Many Questions

[OzFab]

The engine may handle it, the clutches may handle it but, the belt won't, you'll shred it in seconds...

Even though it's a variable transmission, a torque converter still has limitations. You still need a working final drive ratio somewhere around 5:1

 

[hackintoshMan]

Oh yeah, I forgot about the belt...

 

[Doc Sprocket]

so if I have the output sprocket at 14 teeth to a 45 tooth gear on the axle then the low ratio would be 8:1 which would get me up to 15mph on 11" wheels. At the high end, the ratio would be 2.7:1 and that would take me to 45mph. With the gradual ratio changes through the Torque converter, it seems that the 7 HP engine should be able to handle it right?

2.7:1 is far too steep, even with a CVT.

 

[hackintoshMan]

With these wheels, I was thinking of the final ratio as a 10 tooth on the TC and a 54 tooth on the axle. Is that still too much? Just tell me, I don't know how strong these belts are, which is why I joined this forum

 

[OzFab]

That sounds a bit more realistic, I think you'll be ok but, wait for others to confirm...

 

[hackintoshMan]

Thanks, I may try to get my hands on an ATV engine + transmission or a dirt bike engine + transmission, but Ill see how that goes. Are they relatively cheap if you buy them new?

And if I get the engine and transmission, it will be much faster, so I think i will need front brakes too. SO, does anyone have any ideas for that? I have one so here it goes.


Attached to the spindle assembly are bearings, an axle will run through them. The wheels will have to be keyed in order for the axle to turn with the wheels and the rotor. The rotor pads will mount onto the spindle assembly too. But it may make the wheels stick out farther from the actual turning point on the frame. Could this cause a problem with a live axle setup?

 

[OzFab]

The only way to set up fornt brakes properly is to attach discs to the wheels...

 

[hackintoshMan]

Like what I said or is the disk actually physically attached to the wheel?

 

[itsid]

either physically to the wheel, or via a hub (modern race karts have two part hubs for disk brakes on the front)

'sid

PS Oh, you may also find drum brakes, they're much cheaper and if you keep them cool the perform very well

 

[hackintoshMan]

Now I just need to replicate this...

 

[itsid]

Maybe a drumbrake is sufficient, they're much cheaper and most of the times much easier to mount.
(Azusa does have matching drums for almost all their wheels for example)
All you need is a small bolt on the spindle to mount those.
Plus they are not increasing the track width too much

'sid

 

[hackintoshMan]

I can't find AZUSA, could you provide a link?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

http://www.azusaeng.com/
These guys?

 

[hackintoshMan]

Thanks for the link. Meanwhile I have been looking for engines with transmissions. The Dirt Bike engine and transmission seems pretty good to me and I want your opinions on it. I would need a third clutch pedal but I think it wouldn't be too hard.

http://www.pccmotor.com/lifan-125cc-eng125.html

 

[OzFab]

Those engines aren't bad for what they are but, be aware, you don't get a carb, exhaust or any other extras. Have a look around, you may be able to pick up a whole bike for a few more dollars

 

[hackintoshMan]

Yeah I guess so. But they are all so expensive. The main part is the engine, and the cheap ones are only like 50cc. Is that bad?

 

[hackintoshMan]

I have found 2 engines. Both can be bought from amazon.com

This one has electric start and an automatic gearbox. This is all nice, but I would need a battery and I don't know if an automatic gearbox is a good thing vs a manual one.

And this one has a kick start and what looks to be a manual transmission. It is a kick start, so I'm not sure how this would work on a gokart.

I know that shipping will kill me at $5 + $1 per pound, but these seem like good engines from the way that they are described. Now can you tell me if they are good or not?

 

[chris_the_poser]

Idk bout the lifan engines I heard they were pretty good. Have you looked for just a cheap three wheeler or fourwheeler complete to use parts from you will get most everything you need from one. Even if it doesn't run you can fix it and use the motor or sell the stuff you don't use and try and recoup the money you spent on it.

 

[hackintoshMan]

I guess I could do that. Besides brakes and the engine, what else could I use out of it?

 

[chris_the_poser]

You could use the suspension since you said you would be riding on bumpy roads. The chain and sprockets. Rims and tires. I would use everything pretty much except frame but even then that could get hacked up and used.