Drift Kart Project

[ConnerLiam]

Hey guys, I'm 17, just got a new job and am ready to take on a new project. I recently decided between getting a 4x4 or Drift Car and choose to get a 1999 Toyota 4runner. So to get my fix on getting sideways, I have decided a drift kart is in order. I'm new to engines and all this so please bear with me! I was looking at welding a frame or picking one up on craigslist and getting an 11hp engine. But I don't know what else I need . I'm really trying to keep it cheaper but not junk cheap. It's just a weekend neighborhood toy. How can I make a lightweight kart with quick acceleration, slick tires, and most importantly a handbrake xD.

 

[Dirtkarter]

I would buy an old racing kart frame, you might need more than 11hp to drift though. Unless you put pvc pipe over all 4 tires. I found it necessary to use pvc on all tires to balance the handling, the plus side is you would probably get away with a smaller motor.
Any way the cheapest way to do it is buy a rolling kart and use your motor of choice. If you want to drift on rubber you would be better off with a medium size motorbike engine.
If you do go the route of buying an old racing kart you can mod it for more steering lock and less ackerman on the steering. Hope this helps

 

[landuse]

Welcome. I agree with dirtkarter about the pvc. If you do a search on the forum you will see a few pvc wheeled drift karts (or two I can think of)

 

[Dirtkarter]

Here's one from youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyiTL2aoqvM

 

[OzFab]

Drifting is all about torque so, you're on the right track with a big engine but, there's a bit more to it:

-An 11hp engine is gonna cost you a few hundred dollars & a suitable clutch will cost you at least another hundred plus you'll need a jackshaft to gain the required gearing; at that price, you're better off with a dirtbike engine; it's a bit more work to set up but, it's worth it.

-Slicks are a bad choice for drifting as they're usually soft to promote traction as well as having full contact with the road surface; a better choice is a hard compound tyre with narrow tread patterns, creating less contact with the road surface

As for the frame, keep an eye on craigslist, ebay & other local classifieds, preferably for a racing rolling chassis

 

[J_Walker]

I still wanna see someone put a GS500 engine in a shifterkart... I have the engine, just not kart. lmao

 

[firemanjim]

I still wanna see someone put a GS500 engine in a shifterkart... I have the engine, just not kart. lmao

Bring it to Houston and I will show you how to put it in a crossfire kart. Then, how to abuse it, properly.....

 

[J_Walker]

Bring it to Houston and I will show you how to put it in a crossfire kart. Then, how to abuse it, properly.....

How's the work in houston? Also, got a free bedroom?