From Lawnmower to Go-kart

[Parlod]

Hey all!
New to the forums. Very glad I found it, as reading through it has answered a lot of questions. I don't know anything about go-karts, and I know little about cars.

I have just started a new project: building a go-kart. I'm working with an 11hp 400cc Briggs and Stratton engine out of an old MTD lawnmower that's been sitting around our place for years. My first goal, obviously, was to get the thing running. Hooked it up to my car battery, and it does! I know there's the whole problem with the vertical shaft needing to be horizontal. I've read through probably every thread in this forum on that subject. My question is: For those of you that have tried a vertical shaft engine, what has worked for you?
Second question. Now that I've gotten the engine running, what should my next step be? It seems like that was my number one goal, and haven't really thought about what to do next.

Thanks for reading,
Parlod

 

[cav]

LOL welcome to the site
Like you im new to the kart world too and im at the same stage eg just got the engine going.
Ive just came in from the shed as i have just been mocking a plan for a frame on a old wooden board. It looks good so when i now come to weld a frame up i will just lay the tubing onto the board and weld it up

 

[Parlod]

Whoops, make that a Lawn Chief, not MTD. My bad.

 

[risto]

I would suggest starting here

It's not impossible, but it is tricky. My suggestion would be the rear differential from a riding lawn mower mounted to your frame. It seems easier.

I'm no expert though, but I thought about it too, once my mower dies.

 

[russo2]

yeah i would go with a rear diff an trannsimssion
itll give you alot of power through all speeds and will be super easy
and youll have a differtianl wich is super nice

i am doin the same thing with a 6 speed 12 hp

 

[dirtrider 69]

thanks risto for that site it really helps