First time father son project

[gibo]

Hi all.
Hoping some of you can share your knowledge and experience it you can please.
I recently bought a frame without engine or exhaust as a project for my son and I. It's stamped "Dark Knight" on the axel and send to be a CRG brand.
I also have an existing Honda GX160 5.5hp engine with wet clutch which used to be on a small kart in a place I worked years ago.
It's in good shape but I don't know if this will work on the frame. It looks like the drive side will end up too close to the seat...
Is it worth trying to alter the engine or frame to work out just look at purchasing a different engine that's more suitable and might slot in?
Any advice is very much appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Gibo

 

[Denny]

Why not go for it? If you can weld and fabricate go for it. Looks like it may have had a 2 stroke on it. Older racing chassis.

 

[gibo]

Thanks for the reply, we will be able to source help for welding so it's done safely and strong!
I was told the chassis was used to race but at least 5 years ago plus.
Would prefer something that drops in but if needs must then we will give it a go and have fun along the way

 

[Master Hack]

Horrible Fright, lists the mounting pattern for Predator 212 on their website.

https://www.harborfreight.com/158-hp-459cc-max-performance-ohv-horizontal-shaft-gas-engine-carb-58818.html

 

[bob58o]

I know they make adapter brackets / mounting plates for putting utility engines in racing karts.

For example, this is made for karts with 1-1/4” tubing spaced 3-5/8” center to center.

Not sure if you can move the axle sprocket?
I’m not familiar with the size (width) of the engine with the wet clutch on it. So maybe it won’t work?

I think Anderkart used to be familiar with racing karts.

Honda Clone, GX160/GX200, Titan, Predator and Briggs Motor Mount

Honda Clone, GX160/GX200, Titan, Predator and Briggs Motor Mount. Motor Mount puts engine at a 15 degree angle, allowing extra clearance between the air filter and right rear tire. "International" 3 5/8" center-to-center frame rail spacing.

gokartsusa.com

 

[bob58o]

Is there an internal reduction with the engine?
6:1?

If there is 6:1 in the clutch box thing, you are going to want something like a 1 :1 ratio with the sprockets on the output shaft and the axle.

 

[Denny]

If it’s a wet clutch it is 2:1 reduction. If it’s 6:1 find another engine.

 

[panchothedog]

If it is a 2:1 reduction gear, you will basically be building a tug boat. Too much torque, not enough rpm.

 

[bob58o]

Aren’t 2:1 wet clutches very common on commercial karts?

What is the method of engagement? Is it still a centrifugal style automatic clutch inside the case?

I can’t see why it matters if the gear reduction is done by the output sprocket and axle sprocket or done by gearing inside the clutch case.

Engine running at 3600 RPM with 6:1 gearing is turning the rear wheels 600 RPM. And it multiplies crank torque by factor of 6.

Engine running at 3600 RPM with 2:1 wet clutch and 3:1 output sprocket and axle sprocket ratio still turns the axle 600 RPM with same torque multiplication. It’s just like adding a jackshaft and splitting the 6:1 into two steps? Am I missing something?

 

[panchothedog]

Gear ratios are gear ratios, so you are right. It can be overcome. I'M just thinking that it would require drive and axle sprockets in very Uncommon sizes. Maybe not that big of an obstacle.

 

[karte_m0lim]

there is how I did it on my kart
for mount used 20x40 mm profile..