Got my 1st go-kart! but it doesn't have an engine! (help!)

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jameslbarry

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This is great info! Thank you!
I’m sure I can pick up a predator 420 from my local hobby town…
I’ll have to start researching those gear boxes… $400 sounds like a lot! I wonder if there are many options out there…
 

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Whitetrashrocker

Whitetrashrocker

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Man. We were the opposite growing up. Kept bugging dad. He said if you can start it, you can ride it. We had to lean dirt bikes against the house and start and jack rabbit start and when we were done we rode next to the house and stopped and leaned into the house so not to fall over cause we couldn't reach the ground.
Pull ropes were a normal thing and we even learned to clean spark plugs and mix our own fuel. We couldn't wait to get mobile.
 
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panchothedog

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jameslbarry said:
I looked at the Predator engine at harbor freight, and a lot of people seem to really like it.

Something to keep in mind is the end user of this particular project...
Regardless of how much I personally might be sold on going bigger or making something custom, this isn't for me. If this isn't fun for a 12 year old girl weighing in at 61#- it won't get used at all and will gather dust.

This kart is their 1st toy like this, so their first experience should be a positive one (and free of a few aspect that the girls would deem nuisances). If they have to use a pull-start, or if they can't put it into reverse, it won't get used. If there is a way to set up a predator engine to have both of these functions, then I'm all in! but... are those normal options for a predator engine?
Click to expand...
Hey Dad, pull starting the engine is YOUR JOB. You aren't going to let them ride it without you supervising anyway, so what's the big deal. Started hoping up karts for my teenage grandson five years ago. When my 3 Granddaughters ages
7, 10, and 13 ( back then ) got a chance to try them, it was like ducks going to water. Kind of surprised me. I had to get a couple more to keep the crowd happy. None of my 4 karts have reverse, and all are pull start. Zero complaints. Finally had to buy a late model mini bike to sort of chase them down and keep an eye on them. Nobody rides without a helmet, and I am always present.
 
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jameslbarry

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I can definitely appreciate the way many of us were raised. I grew up in the 80s in a tiny town of rural America, so doing everything for oneself and being outside and active all the time totally resonates with me!

So, I just saw this setup.... It meets the requirements for this build, is a big bigger, and seems like it would require a lot less fabrication, might not need a jackshaft to connect the output to the drive sprocket (on the right-side of the axle) and after everything would likely cost less, too.
Thoughts on this? or has anyone actually used this engine?
 

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jameslbarry

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Whitetrashrocker said:
Can you get one in a 250cc? I worked on a 110cc buggy kart and it was making me grin while buzzing around the yard but it could have definitely used some extra beans.
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Good question!
I know the stock engine for this was 150cc... this 180cc has a little bit extra... so that is already a bonus. I haven't seen a 250cc out there yet, but I'm new to all this, so I'm still learning what all is out there!

I really appreciate the encouragement from many experts who encourage me to go the route of getting a predator 420. That much power would be fun, but power and speed is a lower priority... I started doing the math, and the path to taking the predator route would involve a $380 engine, $200ish TC kit on Amazon, $375 F/R gearbox, plus a jackshaft ($100ish?), (totaling over $1,000) and a lot of fabrication for fitment...

This route is $560, will need some wiring (I have the materials for this already), probably a coil, CDI, carb,...($100-ish), combined should be around $600-700ish, and require a lot less fab/customization to get it to fit.

IDK- I might be missing something. I'm definitely a newb to go karts/buggies, so I acknowledge I have a lot to learn!
 
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jameslbarry

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Whitetrashrocker said:
What about looking on the local market for a crashed knee thru scooter.
Click to expand...
I actually saw one of those the other day on FB Marketplace... they wanted $200 for the scooter, it has the 150cc GY6 engine... but no reverse (and idk if it is short case, long case... or how that stuff even works). I am kind of leaning towards the one online that is brand-new and has reverse integrated... $300 more, but less work, is built for buggies like this, and it's brand new.
 
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panchothedog

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If you are going to go the GY6 route, fine. But this talk about a 420 predator for your daughters is flat out ridiculous. You don't need anywhere near that much power. All of my karts are big 2 seaters like yours. Two of them are very heavy just like yours. They both use 212, and 224 predators. A $150 predator 212 and a
$60 Amazon 30 series torque converter ( total investment $210 ) will get you about 22 mph completely stock. If you remove the governor you will get 30 mph and the weight of the kart will keep it from going any faster or over revving the engine. Just trying to point out to you how you could be up and running a lot cheaper than all these $500-$800 options. Believe me, the thrill of driving the kart will get them, and they won't know how to steer it in reverse anyway. For your situation the reverse gearbox is a waste of money. Maybe on the the second or third kart with a few years driving experience.
 
Whitetrashrocker

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Ed. Re read post number 1.
He said Easy.
The easiest way is to replace what was there. There is no modification to make a different style engine fit and run.
A direct replacement is as easy as it gets.
Yes it might cost more but the up and running time is minimal.
Time is money.
 
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panchothedog

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Whitetrashrocker said:
Ed. Re read post number 1.
He said Easy.
The easiest way is to replace what was there. There is no modification to make a different style engine fit and run.
A direct replacement is as easy as it gets.
Yes it might cost more but the up and running time is minimal.
Time is money.
Click to expand...
In post # 12 it looks like a very flat motor mount area. Doesn't look like the original GY6 mounts are still there. No sprocket either. He's got some work to do either way, which he says he is up to. Time is money only when you are being paid to perform a task, or paying someone to perform one. I have never looked at it that way while working on a hobby, and even less so when doing something for or with my children. Was just trying to point out a less expensive solution, and that he certainly doesn't need a 420 cc engine.
 
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I must have missed that post. Yeah. No motor mounts. Well then possibilities are endless.

And Mr Spangler must have removed his post. I was replying to his comment.

On another thought. James. Have you looked at the CG200 engines. Used in china quads and tuk tuks around the world. Comes with reverse in some models.
They are upright cylinder as opposed to the flat gy6 style.

Like this.

Amazon.com: YIPONYT 200CC 250cc 4-Stroke ATV Engine Motor, 5 Speeds Transmission Motor Kit, Electric/Foot Start Electronic Ignition CDI Single Cylinder Engine for 200cc 250cc ATV Models : Automotive

Buy YIPONYT 200CC 250cc 4-Stroke ATV Engine Motor, 5 Speeds Transmission Motor Kit, Electric/Foot Start Electronic Ignition CDI Single Cylinder Engine for 200cc 250cc ATV Models: Rebuild Kits - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
a.co

Gotta read closely. They make a 5 foward gear box for motorcycles and a 4 foward/reverse for quads.
And again you might find one on the market for cheap. Those china quads are everywhere.
 
Edwin Spangler

Edwin Spangler

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Whitetrashrocker said:
I must have missed that post. Yeah. No motor mounts. Well then possibilities are endless.

And Mr Spangler must have removed his post. I was replying to his comment.

On another thought. James. Have you looked at the CG200 engines. Used in china quads and tuk tuks around the world. Comes with reverse in some models.
They are upright cylinder as opposed to the flat gy6 style.

Like this.

Amazon.com: YIPONYT 200CC 250cc 4-Stroke ATV Engine Motor, 5 Speeds Transmission Motor Kit, Electric/Foot Start Electronic Ignition CDI Single Cylinder Engine for 200cc 250cc ATV Models : Automotive

Buy YIPONYT 200CC 250cc 4-Stroke ATV Engine Motor, 5 Speeds Transmission Motor Kit, Electric/Foot Start Electronic Ignition CDI Single Cylinder Engine for 200cc 250cc ATV Models: Rebuild Kits - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
a.co

Gotta read closely. They make a 5 foward gear box for motorcycles and a 4 foward/reverse for quads.
And again you might find one on the market for cheap. Those china quads are everywhere.
Click to expand...
I aint removes nufin! I havnt said much in this topic, I dont think.
 
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jameslbarry

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Whitetrashrocker said:
Ed. Re read post number 1.
He said Easy.
The easiest way is to replace what was there. There is no modification to make a different style engine fit and run.
A direct replacement is as easy as it gets.
Yes it might cost more but the up and running time is minimal.
Time is money.
Click to expand...
Thank you!

The CG200 engines do look interesting! I'll definitely look further into those before deciding. So far, the girls have saved up to $400 towards their build, so they have a little further to go, which gives me time to solidify the approach we will take.

I also totally recognize that the original mounts have been removed by a PO. Regardless of going with a GY6 vs an upright engine, it is going to require some mods. So far, the GY6 looks like it would require less fabrication, as an upright engine will need new mounts, the removal of the upper portion of the existing engine area to get it to fit, potential reinforcement, and also some mods to accommodate a gearbox, and jackshaft mounts (since the sprocket hub is on the right side of the axle).
At this point the 180cc GY6 seems to be a decent balance between most direct drop-in, sufficient power (more than the factory config, anyway), and cost (less extra parts to buy to be equipped with the options I want).
 
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