Hi. Go Kart Newbie Here needing help

[southernyankee98]

I recently purchased a two-seater late model, Carter Brothers Talon to rebuild for my daughter. Once I started into it, I realized that I need a one-piece, swing arm engine cradle and am having difficulty finding one. Anyone here have one they can spare? Or is there an alternative that can fit?

 

[Hellion]

Oh boy. Doubtful you can find a spare. How are you at fabricating?
Do you know anyone that welds? With raw steel tubing, perhaps a bender, and you’re in business.

I know these are available…. Wrong manufacturer…

Swing Arm for Go Kart | 05303 | 911

www.bmikarts.com

 

[Hellion]

Show us pics of what you got. But I would advise buying (nearly) complete rolling chassis’s in the future. Got to have wheels, if not tires, on all four corners, a rotted seat and a non-running engine is a nice bonus.

 

[Denny]

Welcome!

 

[southernyankee98]

This is what I have. Everything seems to be there except two very important parts...the engine and the swing arm to mount it on.

 

[Denny]

Good news! The swing arm is there!!! Now for the bad news. You will need to weld to be able to replace the cut out portion to mount the engine. We can however teach you to weld and fabricate replacement pieces. But you will need to buy a mig welder, co2 tank and ancillary pieces. You got decisions to make.

 

[Hellion]

Everything seems to be there except two very important parts...the engine and the swing arm to mount it on.

That’s why we ask for pics. Your problem got instantly better, at least better than you thought it was. What a relief.
It had a GY6 engine most probably, but it looks like it had this cage contraption over it and a trailer hitch? No biggie for a tinkerer I suppose:

 

[Hellion]

For the factory F-N-R transaxle, you will need a GY6 150 engine I believe, but as to whether that is a "long case" or "short case" engine, I do not know. I guess you’d need part numbers and some verification. That black top cage is probably essential for the stock engine.

You could try putting an industrial 212cc, 301cc, 420cc engine in there but you would lose reverse capability.

 

[Denny]

You could try putting an industrial 420cc engine in there but you would lose reverse capability.

But you would save money and have a whole lot less headaches. Not to mention the huge gain of reliability! With the size and weight of that kart I would only consider a 420 predator. But I tend to be conservative on my engine choices.

 

[panchothedog]

Post #6 & #9 from Denny are right on. BUT, you don't have to go out and buy a bunch of welding equipment. I don't weld, and have done major modifications to a few different karts. Buy the steel, with a hack saw, an electric drill and a belt sander, get everything ready BEFORE you go to the welding shop ( so you aren't paying him to figure it out for you ), and for $60 to $100 you can get a lot done. Your mileage may vary, but that's how I have done it. A 420cc Predator engine ( common and inexpensive ) will move that kart with as much authority as you would ever want.