Build your own 1800 RPM 10KW generator for the ultimate SHTF power source under $1000

There's a lot of advantages to an 1800 RPM generator... you would think that spinning the motor at half the speed would give you two times the life out of a motor. In fact you will get more like 15 times the lifespan, it is more of a exponential relationship the faster an engine turns. All large commercial generators operate in this manner.

Also, fuel efficiency is greatly improved because the engine is much closer to it's torque peak, and noise is similarly cut in half. Even more so if you build it into an enclosure.

Also making your own generator, you can add a larger fuel tank that would only have to be filled once a day, or even once every other day. The larger sump of the twin cylinder full pressure lubrication engines allows a longer time in between adding oil as well... plus there is a filter.

I am currently in the process of building one utilizing a twin cylinder engine bought for only $200 that came out of a riding lawnmower. It can be paired with this generator head that can be had for $300 at Harbor Freight:

[link to www.harborfreight.com]

You can expect to spend another $200 on v-belts and pulleys, and the other $300 to add a fuel tank and build a frame/enclosure, and for miscellaneous expenses.

This will give you a generator that will power just about any average home... it might be a little tight if you have a large central AC and a well pump, but it would power one or the other just fine.

Keep in mind that you will need twice the normal horsepower engine to power the generator, since it's being run at half the speed. A 20+ hp twin cylinder should work great.

If anyone is interested, I can post more of the specifics. At this point all I have is the engine, all the other parts are on order.