HI guys! Building a kart for a school project here

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natman316

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Hi Everyone.

I really driving both karts and cars! :auto: I have driven karts for a while but Ive never built one.

So as a senior in high school, we have to complete a graduation project and I thought I could build a go kart.

The kind of kart I want to build is like a race style kart. basically a low to the ground kind of thing. Something like this one: http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/sprint-kart-20091002-620.jpg

I cant weld so I am thinking about maybe picking up a used frame and find parts to put together myself

Anyway, I have about 3 months to complete this project. Do you think it is possible for someone with very little experience to complete a kart within 3-4 months?

If not, do you think getting a kit would be a better idea?

Also I would like to limit the cost to around $400-$700. Do you think this is a realistic budget?

It would be great of you guys could get me going in the right direction.

:thumbsup:

sorry for all the questions first time posting and thanks in advance!
 
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06sciontcnda704

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thats the way to go man im new here to and building a shifterkart or racing style kart get a frame off craigslist and visit a place called northerntool they usually have 2 isle just for kart stuff motors 2
 
mike75925

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welcome natman. it is possible to do depending on skill and availability of help. scion, what northern do you go to? the ones i've been to have 1 aisle for karts and minis. source your parts before buying anything. visit some of the race karts websites to see what size tubing they use, if you can, find someone who will let you take dimensions off their kart. tube notcher, welder, cut off saw, angle grinder, soapstone, tape measure and a few other tools are requisite. the body parts will be best if bought as they would consume considerable time in fabrication.
 
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06sciontcnda704

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its here in charlotte off i-77 or independence blvd, right across from my college so soon as i get off i go over and check stuff out really good customer service to and their putting a big harbor freight about 5min from my house so i cant wait lol
 
devino246

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06sciontcnda704 said:
its here in charlotte off i-77 or independence blvd, right across from my college so soon as i get off i go over and check stuff out really good customer service to and their putting a big harbor freight about 5min from my house so i cant wait lol
Click to expand...

How far are you from matthews? i cant wait for that new HF. ill be going there like once a week when i get a truck:auto:
 
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natman316

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I think I will try and get a frame to start from there, since I dont really fancy welding.

I guess I'll just start looking around for parts first. There is no northerntool within 100 though so are there any other places? or should I just order online.
 
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natman316

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Oh ok. Im about 5.9. I think I saw someone's blog making this and it seems he fit fine (he's an adult).

Anyway, now im leaning more towards a kit since (correct me if im wrong) it should be easier to build. currently looking at this one
http://www.gokartgalaxy.com/gokartkitlaidout3551.jpg

Well actually its the cheapest one and the one that comes up most often when i search. Do you know anyone on the site who has built this kit?
 
mike75925

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i have seen those kits go for anywhere from say $299 all the way to like $699. shop around if buying it. kits are far easier, plus there are instructions. i really couldn't say if anyone of these guys has ever built a kit kart. i doubt they have. most build their own frames and buy the harder components. $505 from galaxy; northern tool $659; yikes they are going up!
 
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natman316

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:angelsad2: yeah they are expensive! but this is most likely the route I will take since I have limited tools at my disposal and its my first time.

I will be looking around craigslist and ebay incase something else comes up though. Do you know of any other cheap kits apart from this? This seems to be the only one that comes up.
 
Blazkowiez

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I would consider any simple 4 stroke Honda, Tecumseh, Briggs and Stratton, Clone 5-6.5hp.

Clone may be the cheapest route unless you can dig up an engine on craigslist that appears to have potential. Be warned though, we had a customer last month who got a Briggs off craigslist for 75 dollars which ran on first test, but when he brought it to us to have it mounted we showed him for the engine was actually blown... the craigslister could not be contacted and he purchased a brand new engine that following week. Things happen, be careful when buying used parts.

Azusa is a great company, as a project you will not be disappointed.

Any of the engines I mentioned will fit the bolt pattern cut into the Azusa mount plate. Make sure the engine you get has a 3/4" shaft at least 2 1/2" long. Straight, not tapered or stepped.
 
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natman316

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Blazkowiez said:
I would consider any simple 4 stroke Honda, Tecumseh, Briggs and Stratton, Clone 5-6.5hp.

Clone may be the cheapest route unless you can dig up an engine on craigslist that appears to have potential. Be warned though, we had a customer last month who got a Briggs off craigslist for 75 dollars which ran on first test, but when he brought it to us to have it mounted we showed him for the engine was actually blown... the craigslister could not be contacted and he purchased a brand new engine that following week. Things happen, be careful when buying used parts.

Azusa is a great company, as a project you will not be disappointed.

Any of the engines I mentioned will fit the bolt pattern cut into the Azusa mount plate. Make sure the engine you get has a 3/4" shaft at least 2 1/2" long. Straight, not tapered or stepped.
Click to expand...

sorry if this sounds like a noob question but are the engines you mentioned specifically made for go karts or are they engines that you can get from a lawnmower etc.

edit: just read some stuff so I found out that you cant use lawnmower engines. but snowmobile and atv engines are ok?
 
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