how to figure out what size parts I need?

[elliottdp]

I'm brand spanking new here, so forgive my ignorance.....

I'd rather learn from experience(youz guys) than from my own blunders(expensive).

I have a 9 HP B&S engine yard bug riding lawn mower. The mower's absolute crap, but I want to take the engine and build a go kart around it.

How does one figure out how thick the axles should be?
How wide should the frame spacing be to allow clearance for tires from the engine, etc??

Any one recommend a good book to get for a newbie??

Thanks. Any info is greatly appreciated.

[ironman]

check out under projects on here and also look at a few on ebay to see some different picutres and prices on parts that will help you out alot.also if you got a go-kart shop around where you live that helps to.got three of them here in louisville that i know of.

[my_mini_bike]

is the engine horizontal or vertical shaft?

[elliottdp]

The shaft is descending down from the engine, so... Iguess that would be called vertical.

I've read some threads here. Vertical is a lot harder???

Wouldn't to gears place 90 degrees from one another solve that problem? Or am I missing something?

[kibble]

If you could get two gears that sat at a 90 degree angle from each other that would work. Another method involves using a twisted belt. The gears would be a better choice though.