Go Kart for a Big Guy

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ResilientMonkey

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Alright, as you may have seen, I grabbed a Phoenix Baja Electra for my girls (a Manco Dingo descendant).

Well, now I'm feeling the need for one for me so I can go riding with them.

The problem is, I'm a BIG guy - 350 lbs. Yes, I know, losing a bunch of weight would be one solution. But that much weight loss ain't gonna happen in the next few months. So...

I've being going through the forum looking for info. A few bigger guys have posted some stuff and I think I have an okay handle on some ideas.

  • It needs to be semi-off road capable - riding around the back yard we have access to which is sometimes not mowed and a bit bumpy.
  • The engine needs to be cheap-ish.
  • It's gotta fit my wide self - 22" seat width.

I'm thinking a 2-person kart, modify the seat to be a bit narrower, move the steering wheel to the center, change out the tie rods, and mount 2 Harbor Freight 6.5HP engines to it. Since I can't easily afford 2 torque converters, they'll have to be heavy duty clutches. That means 15" or less tires.

What do you guys think?
 
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KartFab

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Keep your eyes open on Craigslist. Look for a cheap kart with a 9+ hp engine with 40 series torque converter on it. You will need a heavy duty torque converter to handle the weight. Centrifugal clutches aren't going to cut it hauling around 500 lbs., especially on any sort of hill. Its just not going to be a fun experience for you.

Young One With A Manco said:
A go kart can pull anyoe with the right gearing. I would guess 10:1 would be fine. Wait for others for now. Just wanted to say its possible.
Click to expand...

Hes right, but to acheive a good ratio to haul around the weight, you will need to do some extra gear reduction with jackshafts, which will make the fun factor go away. E.g. you will be able to climb hills and drive but not very fast like maybe 15 mph.
 
firemanjim

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:iagree: scour craigslist.org looking specifically for a 9+hp engine and 40series on a hacked up kart.... Then we can tell ya how to turn it into what you want.....
2 212's and 2 china tc's..... $400..... A 40series clutch kit (both driver and driven) ...$400......
Can you run 2 tc's like you can with cent clutches? :huh:
 
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Alright, I will keep an eye out for a 9+ HP kart. I just thought of something else, what about adding one of those peerless transmissions? I dont mind shifting, so that may be an option too.
 
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Bucfan1512

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From one big guy to another I can say that the struggle is real. I'm 6'3" and 250 pounds and was in your position a few months ago. The best option for me turned out to be a Manco Dingo with a 13hp engine. A quick search in your area I was able to find one that might interest you. It's a project for sure but I think the potential is there.

http://binghamton.craigslist.org/snw/4682132812.html
 
firemanjim

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That's worth $350!!!! Go get it! Hurry...... That's gonna get you what you want. Dingos are the $#]+!!!if you get that, and get it back into its former glory, you will be happy..... :thumbsup:
 
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Bucfan1512 said:
From one big guy to another I can say that the struggle is real. I'm 6'3" and 250 pounds and was in your position a few months ago. The best option for me turned out to be a Manco Dingo with a 13hp engine. A quick search in your area I was able to find one that might interest you. It's a project for sure but I think the potential is there.

http://binghamton.craigslist.org/snw/4682132812.html
Click to expand...

ResilientMonkey said:
Is a Dingo gonna be wide enough? That's what I bought my daughters and that thing does not look nearly wide enough...
Click to expand...
Read his first line...... How big are you?
EDIT I just reread your previous posts...... You might still fit.... And after some thought, you might buy it, and make it fit YOU...... LoL
 
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firemanjim said:
Read his first line...... How big are you?
EDIT I just reread your previous posts...... You might still fit.... And after some thought, you might buy it, and make it fit YOU...... LoL
Click to expand...

Yeah, I got 100lbs on him :) I might be able to do a little cutting and welding to the frame... I was gonna reinforce it anyways.

I can also find these all over the place up here: Buggy

Also, any idea how big these Murrays are? Murray Go Kart

Hmm, this looks like a good deal too: Yerf Dog

Man, I'm finding Dingos everywhere! Dingo

And this looks like a clapped out Dingo frame with no engine: Dingo Frame
 
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firemanjim

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You will fit in the murray explorer...... It's a big kart. I'm 6' and can sit with very little bend at the knee. That one looks pretty sharp too. Not a bad choice. The frames are solid built, using 1&1/4" tube. Them explorers seem to be hot right now. Search the forum for recent explorer threads..... There are like 4 that I know of..... :thumbsup:
 
firemanjim

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Yerfdog has a 212 (6.5 hp) ...... Not enough. .... Upon further examination of the murray, it needs a TC, as this one has a cheapo belt clutch set up on it.... That won't work...... BUT I really like the way it looks...... Got an 8horse on it...... Hmmmm you see what I'm saying...... ?
 
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firemanjim said:
Yerfdog has a 212 (6.5 hp) ...... Not enough. .... Upon further examination of the murray, it needs a TC, as this one has a cheapo belt clutch set up on it.... That won't work...... BUT I really like the way it looks...... Got an 8horse on it...... Hmmmm you see what I'm saying...... ?
Click to expand...

I figure if I get a running one, I'll just sell the engine off :) I don't think I'm gonna find a 13 horse engine with a 40 series torque converter on it.

I made some additions above too!
 
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I just checked out some of those Murray Explorer threads. I think I might head that direction - those karts look pretty sizable. I think I might fit okay.

I'll have to try one on :)
 
firemanjim

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Go try on the one you linked too. I like the roll bar. And it has nice rear tires.... And it has an 8hp engine....... :thumbsup:
 
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