Manco 405 engine and clutch options

[LucasMucus]

Hi all,
Just picked up this Manco 405 (I think) and am trying to decide what to do with it. Currently it has no engine. I am totally new to go karts and had some questions:

1. Is this frame suitable for me a 200 lb guy or my 160lb 11 year old?

2. What is the maximum size or horsepower engine that I can install?

3. I was considering going the new and cheap route ordering the ironton 208cc $120. Any strong opinions against the ironton? The predator 212 is $40 more. But am willing to spend more if it means having more fun on the cart.

4. What clutch would you guys recommend for this kind of build?

Appreciate any advice!

 

[Denny]

O

Hi all,
Just picked up this Manco 405 (I think) and am trying to decide what to do with it. Currently it has no engine. I am totally new to go karts and had some questions:

1. Is this frame suitable for me a 200 lb guy or my 160lb 11 year old?

2. What is the maximum size or horsepower engine that I can install?

3. I was considering going the new and cheap route ordering the ironton 208cc $120. Any strong opinions against the ironton? The predator 212 is $40 more. But am willing to spend more if it means having more fun on the cart.

4. What clutch would you guys recommend for this kind of build?

Appreciate any advice!
View attachment 130801

 

[Denny]

Ok, Mr. Mucus let’s get one thing straight. That is a fantastic looking kart you got there. Ok now that we got that out of the way. There are several ways you could go with it. Ironton engine, I don’t know of any hop up parts for it or how they last.
you could go Predator with a centrifugal clutch. It would be cheap to get up and running. With your sizes though the centrifugal clutch would not last long.
A Predator with a 30 series TAV II CVT in my opinion, the best set up. A little more money and a lot more fun. Or you could restore it and find a vintage B/S or Tecumpsa and put a centrifugal clutch on it and have a show piece. It could be restored almost that easily.
What kind of riding are you planning on doing? What kind of surfaces.

 

[LucasMucus]

Denny,

Thanks! I got lucky finding this cart. It was a lot cleaner than it looked in the ad.
I took your advice and ordered the 30 series CVT (should get her today or tomorrow) and picked up the predator 212 engine. I showed the kart to my boys this afternoon and we were off to Harbor freight. This cart is so clean that I don’t think I can bring myself to hack into the frame. I’d love to have a live axle though. Cause I live in a woodsy hilly area. My plan is to install the motor, 30 series, maybe a stage 1 and see if I can hook my boys and get them to build/modify other carts.
Eventually maybe I will get an old brigs and centrifugal clutch for the manco.
My 6 year old loves the idea of building him a two seater. So as soon as I have this Manco driving, I’m going to start working on his kart. Picked up a pipe bender today too. I’m thinking of doing a live axle 2 seater for hills and light off roading.

 

[madprofessor]

With you two 'kids' being 360 lbs. between you, when you build a 2-seater put something like a Predator 420cc on it with a 40 series CVT.