First Go Kart Project

[xavche]

Hello, I am attempting to build a go kart, here's what I want from it: Off road (to an extent ie. grass, bumps and hills) I have a budget of 1200 CAD and a frame/engine. the engine is a 5.5 honda from a pressure washer, I could get a bigger 13hp honda if need be. I have a frame that was bought at an auction its powder coated steel tubing. I dont know If I will want suspension. I need to figure out what I need for an axle/wheels/transmission. any ideas? EDIT: do you think 5.5hp will be enough?

Thanks,
xavche

 

[panchothedog]

5.5 hp will be disappointing. Get the bigger engine. For off road use suspension makes a big difference in comfort. What country are you in. No idea how much 1200 CAD is. Seeing how you already have the engine and the frame, $1200 dollars would probably finish it. Post a picture of the frame. It will help people who are interested in helping you give you advice. Many people here can help you, but we aren't magical or clairvoyant. We need to see what you are working with.

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

"CAD" is Canadian Dollar. This morning one US dollar is worth $1.36 CAD. So he has roughly $880 USD in his budget. If it were me, I'd just put the engine I had on the frame I had, run around on it and see what I think of it.

 

[xavche]

what do you think of live axle kits?

 

[panchothedog]

For off road use, live axle is the only way to go. One wheel drive won't cut it when off roading. You'll get stuck ( not enough traction ) every few minutes.

 

[xavche]

I understand that much im more referring to kits like ive seen on amazon or go power sports

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

The ones I've seen are fine. That's why they are sold by the kart stores. Is that what you need?
I ride a yard kart to the edge and have bent 1" axles. Bit for most applications they are great.

Post pics, it helps us answer your questions.

 

[bob58o]

The ones I've seen are fine. That's why they are sold by the kart stores. Is that what you need?
I ride a yard kart to the edge and have bent 1" axles. Bit for most applications they are great.

Post pics, it helps us answer your questions.

When I got my Spider karts Granddaddy I believe it had a solid 1.25” aluminum axle on it that was bent. I replaced it with 1.25” keyed solid steel shaft from McMaster Carr for about $100 if I remember correctly. I wanted to add an additional bearing and make sure my axle/wheels didn’t stick out past the bearings too far.

I mean there are solid aluminum, tubular steel, solid steel, Chrome Molly steel tubes… that come in 1” or 1.25”

this is what I had noted from my build ….

“
Thanks to machinist@large....

I got a 48" long 1.25" Solid 1045 Fully Keyed Steel Shaft for an Axle.
You saved me a lot of trouble.
It was $100 delivered to my door in what seemed like hours, but probably 2 days.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/122/1120/=1132ht2