Rowdy Honda single-seater boosted its power by 100 HP with an 800cc snowmobile engine swap.

      CK Powersports via YouTube

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      Before companies like Polaris, Can-Am, and Kawasaki began producing side-by-sides with horsepower comparable to that of sports cars, Honda introduced the Pilot. This isn't the SUV—what I'm referring to is a single-seater, all-terrain buggy akin to an upgraded go-kart. Initially equipped with a 397cc two-stroke engine, these vehicles quickly became favorites among off-road speed enthusiasts. The one showcased here boasts a remarkable 800cc engine from a Skidoo snowmobile.

      Corey Kruse, the proprietor of CK Powersports in Lincoln, Nebraska, constructed this vehicle. This marks his second Skidoo-powered Pilot; the first was a personal project featuring a 670cc engine, which garnered the attention of the popular car enthusiast comedian, Dax Shepard. This latest model was created specifically for him, and as evidenced by the numerous burnout and wheelie videos shared on Kruse's YouTube channel, it truly performs impressively.

      "I just uploaded a compilation where I was drifting through the parking lot at the shop when it was a bit wet, followed by another video of it doing a wheelie on the pavement," Kruse recounted during our phone conversation. "Shepard commented on my Instagram, asking, ‘Build me one.’ So, I reached out to him, unsure if he was joking or serious about it."

      It turned out he was serious, and Kruse began work around October 2025. After approximately seven months of effort, mostly due to parts waiting times, the machine was ready to run and drive about three weeks later. The market for Honda Pilots converted with snowmobile engines is quite niche, with few individuals who have attempted it and no large operations for consistent inventory.

      Kruse managed to find this Pilot with the 800cc engine already in place, but it had been poorly assembled. "The snowmobile pipe was badly welded, and it had a Flowmaster muffler stuck on the end," he mentioned. He started by fixing much of the existing setup and replaced the gas tank, radiator, and exhaust pipe. A kit from Farr Off-Road ensured proper alignment and fit.

      Despite the new engine having double the capacity of the previous one, Kruse claims it’s only about 20 pounds heavier than the stock model. With the larger gas tank and radiator, he estimates the Pilot now weighs around 700 pounds, which is minimal considering it produces 140 horsepower.

      For reference, the original Pilot’s two-stroke engine generated roughly 40 horsepower. A 100-horsepower increase is impressive, and Kruse ensured that the rest of the machine was upgraded to cope with the new power. It features long-travel suspension at the front with Elka shocks for smooth landings, and robust Nissin brakes for stopping power. Remarkably, the stock continuously variable transmission remains unchanged.

      "People are curious how it can handle such power, but they just manage to do it," Kruse elaborated. He mentioned that the CVT in his 670cc Pilot has been reliable. "If you're jumping and still on the throttle while landing hard with spinning tires, you might break axles. But they do seem to hold up well."

      Regarding the overall experience, Kruse indicated that sitting in it feels just like the original. He installed a Polaris RZR seat for added comfort, but the factory electronics and hand controls are unchanged. I can imagine it must be an exhilarating experience to push the thumb throttle and see the front wheels rise.

      In summary, this machine offers extraordinary performance at a lower price point than a RZR Pro R. While they're not direct competitors regarding luxury, if speed is your primary concern, it’s tough to match the fun-per-dollar ratio of a Skidoo-swapped Pilot. Kruse estimated the total cost of this build to be around $30,000, while a two-seat RZR Pro R starts at $43,999.

      "I'd say it's more akin to driving a sand car than a side-by-side," Kruse noted. "This thing is 60 inches wide and about eight feet long, bumper to bumper, so it’s not significantly larger than a four-wheeler."

      "You sit extremely low in it," he continued. "It feels like you’re in a sports car, whereas in most side-by-sides, you're sitting much higher."

      CK Powersports

      I doubt many people are comparing factory RZR Pro R models with custom-built Honda Pilots. However, that doesn’t diminish the seriousness of this project. It's clear that it's a thrill to drive, and if you're up for the challenge, you could easily attempt to build one yourself.

      Have a tip or question for the author? Reach out directly at caleb@thedrive.com.