Modern Vespa

Hello All,

Where would one find a good (new or rebuilt) 150cc motor for a '65 VBB?
Or would another larger motor be available for replacement?

Thanks so much!

b.s.

Have you read this? Some useful info. Suggestions on where to buy a new performance motor

I suggest buying an lml engine without the top end or crank from Scooter Mercato. This gets you the cases and the transmission. You then have the engine completed by a good mechanic. This allows you to select a top end that delivers more power than a standard 150 cylinder. You can also chose a cut crank, and carb to suit your needs. A good mechanic can port your cases and built a quick, reliable engine. To do this cost about the same as getting a complete new LML shipped to you.

While I have seen a few LML engines with problems, it has never been with the cases or the transmission. Buying the bottom end gets you the best part of the LML without the failure prone top end.

The downsides to buying a complete LML engine new are noteworthy. The LML crank and bearings are poor quality. The top end lacks the power of aftermarket cylinder kits. You are buying a standard engine instead of one that is built to match your interests.

You can buy a used engine. But that will require a rebuild. I don't trust a used engine to be reliable or built correctly.
A 200 engine rocks. But they are pricey for a complete engine that is freshly rebuilt.

If you are throwing a new engine in the scooter, you may want to consider a 12 volt conversion at the same time or in the future.

I am sure there are several mechanics that can build an solid engine from the LML bottom end. John Gick lives in my city and I know he has done this a few times. I abuse the hell out of an engine he built for me. It's lasted longer than any other 2 stroke engine I have owned. You can look him up on MV

Any large frame motor would work, but you have a 8 inch wheel scoot. If you stay with a VBN, VBB or VBC motor it will be a drop in. Anything above that, VLB (Sprint), any P series motor will need some parts replaced to work properly with the 8" wheels. Ask around at your local scooter club/shop first, buy local if you can. If that does not work out ASC and other shops are in Texas, like you. There are some on here that may be able to help you out - Gickspeed, Rob Hodge, (both highly recomended). Also try scoot.net and scootlist.net. Be careful on Ebay, I'm sure there are deals on there, but many have gotten burned. Good Luck

What is wrong with the motor it has? Why not have it rebuilt?

Way better than an LML most the time

I have to disagree.. The LML engines are actually very decent and definitely more powerful. They also come with a better electronics, stator. The power output of an older 1960's vespa engine can't compare.

and speaking of engines, I have a used LML engine for sale with 110miles on the spot. I used it while I was getting a P200E engine rebuilt. I have the receipts.

check with scoot.net

An LML is a fine choice. The bearings and cranks are not the best but I've run them for a long time without fail. I did not know you could buy one minus the top end from Mercado. Thats a good way way to go. You look for a cheap used stella and use the motor from that, sell the fork and other bits to recoup some of your cost. I've done that before with good results. You cant beat the 200 though for reliability and power. It all comes down to how much you want to spend.

Are you running with 8" wheels?

a word of warning- i'd be cautious about buying any LML engine unless it's verified OEM, thru OEM channels. (i.e. scooter works, SIP, wrecked stella, etc) especially if it is a great price. there's a difference between buying an LML engine and buying an LML case someone has filled with parts.

it is very easy to assemble an engine from parts and there are countless people that do this. in india, there is a wide level of price and quality of parts available for these builds. builders are presented with options like picking the $5 aftermarket part, or the OEM/higher quality $30 part.

there are a lot of ways to cut corners on an engine. someone building for bottom dollar or for maximum profit will (in my opinion) find all of them. i've opened some real surprise packages before.

i use a p series engine in my vbb, and the new engine is already have 8" wheel



good luck on the engine and cheer mate