First build. Enjoying my new hobby

[jasonH]

Building my first Kart for my boys. Motor is a Predator 6.5 (non-hemi), 1" rear axle, 19" tires from a riding lawnmower, haven't purchased my torque converter yet, the one I was looking at was a 12 tooth #40. I have mechanical brakes, 60t #40 rear sprocket. The frame is built from 1" O.D. square 1/8" thick. This build was based off of a picture of the arachnid. I had a couple days off over the christmas break and a box full of parts. The frame work isn't complete, mostly tacked. I still need to add a few supports and figure up the height of the roll bar. I want to thank this forum for all it's help to get us started on the build. A special thanks to firemanjim for all his help so far and not making me feel like a complete moron with all my noob questions. I will be posting more as the progress moves on.

 

[2SlickNick]

Great start!I love the way you mounted that axle bracket and the extra support it getts and more surface area to weld it. looking good.

 

[jasonH]

Great start!I love the way you mounted that axle bracket and the extra support it getts and more surface area to weld it. looking good.

Thanks

 

[landuse]

Yup. Looking good

 

[colestreasures]

I like it, looks really good.
Cole

 

[ImJay]

Nice build, keep posting some photos up as I would like to see it progress (I plan on an arachnid styled build, and my name is also Jason H ).

 

[jasonH]

Nice build, keep posting some photos up as I would like to see it progress (I plan on an arachnid styled build, and my name is also Jason H ).

I will. I probably won't get back to it for a few weeks. I didn't use their plans. I just looked at the pictures the website has and scaled it out to get an idea of the size. I am currently preparing the predator engine; removing the oil sensor, governor, and setting up the throttle linkage. I have a new header, filter, carb jets, valve springs, and billet flywheel on the way.

Thanks everyone

 

[colestreasures]

Man that's looking good.
Cole

 

[colestreasures]

Man that's looking good, gotta start somewhere.
Cole

 

[jasonH]

So I purchased the stage one performance kit from OBM Warehouse
http://www.ombwarehouse.com/Predator-212cc-Go-Kart-Kit-Stage-1-Non-Hemi.html
and was wondering how many cc's we would be gaining with this kit. I have been reading the forum and people are posting they are getting 10hp out of these 6.5's. How are they achieving 10hp+?

**Edit**
Found the thread full of great info on the Predator

 

[MancoGX390]

Thats a super cool looking chassis! Need a bigger engine though!

 

[jasonH]

Thats a super cool looking chassis! Need a bigger engine though!

I was afraid that 6.5 wouldn't push this cart all that fast. I ran the numbers to figure up the speed by using gear ratio etc. It said I would be able to get 35mph out of the setup. After it calculated that, my first question to myself was, what about the weight it's moving? This Kart is for my boys on a 400 acre property (not a lot of straight flat runs) and they only weight 50-75lbs. Kart is probably going to weigh close to 150 lbs. I figured I would start with the governor removed and the performance kit and see what kind of speed they get out of it.

I also thought about drilling 1/2" holes throughout the frame to make it lighter.

 

[mckutzy]

I'd just leave the way it is.
Holes could potentially make a stress point where it might break, if not drilled perfectly. Also if mud/debris/water gets trapped internally, the potential for it rusting and corroding internally is a given.

 

[jasonH]

Thats a good point. I remodel homes for a living so drilling them to perfection wouldn't be an issue, but the trapped debris would definitely be an issue.

 

[Poboy kartman]

Thats a good point. I remodel homes for a living so drilling them to perfection wouldn't be an issue, but the trapped debris would definitely be an issue.

Then....IF....you really know your stuff....you ought to know...the amount,location, and size of holes in an engineered joist...are carefully controlled....same deal.....

Solid and thinner is better......is a solid 1/4"...4×4" square tube stronger than a 1/2" square tube with holes drilled to 1/4" of each edge????

 

[jasonH]

Then....IF....you really know your stuff....you ought to know...the amount,location, and size of holes in an engineered joist...are carefully controlled....same deal.....

Solid and thinner is better......is a solid 1/4"...4×4" square tube stronger than a 1/2" square tube with holes drilled to 1/4" of each edge????

I have a structural engineering background. But, just because I can doesn't mean it's a good idea. Take pecan pie pringles for example.

I do have 2 brand new predator 6.5's....Bam 13HP. That'll move that kart. I have a question about the vacuum fuel pump, why and when would those be beneficial?

 

[Poboy kartman]

I have a structural engineering background. But, just because I can doesn't mean it's a good idea. Take pecan pie pringles for example.

I do have 2 brand new predator 6.5's....Bam 13HP. That'll move that kart. I have a question about the vacuum fuel pump, why and when would those be beneficial?

Well...usually...to relocate the tank,...but...they can also move more fuel.......soooooo.....helps with feeding the new hungry critter.....

EDIT:......BTW:.....If you have that much of a structural engineering background behind you.......WHY did you ask the question? ????

Double edit:......My bad.....it was a statement.....not a question....carry on......

 

[jasonH]

Thanks for the fuel pump info.

 

[jasonH]

It's been awhile since I was able to get back to the project. I am happy to report I will have the next 3 days to hopefully get everything fabbed. I have an issue with the rear end suspension being too weak. I am sure it's a design flaw since the shocks are rated 500+lbs a piece. When I put my 225lbs in the seat the shocks depress to about a 1/4" from bottoming out. I am thinking I need to move the shocks closer to the rear tire but keeping the same angle. Does anyone have a different thought? Or confirm what I think the fix is. Thanks

 

[jasonH]

Progress

Turns out I only had two days to work on the kart. I still have steering assembly, gas/brake pedals and lines, permanent hardware, rear suspension (still looking for advice), rear axle assembly, cross bracing,grind, and off to paint.