Hello DIYGK Members

[efranco]

Good afternoon,

Simply wanted to introduce myself. My name is Eli. Love to tinker and mechanic on just about anything. Definitely guilty of being the "got one to many projects" guy.

Picked up a Fox American Challenger yesterday on the cheap that came with a Predator 212 Hemi and new tires.

She definitely needs some TLC but she's got plenty of potential and just needs to be pieced back together.

Came here to research the model and familiarize myself with how she goes back together. Since the pervious owner literally handed me a bucket of parts that go on the frame. Lol

Anyway, thank you to all those who've given their time to creating the content on this site.

I've only scratched the surface and it's already been helpful.

Thanks,
Eli

 

[Functional Artist]

Howdy &

Looks like a nice kart

 

[panchothedog]

Welcome to the forum. Kart looks like it has lots of possibilities.

 

[Denny]

MANCO Fox. That’s a great start to a kart!

 

[efranco]

Good morning. Just wanted to post a status update...

Firstly, I am thankful for the resources on this forum. They were a BIG help with getting my kart done as quickly as I did.

Secondly, the American Challenger Fox is ready for test launch!

Needless to say my kiddos are excited! Lol

We'll be running it briefly this evening to work out any potential mechanical issues before giving it a full blown workout.

All that remains is wrapping and installing the marine vinyl seat cushions to replace the undersized ones you see in the pictures and some shots of paint for uniformity.

Wish us luck!

 

[Denny]

Finally a newbie with a realistic workable plan! Thank you.

 

[efranco]

Update... Test drives completed!

Good thing we ran them to because the lower chain on the jackshaft jumped and bent the bolt holding the brake in place

Thankfully no other major issues came up and the test drive was enjoyable as the smile in the photo shows

We'll replace the bent brake bolt and go over the rest of the kart and ensure that everything is still tight and secure.

Then it's full tilt time!

 

[Denny]

Somebody has a huge smile on their face! Good job dad!

 

[panchothedog]

The picture of your child sitting in the kart is what it's all about. FUN and smiles.

 

[efranco]

So... Got a Noob question...

We're trying to figure out the gearing on our American Challenger Fox jackshaft set up and could use some guidance please.

This is the current setup which was on it when we took ownership of the kart...

Engine/Clutch Sprocket: 10t
Jackshaft In Sprocket #1: 23t
Jackshaft Out Sprocket #2: 9t
Axle Sprocket: 27t
Final Ratio: 6.9

Rear Tire Size: 15 x 6.00 6 NHS

The motor is a Predator 212 with a stage 2 kit.

Should we change any of the sprockets for a different tooth count?

We mostly run it on asphalt and flat terrain with minor to mild aggressiveness on turns. So straght line speed is really the name of the game at the moment.

Just FYI. The motor is still governed since my kiddos are not old enough to handle an ungoverned motor yet.

Thank you in advance for any guidance or help anyone is willing to provide.

 

[Denny]

If your not having any problems, don’t mess with perfection.

 

[efranco]

If your not having any problems, don’t mess with perfection.

I'm good with that philosophy

If it ain't broke... Don't fix it. Lol

Just wanted to make sure we're not running a gear setup that's going to harm anything or burn up my clutch or motor.

Thanks Denny

 

[panchothedog]

At almost 7 to 1 you should very safe for clutch longevity. When the time comes and you want to remove the governor you will gain 30% to 50% in top end speed. For now just have lots of fun and teach your children how to drive.
Depending on their age it might surprise you how quick they learn and then start clamoring for more speed. ( 5 karts, 5 Grandkids ). Don't want to sound like I'm preaching, but when that time comes make sure the brakes work good
put some seatbelts on, or even shoulder harnesses and seeing how the engine is already hoped up somewhat the aftermarket rod and flywheel are necessary for saftey and keeping the engine together. With that low gearing and somewhat short rear tires she's really going to wind up RPM wise.
FWIW the first kart we did anything to went from a governed 21-22 mph up to a
ungoverned 34 mph. That was with a 196 cc stage one. Pipe, cold air intake, jetted carburetor and 18 lb. valve springs. Have Fun.

 

[efranco]

Pancho,

That is exactly the information I was looking for!

Thank you for taking the time to write it.

I appreciate you sir and I am thankful for this forum and all the information and knowledge I've been able to garner from it.

My main priority is safety. Especially since my kiddos are the ones who will spend the most time behind the wheel. So with that being the case. Ensuring a proper and safe set up helps put my mind at ease. Especially since I'm new to all this.

Rest assured I appreciate the preaching very much. Seat belts are on order and will hopefully arrive soon. The brakes are spot on and work great so no worries there.

Thanks again for the reply and guidance. I appreciate it greatly.

 

[Denny]

Pancho has the most recent kid experience. He knows of what he speaks. Before you go strapping in those kids please make sure the cage is up to the task. Glad you guys are having fun with the kart.