1st time

[new2thegame]

Hi people!

I'm from New Zealand and wanting to build a go kart throughout this summer. Trouble is, I don't know much about this stuff and am relying on my dad.

I wanted to know how much on average it costs to build a go kart from scratch. I don't want a real flash one, just something that is fun and won't cost to much.

We have a 3.5hp push lawn mower motor, is that strong enough to power the go kart?

And does anyone have any plans or ideas i could use, cheers!

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Welcome to the forum. There is a pretty broad spectrum when it comes to kart building costs. Some have done it for close to free, I did it for about $200, some spend more than $1000. I invite you to take a good, long ramble through the forum and examine what others have done. You'll get a feel for what parts are needed, where to source them, cost factors, and ways to recycle stuff and maybe save some money. Cheers!

 

[shakey0818]

Welcome to the forum. There is a pretty broad spectrum when it comes to kart building costs. Some have done it for close to free, I did it for about $200, some spend more than $1000. I invite you to take a good, long ramble through the forum and examine what others have done. You'll get a feel for what parts are needed, where to source them, cost factors, and ways to recycle stuff and maybe save some money. Cheers!

 

[new2thegame]

Welcome to the forum. There is a pretty broad spectrum when it comes to kart building costs. Some have done it for close to free, I did it for about $200, some spend more than $1000. I invite you to take a good, long ramble through the forum and examine what others have done. You'll get a feel for what parts are needed, where to source them, cost factors, and ways to recycle stuff and maybe save some money. Cheers!

Cool. Thanks

 

[Roobeer]

Would that engine work? Wondering the same thing because I have one of those engines also....

 

[Orange Krate]

Welcome!

There were some production go-karts that used verticle crank shaft engines and much discussion here about making them work. In the end I would recommend looking for a horizontal crank shaft engine. You can sometimes find 3 or 3.5 horse edger motors for cheap or free.

 

[sexyvicta]

where abouts in NZ are you? if you're in Auckland i can sell you a reel mower with a Tecumseh h35 for cheap. It has a clutch and plenty of sprokets, chains and other bits n pieces which you could use to build a kart.

 

[karl]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtuXVTdSR7A&feature=channel_video_title

I have converted a push mower engine like yours to horizontal shaft. (The vid above is mine) But, it has a 7/8 shaft and clutches for it are expensive, and a jackshaft to to much money. You are better off selling mower and buying something like what sexyvicta has or a used motor.

 

[Jcotz]

karl- have you seen any 7/8 clutches recently?

 

[new2thegame]

where abouts in NZ are you? if you're in Auckland i can sell you a reel mower with a Tecumseh h35 for cheap. It has a clutch and plenty of sprokets, chains and other bits n pieces which you could use to build a kart.

Yeah I'm in Auckland..

How much?

 

[new2thegame]

where abouts in NZ are you? if you're in Auckland i can sell you a reel mower with a Tecumseh h35 for cheap. It has a clutch and plenty of sprokets, chains and other bits n pieces which you could use to build a kart.

also is there a place somewhere that would have like cheap frames or anything??

 

[sexyvicta]

Yeah I'm in Auckland..

How much?

$50. Its slightly dismantled but all the bits you'll need are there i think. I put some petrol down the plug hole a while back and it fired up. Needs the carb looking at tho. In good condition they usualy sell for a couple hundred. I sold one two weeks ago for $250.

look on trademe for kart stuff or maybe ring a racing kart shop. Its hard to find a cheap gokart frame but you could try at the Waitakere dump-shop(weekdays). You could also try at a scrap dealer- theres a good one on Captain Springs Rd in Onehunga that will sell you anything. He sells mowers for 20-50 and bikes aswel. Most wont sell to the public.