Honda Single-Seater Boosts Power by 100 HP with 800cc Snowmobile Engine Replacement

Long before Polaris, Can-Am, and Kawasaki began crafting side-by-sides boasting sports car-level horsepower, Honda introduced the Pilot. I’m not referring to the SUV here. Instead, Honda developed a single-seat all-terrain vehicle that resembled an enhanced go-kart. Initially featuring a 397cc two-stroke engine, these machines became popular among off-road speed enthusiasts, and the one you see now is powered by a powerful 800cc engine taken from a Skidoo snowmobile.

Corey Kruse—proprietor of CK Powersports in Lincoln, Nebraska—constructed it. In fact, this marks his second Skidoo-powered Pilot. The first was a personal venture equipped with a 670cc engine, which captured the eye of renowned automotive comedian Dax Shepard. This unit was built specifically for him, and as evidenced by the various burnout and wheelie clips on Kruse’s YouTube, it performs impressively.

“I just recently uploaded a compilation video showing me sliding through the shop parking lot on a wet surface and another clip of it performing a wheelie on the roadway,” Kruse shared over the phone. “He [Shepard] commented on my Instagram and said, ‘Build me one.’ So, I reached out to him, saying, ‘I need to follow up. I’m not sure if you’re joking or being sincere about it.’”

As it turns out, Shepard was indeed serious, prompting Kruse to begin work around October 2025. It has been in running condition for around three weeks now, meaning it took roughly seven months to complete—primarily due to parts availability. The market for snowmobile-converted Honda Pilots is quite niche, and while some individuals have undertaken similar projects, there isn’t a large-scale operation keeping inventory readily available.

Kruse managed to acquire this Pilot with the 800cc engine already installed. The sole issue was that it had been poorly assembled. “It had a snowmobile exhaust pipe that was badly welded, with a Flowmaster muffler stuck on the end,” he detailed. Thus, he began by overhauling much of the existing work, along with replacing the fuel tank, radiator, and exhaust. A kit from Farr Off-Road ensured proper alignment of all components.

Despite the new engine having double the displacement of the original, Kruse mentions it isn’t significantly heavier—possibly just an additional 20 pounds more than the factory unit. Including the larger gas tank and radiator, he still approximates the Pilot’s weight to be around 700 pounds. That’s nearly negligible when you have 140 horsepower at your disposal.

For some context, the original Pilot two-stroke generated approximately 40 hp. An increase of 100 hp is undeniably impressive, and Kruse made certain that the rest of the setup was enhanced to accommodate it. The vehicle features long-travel suspension at the front with Elka shocks, which aid in smooth landings, as these machines love to catch air. It also comes equipped with more robust Nissin brakes for reliable stopping power. Remarkably, the continuously variable transmission remains stock.

“Everyone keeps asking, ‘How will it cope with the power?’ They just seem to handle it,” Kruse explained. He noted that the CVT in his 670cc Pilot is standard and that he has never encountered any problems. “If you’re jumping and throttling down while landing hard, you may break axles. But generally, they seem to hold up.”

As for the overall sensation, Kruse mentioned that sitting in it feels just like the original. He installed a Polaris RZR seat for added comfort, but it retains the factory electronics, and the hand controls remain unchanged. I can imagine it’s exhilarating to hit the thumb throttle and watch the front wheels lift off the ground.

Overall, you’re experiencing phenomenal performance in a machine like this for significantly less than a RZR Pro R. The two certainly don’t compete in terms of luxury, but if you prioritize speed, it’s tough to rival the fun-per-dollar of a Skidoo-swapped Pilot. Kruse mentioned this build cost about $30,000 in total, while a two-seat RZR Pro R has a starting price of $43,999.

“I would say it’s more comparable to driving a sand car than a side-by-side,” Kruse stated. “This vehicle is 60 inches wide and approximately eight feet long from bumper to bumper. So, it’s not drastically larger than an ATV.”

“You sit low to the ground,” he added. “It really feels like you’re in a sports car, whereas most side-by-sides have you sitting much higher.”

I doubt that the same individuals are considering factory RZR Pro R models alongside custom Honda Pilots. Nonetheless, that doesn’t undermine the seriousness of this project. It’s clear that it would be thrilling to navigate, and if you have the determination, you could very well create one yourself.

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**Honda Single-Seater Boosts Power by 100 HP with 800cc Snowmobile Engine Swap**

In the domain of motorsports and automotive innovation, enthusiasts are perpetually exploring avenues to enhance performance and extend the capabilities of vehicles. A recent venture has piqued the interest of the automotive community: a Honda single-seater that has undergone a remarkable engine swap, replacing its original unit with an 800cc snowmobile engine, yielding an impressive increase of 100 horsepower.

### The Foundation Vehicle

This project launched with a Honda single-seater, a lightweight and agile machine celebrated for its responsiveness. Initially intended for leisurely use and minor racing, the original engine provided sufficient power for casual driving. However, performance aficionados recognized the opportunity for substantial enhancements, particularly regarding power-to-weight ratios.

### The Engine Replacement

The core of this transformation is the 800cc snowmobile engine, designed for high performance in demanding environments. Snowmobile engines are built for rapid acceleration and substantial torque, making them excellent candidates for boosting performance in lightweight vehicles. The selection of an 800cc unit is particularly significant, as it balances power output with weight, ensuring the single-seater keeps its agility while gaining substantial horsepower.

### Performance Improvements

The engine swap led to a remarkable increase of 100 horsepower compared to the original engine. This surge in power remarkably elevates the vehicle’s performance, permitting faster acceleration, greater top speeds, and enhanced overall handling. The snowmobile engine’s configuration further contributes to a more exhilarating driving experience, featuring a power band that offers robust performance at various RPM levels.

### Technical Challenges

The engine swap presented challenges. Integrating the snowmobile engine into the Honda single-seater necessitated custom mounts, alterations to the drivetrain, and upgrades to the vehicle’s cooling system to manage the differing thermal dynamics of the new engine. Additionally, calibrating the engine management system was essential for achieving optimal performance and reliability.

### Implications for Weight and Balance

A crucial factor in any engine swap is its impact on the vehicle’s weight distribution and balance. Although the snowmobile engine is more powerful, it is also heavier than the original Honda engine. Careful attention was paid to engine placement to preserve the vehicle’s center of gravity and handling characteristics. The single-seater’s overall weight remained competitive, allowing it to maintain its agile character.

### Conclusion

The transformation of the Honda single-seater through the 800cc snowmobile engine swap epitomizes the creative spirit of automotive enthusiasts. By amplifying power by 100 horsepower, this project not only enhances performance but also exemplifies the potential for cross-engine swaps in the quest for speed and agility. As the automotive realm continues to progress, such modifications are likely to inspire further innovation and creativity among performance enthusiasts.