in proccess

[Booner]

the cart is called a G.E.M. it all electric and street legal, I opened the electronic and they we're pack with mud so I rip all the electronic out , it has a aluminum frame and with out the motor and batteries and electronics I guess it weight is about 350lbs, it has a aluminum independent front end and a rolling rear axle, I cut the axle off, and put a 12/1 golf cart axle on it, with a 15 tooth #50 chain sprocket on the axle and a 45 tooth on the jackshaft, I have a series #40 torque converter, and stock street tires, I think there 12 inch rims, I decided to put the Duramax xp18hpe,engine on it, I hope I'm moving it the right direction, and I'm making everything adjustable, if you see a problem let me know, I also have a 9 Inch pulley on the jack shaft foe a alternator 20 amp, this is what I doing cause I cant hand start the engine, I cant walk to far, they cant give me knee replacements' because I still have fragments imbedded in the boned of my hip and legs from Vietnam grenade's but I can get around with this cart and a rolling walker. enough about me, I make joke all the time to make people smile, know matter how bad it makes me look, I have extreme PTSD due to all the things that happen to me, and telling joke relieves the stress around me, I just one of many disable veterans

 

[Denny]

Well you need a sense of humor to hang around here. We’re all kind of goofy, and I mean that in the most clinical and serious way possible. We just have to remember to keep taking our meds. Now how about some pictures of that kart?

 

[Booner]

here is my project

 

[Denny]

I did not remember those being front wheel drive. You got your work cut out for you. What would you like to achieve with your build? Be realistic and honest with your self and your skills. Can you weld, cut steel, drill steel, read a measuring tape? Do you want to end up with? For road use? Utility kart? Low speed vehicle on road use?

 

[Denny]

All these questions must be answered honestly so we can help you plan a successful conclusion to your project. I’m not trying to discourage you or scare you. Just tell us about you’re experience and skills.

 

[Booner]

yes I have two welders but only can work till my legs start wobbling, usually about a hour sometimes two, I have a drill press and a curt off saw, , I used to be a good welder but with the Shakey hands I use too hands now, I have measuring tapes, squares, levels, Grinders, I now how to do most everything but getting the body to do it sometimes is another thing

 

[Booner]

I think I want it top end around 40mph that's high enough and still be able to drive in a field it also has hydraulic brakes

 

[Booner]

oh yea, I also got a new front hood coming, but I have to be careful in public, I intimidate other because I much better looking, this is the side car I made from scratch, mt brothers in the picture, I had to make it because the va threaten to take my bike license away be was my right leg couldn't support the bike, made the side car 2007. I live in the country and I am 260 ft from the road the lot is 250ft by 400ft and there is no concrete or blacktop anywhere, its all sandy loon soil like a beach I like it, you can see my closest neighbor in the picture with my brother

 

[Denny]

Ok, now we’re getting somewhere. I sold and serviced Ez-Go golf karts for over 12 years. Here’s some things I can tell you for a fact. The front end and steering ain’t going to like them speeds. Adding a taller tire will become necessary, but if you add ATV tires the thing will become dangerously tipsy. It has the aerodynamics of a solid cinder block, which also affects handling negatively. The only way you will get near your goal of 40mph reliably would be to go with a motorcycle or 4wheeler engine. In my opinion.
I had a Ez-Go golfkart that would do 55 mph. It had a custom billet crankshaft, custom connecting rods, custom pistons, custom camshaft, welded ports raised custom ported head and a few other tricks done to the block. In 8 miles I broke 2 blocks in half, cost over $8,000 to build the engine and I flipped it over 3 times. Just so I could say I did it. That was over 20 years ago!

 

[Booner]

I would be fine at 30 something as well. I don't want to get hurt, or hurt any one else, I going to run without a governor, but not over 5000 rpm, but that's about it, I haven't built and engine like that since three years ago on a 212cc Tolison and rode it three times and it would due 7700 rpm and now I drained the gas out and it sits, pulled a wheelie at 30mph, I didn't get hurt, but I need to sell it this spring, everyone done stupid stuff, if there anyone at all. I used to race Migets on a figure 8 dirt track, but back than I didn't care, now those injuries caught up, and still have some scares, I dont want to die, but hate being disabled, guess i'm ready when the time comes

 

[Denny]

30 is a reasonable goal and should able get you there. GoKart Supply has a gear ratio calculator. I’d like to see you keep the factory rear brakes. To do that you will need to use a stepped rear axle. 1” axle diameter with 3/4” ends. You’re going to need to lengthen you’re rear swing arm to make room for an engine, jackshaft and clutches.

 

[Booner]

thank, I'll try the calculator

 

[Denny]

All kinds of good information there.