Budget build

[cole]

I'm 16, completely new to making go karts, and having no previous experience I thought it would be best to start asking questions before I do anything that I'll regret later.

I plan on making a go kart this summer on a 1300$ budget and already have a general set of guidelines:

-good offroad capability
-10 HP engine
-independent front suspension
-possibly two-seater
-decent sized tires (small 4wheeler size)
-a small cargo space (like a 1ft x 2ft rack)
-good ground clearance

Also I'd really like to start this from scratch.
I have a welder, grinders, drills, and a good amount of tools on hand. Plenty of space to build, and a friend that wants to do a similar build that lives with me; we'll be helping each other along with this.

I just need a little help on recommendation for parts, things that I should know, and whether everything that I listed is possible on a 1300$ budget.
My friend is in an auto class and familiar with just about everything, and I work on robotics, and am very mechanically inclined, and looking for a fun summer project.

Thanks a lot .

 

[shakey0818]

Welcome to the forum from RI

 

[OzFab]

having no previous experience...


I have a welder, grinders, drills, and a good amount of tools on hand.

But, do you know how to use them proficiently & efficiently?

Anything is possible if you know what to do &, more importantly, where to look!

-It's amazing what you can find at scrap yards; search for an atv engine or, in fact, the whole vehicle, they have loads of useful parts (brakes, suspension, steering, etc...)

-source your material from a steel merchant, not a supermarket style hardware like Lowes or Harbor Freight; you'll get much better quality material at a much better price...

Welcome to the forum & good luck with your build; if you have any questions, we'll be here to answer them...

 

[landuse]

Welcome to the forum!!

You are going to have to source a Comet 40 series torque converter for any engine you use over 8HP. This in itself will set you back about approx. $300. The engine is also going to cost you maybe $200 or more (unless you get it secondhand or free). This leaves you with $800 for everything else

Try and find what you will need, get prices and see if your budget will allow. Remember to budget for consumables like wire wheels, flap discs, grinding discs, paint etc.

 

[Redgrinde]

I've seen it mentioned in other first time builder threads, and I thought I'd bring it up here as well...

Try a rebuild first, getting the frame perfect is not an easy task. And if the welds aren't perfect your asking for trouble, especially if you're putting big tires and a big motor on it... If your set on building something from scratch then go with a more basic kart, a smaller 6.5 hp engine and a centrifugal clutch are much cheaper than the Comet 40 series and a 10 hp engine...

Just my thoughts, been there myself and still rebuilding the second kart I picked up almost a year ago...