Could i build a go kart for under $400

[nosebleedXD]

i have no idea anything about go karts

but i was just wondering is it possible to be done for under $400

i am willing to go to home depot

i heard you could use lawnmowers or chainsaws to power a go kart

hit me with up with some info =] thanks

 

[kendelrk]

400 is an ohkay budget. i would suggest to get a honda clone from harbor freight, there pretty good, and home depot? more like online ordering

 

[B man]

are u wanting to build one for a project? or do u just want a Kart? cause if your budget is 400$ u could buy a good one off of craigslist. and are u wanting it to have suspension? is it going to be on or off-road?

and what type of drive? TC or Clutch or belt tennsioner?

 

[redsox985]

Have you looked into one in need of some TLC on Craigslist?

B-man, you beat me to it.

 

[B man]

Yeah thats happend to me.lol

 

[B man]

Also. how much torque and top-end speed are u looking for?

 

[shake this]

What type of skills/tools do you have? This will play a big factor in what areas the $400 is spent in.

 

[Hawktosser]

What do you guys think of using a 460cc 2-stroke international engine for a Cart? HORSEPOWER 35.0 BHP @ 6,000 RPM MAXIMUM TORQUE 31.7 ft.- lbs. @ 5,500 RPM

MAXIMUM SPEED 6,500 RPM .this was, I believe , originally used for Ultrlight aircraft. manufactured by Cuyuna Engine Company, Inc.

 

[Gutteer]

What do you guys think of using a 460cc 2-stroke international engine for a Cart? HORSEPOWER 35.0 BHP @ 6,000 RPM MAXIMUM TORQUE 31.7 ft.- lbs. @ 5,500 RPM

MAXIMUM SPEED 6,500 RPM .this was, I believe , originally used for Ultrlight aircraft. manufactured by Cuyuna Engine Company, Inc.

dont thread jack

 

[redsox985]

First off, please start your own thread.
Secondly, answer these in your own thread. Kart or buggy? It would be a great buggy or super powered street kart. What's the PTO on that?

 

[nosebleedXD]

hey thanks for all the replies guys

so first of all, i really just want something where i can drive around with

i will take a look on craigslist definately

secondly, my knowledge on go karts and how they work are nothing, do they run on gas or electric motors....

i have tools like mitre saws, i believe i have a torch but no idea really how to use it

also what exactly does like 100cc 200cc or w.e mean, like it doesn't matter if the go kart goes really fast or not to me, its just for enjoyment

also one last thing could it be built by pvc pipes? LOL like the structure, framining
if not what about wood

looking forward to your responses thanks

 

[shake this]

PVC and/or wood is a big NO if you are going to have any type of engine on it.

First thing I would recommend is for you to spend a few weeks or more reading all the build threads you will find on this site and then decide if you can tackle the challenge.

 

[Bluethunder3320]

HF welder: $110
HF angle grinder: $15

steel: $50
HF engine: $130
hillard clutch+chain+master link: $40
sprocket: $10-30

i suggest also get a totally beat up or ugly kart to take the steering, wheels, rims, axle, pedals, ETC out of.

look on craigslist for that. without engine, a standard yard kart type thing can cost $50-150.

if you want links for the stuff i listed just ask me. i was just lazy right now lol.

i got a OK looking homemade kart off craigslist with an old tecumseh H60 for $50. came with 6 tires and rims, differential, and only missing pedals, clutch, chain, carburetor, and some more stuff like cables.

look on CL every day you will find SOMETHING!

 

[Bluethunder3320]

PVC and/or wood is a big NO if you are going to have any type of engine on it.

First thing I would recommend is for you to spend a few weeks or more reading all the build threads you will find on this site and then decide if you can tackle the challenge.

weigh out the pro's con's of stuff before you buy, research, find the best deals possible, it might take a while but it will pay off.

also make a parts list, so you dont start buying things and go wait! it will cost $1k or somehting.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Nosebleed, take some time and REALLY cruise this forum- you'll learn a ton, and soon be able to answer many of your own questions. That said-

It is possible to build a kart for $400, but there are a few factors involved. You've gotta have some tools already, the big one being a welder, or a good buddy with one. Secondly, you're going to need mechanical knowledge and ability, fabrication skills (even if only basic ones). Third (and this is where the real skill shines), the willingness and ability to get used stuff cheaply, fix it up, and make use of it. A good example might be locating a non-running snowblower at a garage sale for $50. You get the engine going for the price of a couple of gaskets, grab the wheels and tires off of it, and maybe some driveline goodies like a centrifugal clutch if you're lucky. Bang! You've just saved a ton of money, but it does depend on tools and skills.

Oh, and patience. Great deals (or even free) on cheap, useable parts don't generally beat down your door. Lots of searching and waiting.

It can be done- I built my kids' kart for about $200, which included the purchase of a brand new engine and clutch. I also scavenged my arse off and recycled a lot. The steel tube was a roadside find, Many of the steering and driveline parts came from a free, scrap lawn tractor. The brake hydraulic parts were from a motorcycle. The front tires came from a broken garden cart- you get the idea.
Cheers- Chris

 

[bighead]

I got $500 into the Dingo. And $400 into the yerf dog. Both new motors. I found old non running karts and just restored them with my own taste. If you shop well and get complete non running karts with clutches you can do the same.

I replaced lots of parts that were still good like bearings,seats and even all new hardware. So the $500 and $400 could have been lower.

 

[dowies]

You can build this reverse trike for around $350.00. Check out these threads for details.
http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5916

http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6169

 

[nosebleedXD]

ooh man building a go kart seems intense

i guess ill just keep cruising around the forum for some more knowledge

like i don't think i will be able to work with the metal and cutting them and stuff like that, never delt with this kinda of metal screwing and everything

if i can find a way to buy specific parts and make the easiest frame design i will do so

i gotta start looking around for some tools i need first

would it be possible to just buy some random kart thats non electric and then modify it, put an engine



BTW that reverse gokart seems siiick

 

[Krustalien]

Only one way to learn how to "screw around" with metal! If you have the space, and a friend with the tools, you'd have a lot more (endless) freedom with some knowledge in that area. Being able to fix something you otherwise wouldn't for the first time is an extremely rewarding feeling.

Welding may be a bit extreme for now, not because the process, but because of the cost. I believe someone mentioned prices above for the cheapest. But for 15$ you can get a grinder, a bit more will get you a drill, etc.

Go karts aside, it is well worth looking into some fabrication skills anyway, major help in day to day life.

And in answer to your question, with the correct knowledge, absolutely, pretty much anything becomes possible!

 

[redsox985]

Welding can be as cheap as $100 plus a new spool of wire because the HF stuff is said to be poo. There are things that will make welding easier, like a HF auto adjust helmet and gloves, but you can do without. I love my HF mask because it makes it so much easier and frees up a hand. I usually don't wear gloves because I feel like I don't have as much control with heavy leather gloves on. I just deal with the pink left arm.