Carburetor Fabrication?

[Airious]

I have been having a horrible time finding any decent priced carb for my kz400 engine, and am at a standstill until I do :/ My local scrap yard has one that they say "might work" but they want 250.00!!

With that being said, is it possible to take a carb off of something else and use it? If so what would I need to look for/make sure of?

*edit* OK, so I have found at least 1 answer; you can definitely use a carb from something else, but i still am not sure what I need to look for to get a good match up. I have only ever dealt with fuel injected vehicles before, so i apologize on my complete noob-ness on the subject.

What do you need from me to get some guidance on selecting the right carb? I am assuming dimensions, but what dimensions, and anything else?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Check the venturi dimensions, that's a good starting point. If the donor engine is of a similar displacement, that's a good sign too. Lastly, you can check the mounting bolt pattern (if applicable, most just mount in rubber boots).

 

[Airious]

Thanks, toystory! But I no longer need to go this route; the more i looked into it i found that this probably is not the best idea for my first project, so i expanded my search, and am I glad I did! I found an entire parts bike on craigslist, a good two hour drive, but has everything i need, including a second engine, who knows, just in case for 150.00!!!

Cant wait to go pick it up on Monday and get this build started! Pics will be posted on Monday

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

If you need any help, i made a kz400 go kart a few years back. I had lots of trouble with the stock carbs, and ended up converting to a single 34mm mikuni carb, from a polaris snowmobile. It ran great, although i didnt quite dial it in perfectly, believe it or not i actually gained power from the conversion. The go kart went through last years flood in vt, so its gone, however i do still have the stock carbs up on my shelf if you end up needing them, or have any questions, let me know.

 

[Airious]

Thanks, you may very well end up with some PM's from me once I have the chassis modified to fit the bigger engine. Its great to know someone else has a similar setup to what I am doing... Please tell me that thing flew with the kz400