Azuza frames? good or bad?

[chancer]

Hey guys I was thinking about buying one of these Azuza frames Fully welded identical to what they sell at Northern tool. Are these good frames?? Has anyone used these before.
I would like to find a beat old kart to rebuild on Craigs list, but they are all really funky lately and I am getting impatient.
I did build my own frame last year but I do not have a great shop and things did not come out straight or square. So I able to finish any necessary metal work or any upgrades y,all suggest.

 

[itsid]

I never saw one in person of course, but I heard they're rather small and not too comfortable for an average sized adult.

But, other than that I haven't really heard much about it... (no complaints, no nothing)

'sid

 

[Russ2251]

Purchased mine in 2009 and had posted extensively about it at that time.
This is as close as I could get to an old school kart (late '50's, early '60's) and is exactly that.
I bought it as a test bed for my engines and could not be happier with purchase.
As far as being small goes...yes, it is small. True Gokarts are small.
I am 5' 10" and weigh 140 lbs. and fit comfortably and is exactly what I wanted and expected.
I had to modify frame slightly and had to add Azusa swing mounts to accept twin engines. Other than that, frame is factory original.
My original intent was to sell frame after I proved my engines to be a viable alternative to the 4 cycle anchors that most of us use and that is currently available.

Check out my album (Azusa kart is yellow) and YOUTUBE vid below.

 

[firemanjim]

I think I've watched that video at LEAST a dozen times. I get the giggles every time..... That's a really bad arse kart ,Russ! I love the way it sounds .

 

[Russ2251]

Gets a lot of attention where ever I ride it.

 

[firemanjim]

I bet you do! What kind of power do those put out? When you get to the end of the run, before you turn, it sounds like you still have a lot of throttle left to go. I know its got some oomph, because its no slouch off the line. So that leads me to ask, how fast will it go? You mentioned 51mph. Is that how fast you're getting in that video, before you have to turn?

 

[Russ2251]

What kind of power do those put out?

Unknown, but can hazard an educated guess based on what I know about engines to begin with.
Spec sheet states that engines produce 6.5 hp @ 2900±300 rpm.
I am running at 6,700 rpm or an increase of 57% over stock.
Carbs are larger than original allowing engine to breath properly.
Compression ratio has been increased.
I think it's fair to say that power is up substantially. Rough guess would be around 8.5 hp each? As usual...I could be way off in my estimates.
51 mph is fastest that I can record in parking lot.
The Azusa frame handles the power and speed without any problems.

 

[firemanjim]

Probably closer to 10...... Wow, that is impressive.....

Well Chancer, that is a great testament to the quality of the Azusa frame! I'm pretty sure Russ puts a good romping on it with that kind of fun power on tap.....

 

[itsid]

of course GDI.. *doh*

Sorry, Russ I totally forgot about your video..
I haven't had that on screen being an Azusa frame..
maybe I got distracted by the two boys brabbling and screaming in my ear

But yes, as Jim said, if that doesn't proof the quality of the frame, I don't what what could.

'sid

 

[chancer]

Thanks to Jim and Russ.
I thought these were good frames, they seem popular on the web as far as sales of "frames". I just had not heard or seen too much on this forum. I did find on vintage karts that Azuza is what is left of the original "Go Kart Manufacturing co. inc." (1958) Azuza was started by Jim Patronite. The accountant from GKM.
I like the vintage look and I think I will move forward on this project.

 

[Russ2251]

I'd like to mention for the benefit of my friends at OMB, I do not use billet rods or flywheels.
Am I worried that anything will grenade or detonate? Not in the slightest!