Need help with first build

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smathiss11

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I have always wanted a quad but after realizing I have no place to ride it, I decided that I want to make a go kart. I live in northeast ohio, the only snow belt in the world. I would like an off road go kart with two seats that can pull a sled with a person or two on it through the snow. I want to spend no more than $800 if that is possible. I would also like to have very very very little welding for the kart because I do not have a kit or the knowledge to do so.

I was thinking I should get a nice set of quad winter tires for the back wheels.

And also getting this engine:
http://www.amazon.com/DuroMax-Split...qid=1389045276&sr=8-1&keywords=Go+kart+engine

How fast could I get this kart to go(with someone in the kart and someone being pulled behind)?

I am 16, so I don't want it to be a slow boring ride.
Is it possible to spend less than $800 and have it be fast like I want it?

Could you guys also recommend some articles to read before buying stuff for the kart and starting the build?

Thanks to anyone who helps out.
 
machinist@large

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smathiss11 said:
I live in northeast ohio, the only snow belt in the world.
Click to expand...

I live outside Grand Rapids, MI. Being on the west coast of the Lower Peninsula, we can probably give you a run for the money when it comes to lake effect...

I would like an off road go kart with two seats that can pull a sled with a person or two on it through the snow. I want to spend no more than $800 if that is possible. I would also like to have very very very little welding for the kart because I do not have a kit or the knowledge to do so.

I was thinking I should get a nice set of quad winter tires for the back wheels.

And also getting this engine:
http://www.amazon.com/DuroMax-Split...qid=1389045276&sr=8-1&keywords=Go+kart+engine

How fast could I get this kart to go(with someone in the kart and someone being pulled behind)?

I am 16, so I don't want it to be a slow boring ride.
Is it possible to spend less than $800 and have it be fast like I want it?

Could you guys also recommend some articles to read before buying stuff for the kart and starting the build?

Thanks to anyone who helps out.
Click to expand...

Bang for the buck, and for time savings, have you tried all the usual suspect retail sites? Many times, you might to be able to find a suitable donor as a starting point. As for the DuroMax, I believe we have has several members make them work, but I believe they said it took a lot more work than a similar size Predator from HF.

As for articles/ threads to research use the search function on the tool bar.....

:cheers2::thumbsup::popcorn: Pat
 
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smathiss11 said:
Thanks for the response pat. Does anyone know the estimated cost for a shop to weld a kart frame for me?
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Most welding shops in the Midwest seem to charge between $45 to $60+ an hour; for custom modifications on a gokart, they will either hand you a sky high quote, or just bill you by the hour. An honest shop will be up front with you; the others? Bend over, grab your ankles.....:surrender::surrender:
 
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machinist@large said:
Most welding shops in the Midwest seem to charge between $45 to $60+ an hour; for custom modifications on a gokart, they will either hand you a sky high quote, or just bill you by the hour. An honest shop will be up front with you; the others? Bend over, grab your ankles.....:surrender::surrender:
Click to expand...

How many hours do you think a roll cage like frame will take?
 
machinist@large

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smathiss11 said:
How many hours do you think a roll cage like frame will take?
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:huh: That would depend on what equipment they have, and what experience.... And I can't give you any ideas, because the only roll over structure I've built was a replacement for a medium size 'dozer, and we were building it to Cat's prints....:surrender::surrender:
 
OzFab

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To avoid spending thousands on a frame, you really have two options:
1. Find a friend/friend of the family who can weld to do it for you
2. Buy a premade frame.

There's a few problems with having a frame made; it costs a fortune & no matter how precise your plans are, they will mess it up. When I had my frame made, the plans had every conceivable measurement & angle included except one; can you guess what happened?

The cost of having my frame bent (I still had to weld it together) was around half the total cost of the kart... IMO, having a frame made will blow your total budget out of the water...
 
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smathiss11

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Fabroman said:
To avoid spending thousands on a frame, you really have two options:
1. Find a friend/friend of the family who can weld to do it for you
2. Buy a premade frame.

There's a few problems with having a frame made; it costs a fortune & no matter how precise your plans are, they will mess it up. When I had my frame made, the plans had every conceivable measurement & angle included except one; can you guess what happened?

The cost of having my frame bent (I still had to weld it together) was around half the total cost of the kart... IMO, having a frame made will blow your total budget out of the water...
Click to expand...
Do you have any recommended websites to buy a two seater frame from? I have been looking and I'm having trouble finding one.
 
landuse

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I would have to say that $800 might be too little to get a offroad 2 seater made. Just the clutch is going to cost you at least $300. You are going to need a comet 40 series (or equivalent) for an engine that size.

I would also definately try get a ready made kart that yu can just fix up
 
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