Go-kart engines not many people use but should

[Jerryburger]

Hard to beat a clone and a torque convertor for a lot of projects!

AGREED. Even stock, you have a package that'll get you to an easy 45 mph.

 

[numscul]

If it is a true Harely Davidson 250 2 stroke, it's from 70s or prior.

I am still not sure... I haven't done any research or looked it up to find out.... I think i'm just going to sell it

 

[txluke]

I think the Honda GC engines are overlooked. I have picked up a few for next to nothing and they all ran well. You are not going to find high performance parts but if you just want a good running little engine they are a viable option.

 

[Budget GoKart]

the gc honda motors are great if i can ever get one with a normal 3/4 shaft i wanna run one on a mini bike because i think they could be cool lookin with the right setup

 

[Hellion]

This is a NECRO-POST

I think the Honda GC engines are overlooked. I have picked up a few for next to nothing and they all ran well. You are not going to find high performance parts but if you just want a good running little engine they are a viable option.

Hear, hear!

Honda Engines | GC160 4-Stroke Engine | Features, Specs, and Model Info

Official specs and features for the Honda GC160 OHC engine. The GC160 is a small four-stroke gas engine designed for premium residential use.

engines.honda.com

Next best thing to a flathead engine due to the similar footprint and vertical cylinder orientation. Biggest gripe from most is the GC's forward facing exhaust which on a go kart and minibike is blasting the back of the seat/back of the driver and blasting the minibike downtube or front fender, respectively. Needs a 180° on the exhaust pipe like on a 1980s dirtbike but that will just be all the more attractive.

It is not a clanky pushrod engine like the OHV GX, Intek or Predator/Greyhound engines but an OHC with a timing belt.

 

[Kartorbust]

Don't forget the GC190. An extra pony and a half over the 160.

 

[Denny]

I always felt the Turbonique Gokart engine was underutilized. Also big inch Pontiac engines are quite torquey.

 

[Hellion]

I always felt the Turbonique Gokart engine was underutilized. Also big inch Pontiac engines are quite torquey.

 

[Denny]

That poor Z-11 Impala didn’t stand a chance against the kart!

 

[Denny]

I actually know someone with a Turbonique GoKart that is still brand new and never been run. Not sure I would give up my seat in the electric chair to ride one though.

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

That kart just did what our blown alky dragster does in the ⅛. Wow.
And coasts the ¼ at an 8 second pass.
Wow.

 

[Hellion]

I actually know someone with a Turbonique GoKart that is still brand new and never been run. Not sure I would give up my seat in the electric chair to ride one though.

The whole forum would love to see that. Time for a road trip, Denny ......

 

[Denny]

The whole forum would love to see that. Time for a road trip, Denny ......

What, me in the electric chair?

 

[Hellion]

What, me in the electric chair?

No. I mean, yes AND to see the Turbonique GoKart that is still brand new and never been run. I have an electric chair too, in my car. It goes forward, back and it tilts.

 

[Thepartsguy]

Mogul manufacturing made a rod/flywheel and camshaft for the bigger 12-14hp kohlers.

I just finished up with this 8hp and I promise you with everything I have in me I am going fast enough at WOT that if I stop abruptly it’s a wrap…

Great engines that with the correct conversion engine mount plate will bolt to any go kart with a standard 3-5hp engine mount.

 

[Sparkwizard]

Jacobsen J321, 2 cycle, 100cc, bearing supported crank, good for about 5K rpm.
factory called them "Super Torque". Mine outruns my son's Briggs Raptor and I weigh double what he weighs Power Products headers fit them.


Clinton D35 chainsaw engines. Cheap on eBay, 6-7 HP, Same engine as Clinton E65 kart engine, except it spins the other direction and carb is at about a 45 degree angle. It's a Tillotson, so it doesn't matter. These will spin past 8 grand.