Hi everyone! Just came into an almost new techumsa 7 hp engine from a john deer walk behind snow blower! Got it for free from some city guys curb! Anyways told the kids we should build a go kart! They are real excited! Any and all advice would be great! Not sure where to start with frame! I'm in maintainence at a steel mill so I can fab and weld! Thanks for the help awesome site
First time kart builder?
- Thread starter canes3233
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Doc Sprocket
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Hi canes, welcome to the fray! Lotsa good info here, and some good people, too.
To begin with, you need to decide what sort of kart you'd like to build. On or off road, suspension or rigid frame, live axle or dead. Take some time, cruise the forum- have a look around and what's what, and once you've made some decisions, you're off to the races!
To begin with, you need to decide what sort of kart you'd like to build. On or off road, suspension or rigid frame, live axle or dead. Take some time, cruise the forum- have a look around and what's what, and once you've made some decisions, you're off to the races!
Thanks for feedback! What's the pros and cons of live vs dead axle and was thinking of ridgid to keep it simple and was looking for street and maybe alittle yard driving! Trying to find a plan for a frame to work for adults as well as kids!
Doc Sprocket
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It breaks down like this
Live axle (2wd)
+Much better traction on loose surfaces
+Drifting fun
+Lends itself better to common componentry and setup (ie disk brakes, sprocket/hub combos, wheel/tire/hub combos
+Lends itself better to CVT installation if desired
+One brake acts upon both wheels
-Will likely cost more for components
-Tendency to oversteer if frontend/weight distribution poor
-Accelerated tire wear potential
Dead axle pros/cons reverse of above, basically. I probably forgot a few points.
Live axle (2wd)
+Much better traction on loose surfaces
+Drifting fun
+Lends itself better to common componentry and setup (ie disk brakes, sprocket/hub combos, wheel/tire/hub combos
+Lends itself better to CVT installation if desired
+One brake acts upon both wheels
-Will likely cost more for components
-Tendency to oversteer if frontend/weight distribution poor
-Accelerated tire wear potential
Dead axle pros/cons reverse of above, basically. I probably forgot a few points.
Don Qui Racing
New member
search your local craigslist. you will find what you want there. plus you can find karts already with the majority of what you need for great prices
Found a racing frame for $125! Has front spindles and steering column! Rear tires and rims but no rear drive axle! Pretty excited looks real nice! Guy was to tall for it so he stripped the engine and rear axle to make a yard cart! Any ideas on rear axle, want live axle!
anderkart
Moderator
Sweet, post some good pics of your frame, we can be of way more help that way
Here's some links to good online retailers that sell race kart parts including axles, hubs and related components. You'll find buying brand new race kart parts are pretty expensive everywhere, dont forget to calculate shipping costs before deciding on who really has the best deals:
http://www.out2win.com/catalog/index.html
http://www.kartpartsstore.net/servlet/StoreFront <--(these prices include shipping cost...)
http://www.cometkartsales.com/
http://www.tsracing.com/store/Directory.cfm?DID=7
http://www.bmikarts.com/
This link is a very good source for used race kart parts:
http://karting.4cycle.com/forumdisplay.php?f=54
You might find some deals on ebay too. Sometimes guys sell off complete used axle assemblies with all bearings and hubs but beware of bent axles. Look for these deals anywere else you can think of, you might even try posting a "wanted" ad in your craigslist titled:
Wanted: Race kart Axle and Parts.
Just make sure everything is sized to fit a 1-1/4" or 40mm, etcetera axle diameter.
I'd probably suggest you go with the 1-1/4" size axle and components if buying new or given a choice used.
These pics below should give you an idea of everything you'll need, dont forget to buy some of the correctly sized keys for everything, or just a foot long length of keystock you can cut down and use as needed.
Don Qui Racing
New member
good find, just stick with craigslist, post an add for "wanted items" look for 1 1/4 size axel. its the most common in older karts that are more likely to be for sale. plus any items from other styles of kart will still work with maybe small modifying. i find those deals, strip the parts i need then re sale on clist.
anderkart
Moderator
I dont wanna hijack your thread but you'll find lots of my kart pics/info by clicking on these 2 links:
http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6364
http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3664
T-man
New member
canes3233, if you are interested I'm doing a full build of a reverse trike go kart on my youtube channel ( tmansgokarts ), everything will be on video.
Doc Sprocket
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Don Qui Racing
New member
thats a great frame to start with. Your techumsi will work great. you will have a fun toy when your done.
bighead
New member
I would not wait for monday!!! For $125 it would be in my garage already. For that price he might sell it out from under you.
You do know that your getting a steal on that kart right? Thats a great price. If it is in good condition you stole that thing. Did he say what brand it was?
Again I would go get it now or Pay Pal a deposit. Are you waiting or is he waiting? Another buyer might offer him $300 plus depending on what it is. GET IT NOW.
You do know that your getting a steal on that kart right? Thats a great price. If it is in good condition you stole that thing. Did he say what brand it was?
Again I would go get it now or Pay Pal a deposit. Are you waiting or is he waiting? Another buyer might offer him $300 plus depending on what it is. GET IT NOW.
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