Fresh meat

[clgerrin]

How are we folks? New guy. Never tried to build a kart or buggy but here we go. I work at a small small engine shop, as in 2 or maybe three guys on a good day. So.. I have access to a "boneyard" for parts, without which I couldn't attempt this. Owner is a former go-cart racer so I have expert advice there. Oh, and I'm a 43 year former Marine and permanent child.
To the point, I have a couple of engines to use. A Briggs 14 hp twin cylinder and a Briggs 17.5 hp single. Problem is they're both verticle shafts. Yeah I'm probably swinging above my weight class here but...Let's go start a thread. Tomorrow.

 

[Hellion]

Vertical shaft engines are not recommended for karts... that is unless you're trying to make one like a riding lawn mower and you want to transfer power to a rear transaxle with a belt or something.

...Yeah I'm probably swinging above my weight class here but...Let's go start a thread. Tomorrow.

 

[Randy H]

Welcome sir.

When you are ready to start a thread about the use of vertical shaft engines, please do so.

I'm willing to bet that as a 43 year old Marine you're accustomed to getting things done.

 

[RobertD]

Welcome! Looking forward to your build / question thread!

 

[landuse]

Welcome to the forum!!

 

[clgerrin]

Thanks gents. This should be fun. And hello to the naysayers and trolls. I enjoy doing unconventional things others say are too difficult.

 

[speedbug78]

I say give it a go. If I could have found a briggs flattie opposed twin I would have probably used it on my kart. They are just so cool. There are lots of ways to use a vertical shaft engine, and if you are working in a small engine shop you might have access to some mower transmissions too. Some of those can be modded for pretty fast kart use.

Here is a link that outlines some good ways to try: http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4766

 

[pRoFiT]

Thanks gents. This should be fun. And hello to the naysayers and trolls. I enjoy doing unconventional things others say are too difficult.

you will never build a vertical shaft engine go kart!!!!

oh and harbor freight tires, dont use them!!!! you've been warned.

The trap is set