thanks for the kind words. i just noticed you are somewhat close to me. im in walnut creek, ca. My engine is a Lifan 125cc 4 speed. I think they said it makes somewhere around 10 h.p. the way i have it geared, its not incredibly fast, but with the short wheelbase and narrow track width, its definitly fast enough in 4th gear, and will pull the front wheels up in 1st and 2nd. good luck on the budget part. i got carried away and spent $800 on chrome and powder coating alone. but its worth it when you are cruising the car shows and can here the people talking about how bad a$$ it is. keep the pictures coming. i love these radio flyer go karts.