Here are some of our recommendations for builds for the Harbor Freight Predator 224 Non-Hemi. From time to time, as new parts are developed, you may find alterations to these lists, but the goal is to have the best available option to build the Predator 224 Non-Hemi to your ideal goal and budget. Reference back to our builder's guide blog for descriptions of each goal. Under Each build goal is the parts list with links to those parts to make it easy to get the parts ordered.
The Predator 224 is the latest non-racing engine from Harbor Freight, and with the added displacement, it makes more torque than most 212 engines on the market. However, when it comes to modifications, we prefer the Wildcat 223. Both engines have 70mm bore with 58mm stroke making the true displacement of both engines 223.21cc. The Wildcat 223 comes with a flat top piston which is lighter than the dish piston in the 224 engine and will allow a longer billet rod for less friction and wear on the thrust side of the piston. The Wildcat Block has reinforcements on the top and bottom of the jug. The Predator 224 does not. The Predator 224 also has an issue using any rod that has rod bearings. The additional width caused by the bearings makes cause the rod to hit the ceiling of the block. The Wildcat does not have this issue. Overall the Wildcat is better for modifications.
Recreational
Camshaft: TTS-647 w/26lbs springs
Carburetor: PZ22 w/Curved Intake
Connecting Rod: 8288 Billet Rod
Cylinder Head: Stock
Flywheel: Cast Aluminum Flywheel
Push Rods: Stock
Rocker Arms: Stock
Side Cover: Stock
Stroker Kit: N/A
Valve Springs: 26lbs Valve Springs comes with TTS-647 Camshaft
Retainers: Stock
Optional
1.3 Stamped Rocker Arms (Recommended to use SS Valves and Billet Retainers)
24mm Stainless Steel Exhaust Valve (Must use Billet Retainers)
25mm Stainless Steel Intake Valve (Must use Billet Retainers)
Hot Recreational
Camshaft: TTS-265 w/26lbs springs
Carburetor: WC22 Carburetor Kit
Connecting Rod: 8288 Billet Rod
Cylinder Head: Stock
Push Rods: Stock
Rocker Arms: Stock
Side Cover: Stock
Stroker Kit: N/A
Retainers: Stock
Optional
1.3 Stamped Rocker Arms (Recommended to use SS Valves and Billet Retainers)
24mm Stainless Steel Exhaust Valve (Must use Billet Retainers)
25mm Stainless Steel Intake Valve (Must use Billet Retainers)
Street/Strip
Camshaft: TTS-698
Carburetor: PWK24 Carburetor Kit
Connecting Rod: 8288 Billet Rod
Cylinder Head: TIL-1BV18-2 18cc 32/27 Big Valve Non-Hemi Head
Flywheel: SK200 Billet Flywheel
Push Rods: Chromoly
Rocker Arms: Champion
Side Cover: Stock
Stroker Kit: N/A
Valve Springs: 32lbs Dual Valve Springs
Retainers: Titanium Retainers
Optional
SK300 PVL Ignition Flywheel (Must use PVL Ignition) Coming Soon
EC 12,000rpm PVL Ignition Coming Soon
Stock Appearing
Camshaft: CL-335
Connecting Rod: 8288 Billet Rod
Flywheel: SK100 Billet Flywheel
Push Rods: Chromoly
Rocker Arms: 1.1 Rev Roller Rockers
Side Cover: Stock
Stroker Kit: N/A
Valve Springs: 38lbs Dual Valve Springs Install on the Head
Retainers: Titanium Retainers Installed on the Head
Optional
SK300 PVL Ignition Flywheel (Must use PVL Ignition) Coming Soon
EC 12,000rpm PVL Ignition Coming Soon
Open Modified
Camshaft: TTS-800
Carburetor: XR-28 or PWK28 on Methanol
Connecting Rod: 8288 Billet Rod
Flywheel: SK200 Billet Flywheel
Push Rods: Chromoly
Rocker Arms: 1.2 Rev Roller Rockers
Side Cover: EC Billet Side Cover
Stroker Kit: N/A
Valve Springs: 38lbs Dual Valve Springs Install on the Head
Retainers: Titanium Retainers Installed on the Head
3rd Bearing Support: EC's 3rd Bearings Support and Heavy Duty Blower Housing
Optional
SK300 PVL Ignition Flywheel (Must use PVL Ignition) Coming Soon
EC 12,000rpm PVL Ignition Coming Soon
