Klipperkarts Sidewinder, my first go kart. Need advice

Status
Not open for further replies.
C

chvyhs

New member
Messages
27
Reaction score
0
Location
Oak Hills, CA
I just picked up this kart so we can play in the yard and out around camp when we go to the desert.



It needs a lot of work so I'm here asking for advice. I'm going to start with mounting the engine and buying the drive train parts. Here's the engine I have.





It's a 1" shaft with a .25" key. From what I've here I'll need a 40 series torque converter and a 40 series chain? What advice can you give me on selecting a clutch, torque converter, belt, chain and gear ratio? I want more torque than top end speed.

Here are the tires that are on it. I'll have to replace them soon so I have some flexibility here.

Rear tire,


Front tire,


I like the big tires because I think it'll make for a softer ride since there's no suspension. I also like the ground clearance they'll provide. I'm looking torque because my yard isnt flat.

Thanks,
Richard
 
GoKartRstoration

GoKartRstoration

Crazy Texan
Messages
58
Reaction score
1
Location
College Station Texas
I would go with a 40 series eBay torque converter. A 9 or 8 tooth jackshaft sprocket on the torque converter, and a #40 pitch chain if that's what's on the axle right now. This combination should give you great torque and decent speed.
 
OzFab

OzFab

Well-known member
Messages
15,615
Reaction score
65
Location
Warwick Qld, Australia
... & that's all you should need to know about that...

It appears some parts may need some rust removal treatment, most important being the engine shaft; remove the key stock from the shaft, start the engine, hold some emery cloth across the shaft & wait...
 
C

chvyhs

New member
Messages
27
Reaction score
0
Location
Oak Hills, CA
I found this drive set up on YouTube. It looks like the same kart as mine. Do you think that this is how it was set up by the manufacturer?

 
Daniel Sheffield

Daniel Sheffield

New member
Messages
90
Reaction score
0
Location
San Antonio, tx
That's the easiest way to go, but a converter would be great for playing in sand. Also a converter it also a little bit more durable in my opinion. What size tires are you planning to use, that would be the item that determines which is better.
 
OzFab

OzFab

Well-known member
Messages
15,615
Reaction score
65
Location
Warwick Qld, Australia
chvyhs said:
Would a kit like this work?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00KP...=_SL500_SR100,83_&refRID=1BGRQGQGFPJJEJZX4581
Click to expand...

Fitting is one question, working is another; there's no hp rating in the ad description so, no one here will be able to tell you if it will work or not; there are many around, search ebay for "40 series torque converter" & be sure to check the description for hp rating (should be 8-13hp or similar)

chvyhs said:
I found this drive set up on YouTube. It looks like the same kart as mine. Do you think that this is how it was set up by the manufacturer?
Click to expand...

Hard to tell from the pic provided as I can't tell what engine it is; I can almost guarantee yours did not come standard with a honda GX270...
 
C

chvyhs

New member
Messages
27
Reaction score
0
Location
Oak Hills, CA
Daniel Sheffield said:
That's the easiest way to go, but a converter would be great for playing in sand. Also a converter it also a little bit more durable in my opinion. What size tires are you planning to use, that would be the item that determines which is better.
Click to expand...

I plan on using the 22x11-8s that are on it already.

---------- Post added at 10:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:46 AM ----------
Fabroman said:
Fitting is one question, working is another; there's no hp rating in the ad description so, no one here will be able to tell you if it will work or not; there are many around, search ebay for "40 series torque converter" & be sure to check the description for hp rating (should be 8-13hp or similar)



Hard to tell from the pic provided as I can't tell what engine it is; I can almost guarantee yours did not come standard with a honda GX270...
Click to expand...

How difficult would you think it is to make fit? I've seen 40 series torque converters on ebay. I just can't find a complete I t like this.
 
C

chvyhs

New member
Messages
27
Reaction score
0
Location
Oak Hills, CA
I got the torque converter assembly mounted. The belt looks a little loose to me but I haven't tried adjusting anything yet.



I have to work on the engine next. I'm going to flush the fuel system, change some gaskets, new air filter, new plug and clean the carburetor. Is there anything else I should give attention to?
 
chancer

chancer

ɔ ɥ ɐ u ɔ ǝ ɹ
Messages
9,358
Reaction score
82
Location
COMFORT, TEXAS
Iv'e yet to own a Torque converter. but I think the belt should start loose. That is you "nuetral".
 
Jrgunn5150

Jrgunn5150

Rudderless
Messages
1,028
Reaction score
4
Yeah, my belt is fairly loose to start. I think it settled in a little after a few rides too.
 
landuse

landuse

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
18,740
Reaction score
505
Location
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Your belt is supposed to be loose when at idle. As long as you have the right belt for the right center to center distance between the driver and driven, then you will be fine. Just remember though that the distance between the components is crucial
 
C

chvyhs

New member
Messages
27
Reaction score
0
Location
Oak Hills, CA
Anyone here know where I can find the stock specifications for this Kart? I'd like to know what tire size and gear ratio it came with when it was new. I believe that the rims and tires on it now are too big. The rear has 22x11-8 tires on 8x9.5" rims. The front is 20x7-8 tires on 8x8" rims. If I can't find the original tire size I'm considering going to a smaller tire. I don't need a lot of ground clearance.
 
C

chvyhs

New member
Messages
27
Reaction score
0
Location
Oak Hills, CA
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top