Just getting started, help?

[swolfe]

I've got about a month between when my summer internship ends and school starts up again. I'm a mechanical engineering student.

I want to design and build a kart powered by a 600-1000cc sport bike engine (I have a 06 GSXR1000, and I love these kind of engines).

My plan, as of now, is to design the kart over the next month and a half, and then build it with my free month. I'm planning on making the chassis from 4130 chromoly with a roll bar.

So what I'd like help with:
1) Advice. Does any part of my plan seem retarded?
2) Engine. What's the best source for what I'm looking for? Wadded up bike? Would it be foolish to use an FI engine? What parts should I strip, what should I keep?
3) Chassis. I'm thinking .065 for most parts. Should I pay someone for tube bending, or design it without bends (the roll bar would look pretty lame)? I don't know if I can buy something powerful enough to bend 4130 for a reasonable price.
4) Suspension. I'm planning on omitting this, but paying good attention to the way my wheels and steering are designed so that it will handle well. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[2or3wheels]

sounds good, you could use square tuning?

 

[swolfe]

Yeah, that would eliminate much of the fishmouthing. I planned on using a mill for that, so it wouldn't be too horrible anyways.

I figured round tubing would be stronger for its weight, though. But harder to mount stuff to...

What about dirt bike engines? That would seem to (depending on the bike) eliminate the electrical issues that might come up.

 

[sayre315]

if you get somthing around a 250cc
that would work and yes round tubing is stronger
square would be easyer