Go kart engine mount

[joeyballz]

Hey what's going on everyone. So I picked up a project gokart that I have big plans for. I am very new to the karting world so please excuse my lack of knowledge. My kart came with a solid metal plate welded to the frame. It only has 3 holes on it cause whoever installed it didn't do it properly. I am thinking that I need to cut the plate off and get some proper engine mounts. I have a brand new predator 212 that I will be installing for now but would eventually like to move up to a modded 420cc. I am 6"1 240lbs. Thoughts on the proper way to mount my engine??

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

Make slots instead of holes.

 

[Hellion]

Entirely up to you. I'd set the engine in place on the existing mount and tinker with the positioning whilst you also line up the chain and sprocket so that there's nothing off-kilter or misaligned. Measure twice, cut once.

Seconded on what he ^^ said. Long slots, long enough so that you can move the engine fore and aft to take up chain slack as the chain stretches.

ALSO: there's fancy "racing" mounts on many a site; some that cant the engine forward and are also modular that can be removed and adjusted. A great many use a 'butterfly' clamp that bolts it to the chassis.

 

[joeyballz]

As is the previous owner rode it with the 3 bolts holding it in place. However the chain length looks to long to me and the engine sits so low the chain actually touches the edge of the plate just barely. I can see where the wear marks are from it.

 

[Ebrownie]

Shorten the chain up. It makes it less likely to fall off and is more efficient. Then you can move the engine back a bit and mount it in the right spot on the plate so the chain doesn't rub.

 

[joeyballz]

I was thinking of maybe something like these cause they are fully adjustable and I like the way they look. I was just curious on the reliability. Only reason I am thinking of removing the plate is cause I may clean up the frame and have it painted a deep sonic blue and just want it to look clean. =)

 

[Flyinhillbilly]

I was thinking of maybe something like these cause they are fully adjustable and I like the way they look. I was just curious on the reliability. Only reason I am thinking of removing the plate is cause I may clean up the frame and have it painted a deep sonic blue and just want it to look clean. =)

Those work well. I'd reccomend double checking your rail spacing and tube size before ordering.

 

[anderkart]

Yes, cut that plate off, that might work for a flathead engine like an old briggs 5hp, but you'll need a 15-degree angled motor mount for your predator 212 and 420cc engine.

I have a brand new predator 212 that I will be installing for now but would eventually like to move up to a modded 420cc. I am 6"1 240lbs. Thoughts on the proper way to mount my engine??

Check out the Burris 15-degree motor mounts, they cost more, but are super high quality and have a couple unique features that'll come in very handy for your situation:

1: They're slotted to allow side to side adjustment. This is handy feature for big guys like you because you can adjust the engine further out to allow more room for wider seats...

2: The second cool feature is you could order the Burris mount with a top plate to fit your 212 predator now, then later on when you upgrade to a 420cc engine; you could re-use the same lower portion of the motor mount and simply bolt on a Burris Big Block top-plate instead of having to buy a whole new motormount. (so you'd save $$ in the long run...)

Flyinhillbilly had good advice, you'll need to measure your karts frame before buying any motor mount to determine if you have the American or International rail spacing.

BMC 543 = American Spacing 2-7/8” (2.875”) from center to center on the frame rails
https://id3528.securedata.net/test....roduct_info.php?cPath=4_78_80&products_id=220

BMC 544 = International Spacing 3.625” or 92mm from center to center on the frame rails
https://id3528.securedata.net/test....product_info.php?cPath=4_78_80&products_id=15

And then here's the link to the Burris big block top plate if you ever wanna instal that 420cc engine:
https://id3528.securedata.net/test.burrisracing.com/merchantmanager/product_info.php?products_id=459

PS:
You can purchase directly from Burris, but if you shop around you might find other online race-kart shops selling Burris motor mounts at lower prices...

PPS:
Take those seat belts off !!!
If you ever flip that kart, you'll wanna be thrown out of it, not trapped underneath with a broken neck... The only time you want seat belts in a go kart is; if it has a roll bar.

 

[joeyballz]

Thanks for all the great information. I will measure the rails first thing tomorrow to determine which size i need. I dont mind spending $$ for quality parts. I took a quick look at the Burris mounts and they do look sweet. So i would go with the complete mount kit and if i go up to a 420 just get the plate for that engine? I do like the idea of it being interchangeable =)

 

[anderkart]

Your welcome and yep you got the right plan there.

 

[joeyballz]

I measured the rails today and its defintely the international frame. Suggestions on the best way to cut this plate off without ruining my frame?

 

[Flyinhillbilly]

Cut the plate just inside of the welds just enough to be able to break it off, then use a grinder to knock the welds down close to flush with the frame rails, then use a flat file to finish it up.

 

[joeyballz]

Thanks Billy...souns like a plan...stand by for pics tomorrow.