Just got a project

[Clevername]

Hey all, I just inherited a project. Not really sure what I got here, but I am looking to fix it up for my kids.

Kelvin

 

[Clevername]

I am thinking about painting it a wild color with lots of flake, dropping a little B&S engine in it. I have rear wheels and tires, but the tires all look really spent. I have an 8 year old girl and my boy is six. At this point I don't think they are ready for much power, but I would like to peak their interest a little. Any suggestions for engine size or build ideas?

 

[DS13]

I am thinking about painting it a wild color with lots of flake, dropping a little B&S engine in it. I have rear wheels and tires, but the tires all look really spent. I have an 8 year old girl and my boy is six. At this point I don't think they are ready for much power, but I would like to peak their interest a little. Any suggestions for engine size or build ideas?

Engine depends on the area ya have to fit it in.... but a predator 212cc would be alright with the right gearing that you could change as they grow up. Mods are easily available also as they grow.

EDIT: I didn't see ya said briggs... but probably 5hp and the right gearing as said earlier

 

[smgs92]

I'd go with either a briggs 5hp flathead or personally I'd go with a 212cc predator brand new for $100. It's a bored over honda clone so it has lots of aftermarket good power and reliability. I'd go with the predator over the b&s simply because I can buy it new.

 

[Clevername]

Cool, the Predator seems like good bang for the buck!

 

[smgs92]

It's a great little engine, it's hard to beat those b&s flatheads though, mine simply refuses to die. It doesn't look like it would start but it starts 1st or 2nd pull.

I would run a clutch on that kart over a torque converter. You should also weigh out the differences and decide if you want a live axle or a dead axle. Another option that would benefit you the most would be a differential, however I'm not sure on the pricing potentially more expensive.
Brakes, what were your plans? How much potential power do you eventually think you're going to make? a 5hp flathead and 212cc predator can be built up to 50+hp. Obviously you aren't likely to do that but if you do plan to build it up when your kids get older hydraulic brakes would be nice and you could lock them up and do some drifting , but if you are planning to leave it mostly stock band brakes or a similar set up should work.

 

[OzFab]

That looks like (yet another) Manco American Express. Cool kart

 

[Clevername]

I have a 8yo girl and a 6yo boy, so I need to keep the power down for a while. I am not sure about the axle. Live axle = "straight shaft" (no differential)? It came with a straight bar for the rear axle. Seems like turning would be a little difficult with a low power engine.

 

[OzFab]

You are correct. However, by having one of the rear wheels free spinning, you effectively create a dead axle scenario

 

[vida]

i agree with smgs92 on the motor, he reccommended the 212cc predator to me as well and i couldnt be more happy with it and i just have it stock right now haha as it sits stock it has great power, starts first pull every time and bolted right up to the motor mount htat was for a briggs 5hp, so in my opinion you cant go wrong with the predator, expecially if you get it on sale for $90-100!