Champagna T-Rex Knock-off Build

[MrTaurus]

Hello Everyone,

I have worked on a few karts before but this will be my first build and it's going to be a bit bigger than the average kart. A few things to note:

I based my design on the Champanga T-Rex. I did as much digging as I could for dimensions and based on those numbers I reduced them down to 2/3 scale. Now, I'm not looking to make an exact replica. I just thought it would be a good base to start. I'll post my math and pics below.

I will be acquiring a older Honda 550 4 inline motorcycle engine. I never worked on an engine that old so that will be an adventure in itself but since I'm getting a bigger engine, it justifies the kart size. I'll post more details about the engine when I pick it up next Wednesday.

The kart frame will be made of 1-1/2" 16 gauge square tubing just because it will be easier to work with for my first time. I'm open to suggestions on the frame material. It should be strong enough.

In the pictures I reduced the tire size to scale as well. The side view picture is rough and it does not show any structural setup. Just a rough design.

Here are the numbers and the pics. Please let me know what you guys think. I'm open to suggestion and feedback.

ORIGINAL / 2/3 SCALE

Measurements w/ Chassis
L: 138" / 92" (7.66')
W: 78" / 52" (4.33')
H: 42" / 28" (2.3')

Measured from Tire center to Tire center
Wheel Base: 90" / 60" (5')
Front Track: 70" / 46.6" (3.8')

Front Tires: P205/45zr16
Diameter: 23.26" / 15.5"
Width: 8.07" / 5.38"

Rear Tire: P275/40r18
Diameter: 26.66" / 17.77"
Width: 10.83" / 7.22"

 

[Karts of Kaos]

looks awesome

 

[itsid]

Campagna (italian for 'countryside')
nothing to do with the french Champagne (although that's a nice countryside )

there are chinese lookalikes with 150cc to 300cc IIRC
("three wheeler kart" )

And I'm not saying you should buy one, I'm saying you should go and find some more info on the interwebs for them,
that way you can see how they simplified the mechanics to still make a road legal vehicle
that's decent fun

(helps you detecting minor flaws in your plan.. things you might have overlooked)

'sid

 

[MrTaurus]

I did look at some of the chinese models and they do seem simplified but where's the fun in that?

Spider karts version is pretty simplified if anything. Mine is just going to be bigger and with a bit more...faster.

I do have a question. Considering the plans I have worked out so far I'm trying to determine a good size for the front suspension arms. There will be a top and bottom arm so a shock will be in place. I was considering 8-12" long but if that's off please let me know.

 

[MrTaurus]

I picked up the engine for this project today. Honda CB750K from a '79 bike. I got it for a steal. Needs a compression check since it's been sitting for 2+ years in storage. Believe it runs but will need some basic maintenance and cleaning before I try to turn it over.

 

[MrTaurus]

So I dug into the engine a bit and judging by what I've seen, for an engine thats been stored for over 2 years its in pretty good shape. It will need some general maintenance. Once I get a set of carbs on her im going to give it a test fire and see where it goes.

 

[itsid]

looking nice!

some solid 70 horses should be well doable from an engine like that.
a real thumper

especially check the timing chains.. IIRC early models suffered slightly from loose chain after a while and that gets expensive quick if it bites
an endoscopic camera would be nice to have now, that way you could check the combustion chambers without taking the head off.
(sometimes you find such for cheap .. it'd be worth it )


'sid

PS please record the testrun..
I love the sound of an old honda occasionally.. my screamer is just a totally different bred of animal and there aren't many around here anymore

 

[MrTaurus]

I've seen videos of people using those kind of scopes to check an engine. Not a bad idea. With the engine as is I really don't want to remove the block unless I have to. I need to get the carb assembly before I can test fire it. I am considering doing a flush after a test fire and getting a compression check after. My main concern is since she's been sitting for 2 years without being run if the flush will do more harm than good. Then there's the question of what kind of flush to use...