4 wheeler go kart build

[Paul b.]

New to forum but been getting info from here for a while now. I just wanted to say thanks to everyone, I appreciate the help and also wanted to share my build/conversion of a murray explorer gokart and a polaris scrambler to see what everyone thinks or to give ideas for someone else. I'm not too familiar with how all this works yet(posting pics, adding attachments, ect.) But I do have some pics of the build up to the rolling chassis in my albums section if anyone wants to check it out.

 

[2SlickNick]

Welcome!
I must say; that looks so cool!

 

[Paul b.]

Hope this pic works...

 

[MatthewD]

Hi, just looking at your pics in your gallery, in pic 6 it looks like you are using a ride on mower transmission?

 

[Paul b.]

The gearbox is off the polaris. Its got high/neutral/reverse gears. I just left it in place. I'm going to use a 3/4in jackshaft with a #41 sprocket on one side and a #520 sprocket welded to the other end to connect to the gearbox.

 

[Joe-405]

I would consider using the bigger chain on both sides. That a lot of power and weight for the smaller chain I would think.

 

[Paul b.]

Yeah, ive considered that and might have to, but I'm hoping my math/ratio skills are good. Its all just a learning process but I really appreciate the input. If there's anything else anyone sees that they think might need changed or moded, let me know. Any criticism or compliments are welcome. I got to learn some way.

 

[Paul b.]

To clarify, I'm not using the Polaris's 400 engine for this project as it has a bad head. Instead i'll use my moded Predator 212. It kicked it hard on the original Murray Explorer with power to spare! This time, I'm looking more for a hill climber than a drifter. I think I should be OK with the #41 to #520 transition as long as I get the gear ratio right. But if I'm wrong, thats cool, I love a challenge!

 

[Joe-405]

To clarify, I'm not using the Polaris's 400 engine for this project as it has a bad head. Instead i'll use my moded Predator 212. It kicked it hard on the original Murray Explorer with power to spare! This time, I'm looking more for a hill climber than a drifter. I think I should be OK with the #41 to #520 transition as long as I get the gear ratio right. But if I'm wrong, thats cool, I love a challenge!

Well in that case carry on and you should be just fine.

 

[Paul b.]

Engine is now mounted and almost everything is in place. The only things left to do are to mount the jackshaft and put the chains on; and raise the role cage by 2 inches to clear the gas tank and paint. Ohh and adjust! Future add ons include front calipers and master cylinder(the ones on the polaris were seized), a hand crank winch on the front, LED head and tail lights, a tow hitch in the back and possibly a more powerful engine and chain setup depending on how the kart does. Here's a few more pics for everyone. Hope you like it.

 

[KartFab]

May cause death lol

 

[OzFab]

...and a #520 sprocket welded to the other end

NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER, EVER, EVER, EVER WELD ANYTHING TO AN AXLE! A jackshaft is considered an axle...

 

[Paul b.]

You are exactly right... But that's why I am welding the # 520 sprocket to the #41 sprocket and sliding it on the jackshaft. I really appreciate it. Some people don't know things like that and you were good enough to point it out. Thanks.

 

[Paul b.]

More pics... Rear brake connection