Got my first go kart today.....

[joeyballz]

So i picked up my first go kart after giving it a good test ride. It is slightly small for me but with a seat adjustment and petals it will be just fine. I threw some pictures in. It has a old schooooool briggs on it that i plan on replacing even though it runs rather well. It defintely needs a new clutch and i would like to convert it to a disc brake system. However i grabbed it for $150 and had it doing 30mph already.

 

[joeyballz]

How difficult are disc brake installations? And what clutch recommendations do you guys have. I am 6'0 240lbs so something strong =)

 

[Tom Knight]

Way to go, you can't get a motor/clutch for 150....Theres a little re-work to add disk. Is it a live axle (goes thru bearings and has key way for rotors or sprocket) ? I'm tryin to say, the whole axle assembly spins wheel, sprocket brake. If you been around karts AND are handy---sorry.
If so what size is said axle 3/4" 1" or ? you need a rotor & caliper to fit it like a Manco with bracket to weld to frame and brake rod or HEAVY duty cable, not skinny ones for throttle. Others can and will I hope chime in with good advice, good luck, you put a 6.5hp on there---you going to need brakes, my 6.5 weighs 250 lb & runs at 45 MPH 11 & 60 sprockets...old dog

 

[KartFab]

This thread might help you out with the brakes. If you are on a budget, you may be able to get away with disc brake and mechanical caliper. It's on pg 3.
http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=21095&highlight=midas

 

[Ebrownie]

I'm not sure, but it looks to me like a dead axle (1 wheel drive). In that case, you probably could convert to live axle, depending on your budget and fabrication skills. I suppose maybe you could figure out a way to do a disc brake on the rear floater wheel or something, but a live axle will be better in the long run (better traction, easier sprocket replacement)

 

[joeyballz]

Axle is definitely live....bearings were changed on both sides. Ill take more pictures tomorrow so everyone can get a better idea what i am dealing with

 

[Ebrownie]

Ok, sorry for the incorrect guess . That's good, because it will be easier for you to put disc brakes on.

 

[Seanbean21]

For a clutch if you want insane acceleration put your money into a torque converter.

 

[joeyballz]

Posting some updated pics....dont laugh lol its going to be a work in progress. So i took it out for a quick spin and my chain came off =/ went back on rather easy and didnt fall off again yet. So where do i begin this is..

 

[joeyballz]

And of course in the near future.....

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

Looks like the chain is mis-alighned. Take a straight edge off the axle sprocket and move it till it's perfectly. In line with the drive sprocket.

Also have the tention set right. You should be able to move the chain at the middle between both sprockets about half a chain with up and down.

 

[BigMark408]

loosen the engine and verify you chain is straight looks little crooked in photos... I recommend getting a hydraulic brake setup. very inexpsive and stopping when you HAVE TO is always a PRIORITY. You can get away with just rear brake. lots of kits out there for this.

 

[Hellion]

Band brakes work well, I can lock my rear tires up with mine.

I don't understand all the changes you're making. Use that kart as-is and RIIIIDE, mang!

 

[joeyballz]

Well i have been enjoying the kart as is...however i feel 99.9% of us are on here to find more ways to improve our machines. So i checked the clutch and it floats back and forth on the drive shaft...ill get back on how much play there actually is. I did alot of reading today about torque coverters and i am very intrigued. i have a very similar kart to the build KartFab did on here.

 

[Ebrownie]

That looks like a pretty clean kart. With a slightly improved predator and a TC, it will be awesome! Keep updating us for sure.

 

[BigMark408]

I look at these things like little hot rods... Mod until your satisfied....

Then drop a turbo on it

 

[Hellion]

It is slightly small for me but with a seat adjustment and petals it will be just fine.

Don't fret, they're all small and were designed that way. The first karts were racing oriented and designed by and for full-grown men. Knees-in-the-chest is the proper seating posture. Embrace it!

A nice, larger-framed kart chassis just means more weight and loss of speed, power and agility.

If you add "petals" to it in some newfangled Flower Power fashion scheme, I will just laugh.

 

[joeyballz]

haha....**** misspells. yeah I am definitely having fun with it. However I really am looking forward to starting even some basic mods. The clutch that came with it is pretty worn out. I am not the smallest of guys and the Kart has a lot of trouble starting off but picks up speed pretty quick once its rolling. I don't think at this point in time I would even attempted to ride it on grass/dirt or anything off road. the engine definitely has some hours on it as you can see from the pictures I posted. I don't want anything crazy...Yet...I am thinking swapping to the predator engine I bought. Throwing on a exhaust pipe, air filter kit and rejetting the stock carb. the big decision will be do I get a quality clutch or go with a torque converter??

---------- Post added at 09:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:08 PM ----------

I do want to ride it upstate NY and Pennsylvania and would like to ride on some dirt trails, small hills etc.

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

Get the torque converter. It does better for what your looking for.

 

[Hellion]

...I am not the smallest of guys and the Kart has a lot of trouble starting off but picks up speed pretty quick once its rolling. I don't think at this point in time I would even attempted to ride it on grass/dirt or anything off road.

All centrifugal clutch go karts start off slow, even with 90 lbs kids driving them; that's just how they go, with a little bit of clutch slipping until it builds up speed.

I think a kart of this kind is best for smoother, tamer surfaces as some off-road rut-driving will tenderize your carcass a bit since there's no suspension.

A Torq-A-Verter is a nice thing, giving you a basic variable transmission and it's ideal for off road and hilly terrain but it will also limit your flat-out top speed.

Maybe one of the new 3D manual clutches? Wind 'er up and dump the clutch just like in a manual shift car....

---------- Post added at 02:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:00 AM ----------

Maybe you should get a posse together and take over some not-so-busy roads. Come on, you know that would be a good adrenaline rush.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoXuSbVJVIo