Kandi 110 engine swap

[Pripyat]

I just picked up a Kandi KD-110GKG-2 to give my 5 year old for Christmas this year.

https://i.imgur.com/Z822aJml.jpg

From what I'm reading the engine on these units were trash. The original owner couldn't get the stock engine to run at all so he had a 212cc Predator engine installed.

https://i.imgur.com/mWZQkyYl.jpg

I want to replace the predator engine with something that has reverse and electric start (including charging system). The kart already has a gear shift lever as well as key ignition.

The question is, what is the best engine for under $400 for this buggy? I'm looking for something that varies speed well and is reliable. I need the engine to be reliable for 3-4 years. I'm not worried about the amount of fabrication. I've got plenty of time between now and 12/25. :D

https://i.imgur.com/uVMe3V9l.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/rzuMcEul.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/AeGHPVcl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/vq1Oqmkl.jpg

Currently I'm looking at the automatic 110cc or 125cc chinese engines. Suggestions?

[Pripyat]

Slowly making some progress..

Pulled the engine and took the swingarm off the kart.
https://i.imgur.com/zRTnP8Hl.jpg?1

Assessing plate welds
https://i.imgur.com/TMowgzjl.jpg

After lots of grinding..
https://i.imgur.com/vbjdYHol.jpg

Unbelievable amounts of grinding..
https://i.imgur.com/tYrBIQCl.jpg

Butt-weld and more grinding. I didn't trust my welding enough so I wrapped this with some tubing and welded over it. Pictures later.
https://i.imgur.com/ngpCbicl.jpg

Gusset
https://i.imgur.com/O0PTwTkl.jpg

[EVILWS6]

My son has had his Kandi 110 buggy for 2 years and have had no issues with the stock engine. It's been a great buggy for him. Sorry don't have any experience swapping the original engine to a predator.

[x-bird]

neat thing about it is that im pretty sure down the road you can throw a jug, head, crank n rod/piston at it and make it a 125 or 150. never measured the jug/piston on my daughters, think it was a 110, but turning it into a 150 was a piece of cake.