So after a mostly successful albeit very sketchy prototype kart, I'm embarking on better planned out build and I was hoping I could get some general input from you all. This is my prototype.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FP5ZmYvB9mU
My main complaints are lack of stability due to the high COG, flimsy rear axle, poor turning authority, and an uncomfortable riding position. I also really dislike how dumb it looks which has the practical implication that the less conventional and polished the appearance, the more scrutiny I am likely to get from safety inspectors if I end up running it in a KYSCCA autocross even like I'm hoping to be able to.
Here is my general frame design. I found a bundle of 1.25" steel tube in the shop so I'll be making it out of that. I also have a 1-3/8" hole saw which makes fish-mouthing the The single biggest design limitation at the moment is that I want to be able to transport thing in the trunk of my ford focus hatchback with minimal disassembly so overall length is severely limited (~4.5'). With that in mind, I'm planning on going with a layout that puts the seat all the way at the back of the kart with the engine next to my feet and a long drive chain running through the sidewall of the kart. The seat will be centered between the rear wheels but my feet and the pedals will be offset to the right corner with the engine on the left. I think this arrangement would give me better weight distribution with the engine sitting close to the front instead of just having my feet up there.
In addition the much more comfortable seating position, other planned improvements will be a more shallow angle for the steering column which will gave less front to back movement in the pitman arm over its arc (which I think will improve my steering geometry), band brakes on both back wheels (still only one driven wheel) and a lower frame and COG by making my own spindles instead of just lifting a steering system out of a lawn tractor. I am addressing the flimsy rear axle by bumping up from 3/4" all-thread to a 1" heavy walled steel tube (actually a section of 3/4 black pipe cleaned up on a lathe but who's counting
) with a 7/8"all-thread welded into the ends. The all-thread will be turned down to 3/4" so I can re-use the wheel bearings and hubs I made for the prototype.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FP5ZmYvB9mU
My main complaints are lack of stability due to the high COG, flimsy rear axle, poor turning authority, and an uncomfortable riding position. I also really dislike how dumb it looks which has the practical implication that the less conventional and polished the appearance, the more scrutiny I am likely to get from safety inspectors if I end up running it in a KYSCCA autocross even like I'm hoping to be able to.
Here is my general frame design. I found a bundle of 1.25" steel tube in the shop so I'll be making it out of that. I also have a 1-3/8" hole saw which makes fish-mouthing the The single biggest design limitation at the moment is that I want to be able to transport thing in the trunk of my ford focus hatchback with minimal disassembly so overall length is severely limited (~4.5'). With that in mind, I'm planning on going with a layout that puts the seat all the way at the back of the kart with the engine next to my feet and a long drive chain running through the sidewall of the kart. The seat will be centered between the rear wheels but my feet and the pedals will be offset to the right corner with the engine on the left. I think this arrangement would give me better weight distribution with the engine sitting close to the front instead of just having my feet up there.
In addition the much more comfortable seating position, other planned improvements will be a more shallow angle for the steering column which will gave less front to back movement in the pitman arm over its arc (which I think will improve my steering geometry), band brakes on both back wheels (still only one driven wheel) and a lower frame and COG by making my own spindles instead of just lifting a steering system out of a lawn tractor. I am addressing the flimsy rear axle by bumping up from 3/4" all-thread to a 1" heavy walled steel tube (actually a section of 3/4 black pipe cleaned up on a lathe but who's counting
) with a 7/8"all-thread welded into the ends. The all-thread will be turned down to 3/4" so I can re-use the wheel bearings and hubs I made for the prototype.
