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hackintoshMan

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I am new here and I have a lot of questions. I first considered making a go-kart from PVC pipe and bicycle parts that you pedaled. But then I realized…thats why I have a bike! So now I want to build one with and engine. I will probably steel or aluminum or something metal to build the frame, but here are some questions.

Engines- If I want to use 6'' wheels, a 12-60 gear ratio and I want to go mid 20's then I know I need 7000 rpm's but do I need like 8hp? Is 7000 rpm's impossible to get from a small engine?

Wheels- Since this would be only used on a road, what tires should I get? Smooth ones or ones with lots of grip?

Is there any guides on here that would walk someone like me through the whole process?
 
Doc Sprocket

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Welcome to the forum.

When working out gearing and power and whatnot, the actual diameter of the tires matters, not the wheel size. 12/60 works out to a 5:1 reduction ratio (simple division) and is generally a bit steep for most applications. Most fun karts are best geared around 6:1, but we do need to hammer things out a bit more before reaching that point.

You should be fine with 5hp+, depending on your needs. No- 7000RPM isn't attainable without dumping a TON of money into speed parts.

Mid 20's is a VERY realistic speed target, should not be an issue. Now-

*What sort of terrain will you be riding on?
*Have you much welding experience?
*What's your budget look like?
 
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It would be road only if thats what you mean, not too bumpy but not smooth either.

I have never held a welding torch in my life (only 15) I wanted this to be a project that taught me some skills. (I have all of the concepts of engines and Ackerman steering and what not, I just want to learn how I can apply them in the world)

Right now it is like $800. I know that the engine is probably the most expensive, but I know someone who probably has a good engine that I could get for a bargain.


Thanks for the fast reply!
 
OzFab

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A new engine can be had for around $100 so, that's not really an issue.

Just to recap; using a standard industrial engine (Honda clone, B&S, etc) with a governed speed of 3600rpm, 12" tyres & 6:1 gearing, 20mph is very attainable...

Do you have access to a welder or smeone who can weld for you? If so, get as much practice as you can before you start on your kart...

Welcome to the forum
 
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Most of the ones I have seen at NortherTools don't have the hub holes, and the ones that have the holes don't have a hub, so do I need to make that?
 
OzFab

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Can you provide a link for the Northern tool wheels?

Have a look at some of these kits

Yeah, that's Kelly, he's a member here. It's perfectly safe to remove the governor but, it will void the warranty on a new engine
 
J_Walker

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hackintoshMan said:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...+flat-free-wheels+flat-free-lawn-mower-wheels

And without a governor, what kind of rpm's would I be able to achieve? maybe 4500?
Click to expand...

I think there's a way to not completely remove the governor, but shorten it some how, to give you a little extra rpm, so instead of 3,800. you could more safely get 4,000.

Someone with a little more know-how could possibly explain this better then me.. but I don't recommend removing it completely... no one likes blowing up their engine!
 
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So if I were to buy an engine from Northerntools, What else do I need to buy except from the frame?

I would need

wheels
brakes
axle
seat

anything else?
 
OzFab

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hackintoshMan said:
If I used this one, then does the drive gear and brakes just clamp onto it?
Click to expand...

No, they bolt onto the housing...

hackintoshMan said:
EDIT: The axle says "Not for on-road use" So should I use a live axle for on-road use?
Click to expand...

What they mean is, it's not suitable for high speed, high torque applications

Adjusting a governor is as simple as loosening a bolt; ok, there's a bit more to it than that but, you get the idea.

Removing the governor completely will take the max RPM to around 4500-5000rpm before valve bounce kicks in...
 
firemanjim

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Buy your parts from different places, where they are cheapest or free shipping. Buy your motor from Harbour Freight for a $hunsky$, buy the rest of your kart parts from kart places. You'll save money versus northern tool because ,like BMI, ONLY sell kart parts... You do not need to remove the governor to hit 20mph.... you can EASILY hit 30-35 at 3600-3800 rpms.... as a beginning kart enthusiast, I would persuade you to just leave the governor alone. Serious damage and/or injury could happen.
As far as "not for on road use" goes, NO kart , or any part of it , is for on road use, TECHNICALLY. ... liability issues and what not...
 
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