Hello to all! Looking forward to discussion with everyone. Just acquired 2 vintage karts, and looking forward to an accurate restoration of my margay and building a solid rider for my son with the other kart. Been a mechanic majority of my adult life and can't stay away from tinkering with hobbies involving engines or wheels. Retired bull rider and bmx racer , now focusing on the joy of tinkering and driving. Wish I was born a few years earlier to have seen karting in its heyday!
Here's to new hobbies
- Thread starter Piddler
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Hellion
Disc brakes are for cowards
Those later 'sidewinder' racing karts like your Margay are a little exotic and beyond our scope. We're kinda low budget here. 
There's a few members here with the requisite knowledge though, and some droolin' anything-with-wheels fanboys. You'll fit right in.
Favorite engine here, by far, is the Harbor Freight Predator 212cc 6.5 HP. That's about as Plain Jane and Joe Sixpack as you can get.
There's a few members here with the requisite knowledge though, and some droolin' anything-with-wheels fanboys. You'll fit right in.
Favorite engine here, by far, is the Harbor Freight Predator 212cc 6.5 HP. That's about as Plain Jane and Joe Sixpack as you can get.
Kartorbust
Well-known member
Welcome to the addiction and asylum lol.
Budget GoKart
Aka a kenbar
Welcome as my name implies i dont know what im doing
And have no money to do it. So a 212cc is perfect for your kid i have one and they can be fast or slow
And have no money to do it. So a 212cc is perfect for your kid i have one and they can be fast or slow
Welcome!
JTSpeedDemon
2019 Build Off Winner!
That would be me.
It's one of my many "____Spunk" nicknames around here.
And yes, as my user title says, I am Currently Flathead-Crazed.
JTSpeedDemon
2019 Build Off Winner!
YES, TAKE IT!
ESPECIALLY for free!
Flatheads actually have an even wider range of aftermarket upgrades than the famous clone engine! They can actually make ~30 HP if you're reeeaaally dedicated with upgrades. But at that point you will have put an absurd amount of money and an equally absurd amount of time into it.
ESPECIALLY for free!
Flatheads actually have an even wider range of aftermarket upgrades than the famous clone engine! They can actually make ~30 HP if you're reeeaaally dedicated with upgrades. But at that point you will have put an absurd amount of money and an equally absurd amount of time into it.
Do they have any different character from a clone? Power come in differently from the different head designs or anything ? My first kart as a kid had a 8 horse flathead , probably came off a tiller or something but that thing would scream
JTSpeedDemon
2019 Build Off Winner!
They certainly do have a different character!
It's like comparing just about any US made small block V8 to whatever's popular in the import car group right now.
The flathead design means they have more torque, and in general they are simpler than the clones. They also look way different simply because the flatheads have a straight up-and-down cylinder, as opposed to the clones' canted over cylinders.
Flatheads also have the cool ability that you can pop out ~8 bolts and remove the cylinder head.
I am absolutely all for flatheads, but someday I might mess around with one or two clones just to see what the fuss is all about.
It's like comparing just about any US made small block V8 to whatever's popular in the import car group right now.
The flathead design means they have more torque, and in general they are simpler than the clones. They also look way different simply because the flatheads have a straight up-and-down cylinder, as opposed to the clones' canted over cylinders.
Flatheads also have the cool ability that you can pop out ~8 bolts and remove the cylinder head.
I am absolutely all for flatheads, but someday I might mess around with one or two clones just to see what the fuss is all about.
Flyinhillbilly
The great cornholio
Welcome, I have an open flatty that I’ll try to get some video uploaded of. It’s pretty fast for an antique.
JTSpeedDemon
2019 Build Off Winner!
Heehee...
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Vintage Dragster.jpg
JTSpeedDemon
2019 Build Off Winner!
Yeah, there are lots of Fun Powers out there.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Hellion
Disc brakes are for cowards
Yeah, the Fun Power engines were labeled as such for go karts and mini bike use. Nuthin fancy like a steel cylinder liner or ball bearing crank, though. Just basic Kool Bores (plain aluminum).
We're lucky to have JTSpeedDemon. He has "seen the light" and has embraced 'old skool'.
Start another thread in Go Karts or Engines for your Fun Power if you want--if you need help bringin' 'er back to life.
JTSpeedDemon
2019 Build Off Winner!
I haven't just seen the light, I've gone into it and am whole heartedly following it!
Old Skool is Cool Skool.
I haven't just seen the light, I've gone into it and am whole heartedly following it!
Old Skool is Cool Skool.
I like hondas.
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