Total-No-Holding-Back Upgrades To A TaoTao 50cc (Long post warning!)

[ForCom5]

Greeting Scootdawg persons!

Gotta say, this site (and it's .proboards predecessor) has been pretty integral my decision to forgo a car and plunk down to get this scoot. You all seem pretty damn cool.

But before we get too far, the scoot:

http://i.imgur.com/T0IlWZN.jpg?2

The TaoTao ATM50-A1 scooter. 50 cubic centimeters of plastic, fun, and best parking spots; with a helmet that cost one-third the price of the scoot itself!

Anywho, onto more fun things. If you're already bored, stop reading... now.


I know these things are pretty unloved to a lot of people, but I can't really see why as they seem straightforward even in the most complex oh maintenance situations. Love it or leave it, this is my city transportation.

I've been looking to get a little more out of the little engine that could, so I've had a few upgrades in mind. Lay into me if the following sounds either insane, or too moot. I've already ridden over 800 klicks, and completed two oil changes. Also because it was so basic, I upgraded the spark plug to a NGK C7HSA, and bolted a BatteryTender quick connect terminal to the batter that leads under the scoot for ease of access. So with my Harbor Freight Tools box-o-tools ready to roll...

The Notable List:
- Big Bore kit - 47mm (https://www.scooterdomain.com/big-bore-kit-50-to-80cc-upgrade-139qmb-by-no-qmbhk302396-v2.html): from what I've read, things get a little knarly if you go bigger than 47mm, so by all means.
- Shiny new performance exhaust (https://www.scooterdomain.com/exhaust-qmb-50cc-high-performance-exhaust-chrome-by-no-qmbex302363.html): Seems like a natural need. Also, the stock pipe is already rusting...that sucks.
- 19mm Carb with "accelerator pump" (https://www.scooterdomain.com/scooter-carburetor-cvk-19m-pd18j-w-accelerator-pump-kungfu-brand-for-139qmb-49cc-gas-scooters.html): Alright, time to fess up, I have no idea what correlation exists between getting a BBK and a bigger carb, and accelerator pump is also sounds good, but I'm not quite sure.
- K&N-styler Air Filter (https://www.scooterdomain.com/air-filter-cone-hp-30-degree-angled-flange-35mm-cmaf301963.html): Air is good. Humans need it, and so do engines.
- 2K Clutch Springs (https://www.scooterdomain.com/ncy-clutch-spring-1000-rpm-gy50-qmb139-by-ncy-1200-1052-1000-rpm.html): Because the Red ones, go faster...and it was recommended for such a build.
- Performance Cam (https://www.scooterdomain.com/ncy-performance-camshaft-gy6-50-cc-qmb139-by-ncy-1100-1250.html): Another recommendation from the forum.
- Digital Tach and RPM meter (http://www.trailtech.net/75-402): Recommended for improved accuracy and better troubleshooting/tuning.
...

And for the quick list:
- Tygon Fuel Lines
- Fuel Vacuum Pump replaced with a manual shutoff switch
- Replacing Stock rims with better looking ones
- Roller Weights (finding the right ones...eventually)
- New Shocks
- 7Amp Lithium Ion Battery
- Built-In sound system
- Accent lights
- Clock
- ...Cupholder.


Thanks for reading the whole thing! I probably missed a whole lot of things, so feel free to bash me on something you probably picked up instantly, or just provide nice pointers. I'm all ears. Thanks again for your time!

TL;DR: Looking to to upgrade the scoot. Got the money and the tools, just need the generous expert advice that most of you guys seem to convey.

[bull]

my thoughts:

the 50mm without the stroker crank is worthwhile and safe. have ridden all versions but stroker and the 82cc, is really worth the time vs the 73cc, 62cc and 49cc.

Some performance exhaust sound good, but attract police

19mm carb, just make sure that you get what you pay for.IOW... measure it. some smaller bores perform better

A9 cam, definitely yes, but get one from a reliable source

k&n, not sure

digital, go for full digital instrumentation and ditch the mechanical / analog

tygon fuel line, just make sure it is USA made, as chinese seems to get hard and brittle too easy

sound system, lights-- make sure you upgrade the charging system to provide the power otherwise dead battery-- contact user John (tvnacman) for the parts and instructions

other stuff, not sure

[ForCom5]

BBK: That's most of the forums noted as the safest, so it just seemed natural.

Exhaust: Is it really that loud? Moreover, is it possible for me to just keep stock without worrying about performance issues? The majority seem to view the stock as restricted and only outliers say it's OK in general. I'm not a fan out loud exhausts at all, but of it improves performance. I'll make the sacrifice. Also, I never intend to be going faster than traffic's regular speed.


19mm Carb: Ok, I'll do more research on this one. Hoca seems to make the best ones thus far.

A9 Cam: Roger that. Good Cam from a good place. Any particular recommendations?

Filter: Maybe I should just go with the vanilla foam filter instead?

Digital Instruments: The one I listed gives me what I need for the most part. I can make allowances for digital voltage check as well. Though, I haven't seen anything for fuel gauges. Any idea on that one?

Tygon: Yep, everyone seems to stress this.

Lights and sound: The battery seems to be a solid idea, but I'm not as well versed on the rest of the charging system, so I'll be sure to drop that user a line soon. Thanks!

Other stuffs: Can't see my watch for anything at night, so that was the clock idea. The cupholder on the other hand, may be a tad tacky... huehue.

Thanks again for the input!

[bull]

Exhaust- I put them on for SAFETY (noise) as the stock exhaust is not restricted- tested

PD19J is a step bore, some clones are true 19mm- haven't tested the performance differences, just bought and rebuilt a bunch to check jets, etc

The kits I buy from a wholesaler incl premium 82cc BBk, exhaust, and true A9 cam-- i've only done about 30 so far, but every one performs great -- just confirm what you are getting

filters.. I still run stock air & fuel. no mods

digital instrumentation-- found a wholesaler that is bringing in a good quality Chinese digital instrumentation to compete with trail tech. it has speedo, odometer, tach, fuel guage or temp guage, clock, turn signals, high / lo beam- will be buying and installing my first one on a replacement testing scooter

would need to add voltmeter and maybe outside temp in another gauge

batteries, i like chrome pro, they are reliable and have good warranties

faster than traffic??? then be careful, my setups can haul me around at speeds close to 60mph (gps verified)

btw.. will be testing all the different versions of carbs on my testing scooter after it is seated

[ForCom5]

So check carbs of authenticity, got it.

You wouldn't happen to be willing to part ways with one of said kits from said BBk wholesaler, would you? That is, unless they have customer portal.

Regarding digital instruments, what you're describing sounds like the very thing I need most! Once again, would you willing to part ways with such treasured information? I have no intention of selling the scoot (given I got it at such a good price anyway) so I'll be replacing the old cluster with the one you're talking about. As far as the voltmeter and outside temp, it can't hurt, so by all means I'll get it done.

And there's no way I'll be going faster than traffic, that's asking for trouble! But enough to where I cop won't pull me over while making a left turn for not being in the left line. I average around 35 flat w/ no wind (in South Florida).

Once again, really appreciate the input!

[bull]

I am a tuner, buy parts when I need them for a job I am doing.