Baja dune 150 suggestions

[AQproductions]

Hi all I am new to the forum and the kart building community so I just had a few questions. I picked up this baja dune 150 last week for 50 bucks. It just had a ruined a arm which I have repaired since then and the new joints are in the mail. And now the biggest hurdle is to mount a new motor, clutch, jackshaft, and all other necessary parts to go with that. I have access to a running 18hp vtwin. I was looking at comet series 40 clutches and a jackshaft that hopefully will put a sprocket above the stock sprocket on the axle. (if possible to make the build as easy as possible). I would greatly appreciate any suggestions for how to mount the motor, how to mount the clutch driver and driven. and most of all I have never made a jackshaft so I would appreciate any help with that. Thanks for any help!

 

[OzFab]

Welcome to the forum.

Nice score; needs some work but it sounds like you have it all under control

If I understand correctly, you want to put the drive sprocket directly above the axle sprocket? Sorry but, not a good idea: how will you adjust the chain if needed? It's better to have the drive sprocket in front or behind the perpendicular line of the axle sprocket.

A jackshaft is, in it's simplest form, a steel rod, two bearings & two sprockets. Use the search function & you should find loads of examples.

As for the engine: The first thing you need to do is make sure it will fit. Once you have that sorted, get yourself an engine mount plate & find a place to attach it.

Tell us a bit about yourself so we can guage what mods/fab work you can handle; Do you have any fabrication/welding experience? Do you have the tools for the job?

Can you post a few more pics of the rear so we get an idea of what you have to work with?

 

[AQproductions]

Thanks for the reply!

I will start doing my research on jackshaft placement thanks for the advice. Would you reccommend be buying a jackshaft kit or buying the parts for it seperately? As for the engine I have seen it done with a similar kart with some modifications so I think it is possible with this one.

I have some welding experience and all tools necessary I beleive. I have done welding repairs or additions to minibikes, trucks, and a few other small projects. Small engine projects fascinate me so I decided to step it up with this kart and couldnt pass up the price!

The only part of this project that intimidates me is properly mounting the jackshaft and clutch components. Basically putting the power from the motor to the wheels.

I took a few more photos so you can see what I am working with. sorry the shadows can make it tough to see...

 

[exenos]

I would get some pillow bock bearings and a 1" shaft for the jack shaft. I have never trusted those cheap jack shaft kits with the pressed in bearings, they can fail much to easily for my liking, especially with this large of an engine. Also, I would ditch that double wide sprocket and get a single #40 chain sprocket. #50 chain would be the best IMO but I don't think you can get a #50 chain clutch.

 

[AQproductions]

Yeah the pillow blocks look a lot more durable I will have to go that route. And as for sprockets how many teeth do you suggest for the axle and jack shaft? I am looking for a good medium between top speed and torque.

 

[exenos]

What size wheels are those, 20"?

 

[AQproductions]

22"

 

[OzFab]

Wait up, you're using a torque converter aren't you?

 

[AQproductions]

Wait up, you're using a torque converter aren't you?

Yes I was planning to

 

[OzFab]

Wait up, you're using a torque converter aren't you?

Yes I was planning to

In that case you'll end up with two jackshafts; one for the driven clutch & sprocket & another for the gear reduction...

How many teeth are on that axle sprocket?

 

[AQproductions]

Oh wow, I counted 33 teeth but I was planning to change the sprocket since it is a double right now. what if I just had the driven shaft with a 10 or 12 tooth sprocket on the jackshaft and then onto the axle ( and if I put on a larger sprocket?)

What would be the consequence of just a single jackshaft?

What other set up would you recommend?

 

[OzFab]

The simplest way is to run the tc then a chain drive straight to the axle but, IMO, you'll need an 80 - 90t sprocket for it to be effective

 

[qtband]

Something like this will work.