to fall into place. Sounds to me like the wait might have been worth it. My Duct tape and glue are in hand.......
Brad
That wink got me, no screws needed uh, what's the purpose of the glue? Can't you also hang the carpet with Duct tape? Wish I had that 'Duct tape' in the old days of flying my little T Craft crate with the rod on a cork float for a fuel gauge. Progress ma man, progress. Ah, that 'Duct tape' ...we need a story from Prof on all the uses for 'Duct tape' please prof.
Floyd
Question, where you gunna hang the remote? Radio control, ya know! Didn't think we might go that far! Is this for real or have I lost my bearings?
* This post was
edited 05/10/08 07:43am by Old & Slow *
We will be waiting for a report on the completion of your Champion project. Maybe we can hear from others with the stories of retro success. Some are like Silent Sam. We have to make our fearless leader proud, if possible.
Floyd
Hey Floyd,
I have been in a holding pattern awaiting things to fall into place. Sounds to me like the wait might have been worth it. My Duct tape and glue are in hand.......
Brad
So, Brad, does this mean your going to be the site guinnypig and buy the retro kit (if and when they become available) and make your c46540 a remote electric start? Would love to see and read how you do it if you do. Not that I will do it. My champion serves my needs 100% as it sits but it would be nice to see how easy a upgrade of that magnitude would be.
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