Custom Go Kart Build

Harry’sBikes

Harry’sBikes

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Hi everyone, I am new here and hope I can find some help! I am about to start on welding my custom frame and I am planning out cost at the moment. Not sure if shifter kart is the correct terminology but that is what I’m going for, no suspension, slicks, low to the ground for the streets. But problem is I have no clue what I’m buying. I already have a gx270 with a seal kit and aftermarket filter but I’m looking for more power and need a torque converter, what should I get? As for the frame I am wondering what to get for axle, bearings, gearing, braking, steering, wheels, and such. I have access to a cnc and a plasma cutter along with a full metal shop so I would like to fab as much as possible. I’m sure I’m missing stuff and I have no clue what I’m talking about but I would love to hear your thoughts.

This is a project, I am expecting it to take months and lots of time but I want it to be solid and cost effective without sacrificing too much performance.

Cheers
 
bullseye670

bullseye670

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Welcome. A thought reguarding the engine you have. I personnally wouldn't go with a GX270. Don't get me wrong, I love Hondas. That's all I build. Problem is the lack of aftermarket performance parts for that choice. I would look for a GX390. Aftermarket hi performance parts are very common for that engine. Look for a broken powerwasher on facebook with a GX390. Just my 2 cents.
If funds are a problem, that engine will be fine. I just don't know what parts you can buy to build it.
 
Harry’sBikes

Harry’sBikes

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bullseye670 said:
Welcome. A thought reguarding the engine you have. I personnally wouldn't go with a GX270. Don't get me wrong, I love Hondas. That's all I build. Problem is the lack of aftermarket performance parts for that choice. I would look for a GX390. Aftermarket hi performance parts are very common for that engine. Look for a broken powerwasher on facebook with a GX390. Just my 2 cents.
If funds are a problem, that engine will be fine. I just don't know what parts you can buy to build it.
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Yeah I was noticing I couldn’t find much. I acquired this engine for free so it would probably be cheapest to just build this out. I saw NRracing has some kits and so does go power sports. It’s recommended that you do a 28mm carb which go power sports has a mikuni kit for the gx270. But I don’t know what combination of things I should do. Thoughts?
 
Harry’sBikes

Harry’sBikes

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Harry’sBikes said:
Yeah I was noticing I couldn’t find much. I acquired this engine for free so it would probably be cheapest to just build this out. I saw NRracing has some kits and so does go power sports. It’s recommended that you do a 28mm carb which go power sports has a mikuni kit for the gx270. But I don’t know what combination of things I should do. Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Maybe this and a flywheel? I assume I need one.
www.nrracing.com

Hop Up Kit; GX240, GX270, 9/11hp OHV, & 301; Stage 3

We specialize in Honda GX120, GX160, GX200 and 6.5 Clone Performance for Karting, 1/4 Midget, Mini Bike, Mokai, Winch Boarding, Tractor Pulling, and Bar Stool Applications. Championship winning motors for QMA, USAC, BSP, AKRA, WKA, & ASN
www.nrracing.com
 
Master Hack

Master Hack

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Only suggestions for parts, engines and other money saving ideas.
There is a lot of karts and parts available cheap here in the PNW.
Its all up to you.
 
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panchothedog

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With a torque converter it won't really be a shifter kart, like a motorcycle with a 5 or 6 speed gearbox. The torque converters work great and are like a CVT in a car. They move from a low gear ratio up to a high ratio as speed increases. Hop up parts are available for the 270. Most are shared with the 301 predator ( which I own and have modified ) and are just as expensive as the parts for the 390 or the predator 420. A good deal more than anything made for the small blocks (212cc)
Your output shaft is properly 1" so you will want a 40 series torque converter. That is also quite a bit more than a 30 series. When I refer to hop up parts I am talking about cam, rod, and flywheel which are the basis for adding serious horse power to this style of engine. Cheap carburetors are cheap, and good ones aren't. Depending on your fabrication skills and machine abilities you may be able to make an awful lot. Usually for someone that doesn't know much ( as you have described yourself ) it makes sense to purchase something that's been abandoned or abused ( read cheap ) and refurbish as necessary. Go and look at what wheels, tires, seat, axle, sprockets, brakes ect. ect. cost and get ready for a little bit of sticker shock once you add everything up.
 
Harry’sBikes

Harry’sBikes

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panchothedog said:
With a torque converter it won't really be a shifter kart, like a motorcycle with a 5 or 6 speed gearbox. The torque converters work great and are like a CVT in a car. They move from a low gear ratio up to a high ratio as speed increases. Hop up parts are available for the 270. Most are shared with the 301 predator ( which I own and have modified ) and are just as expensive as the parts for the 390 or the predator 420. A good deal more than anything made for the small blocks (212cc)
Your output shaft is properly 1" so you will want a 40 series torque converter. That is also quite a bit more than a 30 series. When I refer to hop up parts I am talking about cam, rod, and flywheel which are the basis for adding serious horse power to this style of engine. Cheap carburetors are cheap, and good ones aren't. Depending on your fabrication skills and machine abilities you may be able to make an awful lot. Usually for someone that doesn't know much ( as you have described yourself ) it makes sense to purchase something that's been abandoned or abused ( read cheap ) and refurbish as necessary. Go and look at what wheels, tires, seat, axle, sprockets, brakes ect. ect. cost and get ready for a little bit of sticker shock once you add everything up.
Click to expand...
Yes I do know what a torque converter is vs an actual gear box. When I said shifter kart I was referring to the style of frame, I am unsure what you call them. A racing kart? I know my way around an engine for the most part, I’ve rebuilt a few. I am aware that this is going to be pricey, hense why I want to fab as much as I can myself. I am currently learning my way around our HAAS, practicing my tig, and sufficient on the plasma cutter. Should I make the steering knuckles or buy them? I agree though I will leave the engine stock for now until it’s all together. I am looking around for an old kart that I can harvest parts from.
 
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panchothedog

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Canabalizing an older kart for parts is a great idea and has the potential to save you some money.
 
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