Mini Buggy based on Arachnid Plans

[wlowman]

I started on this project a couple months ago and now I'm in the final stages. it's based on the Arachnid plans. I deviated from them greatly. It's got a 16HP Predator engine from Harbor Freight. It's using a 40 series Comet TQ. Most of my parts came from BMI Karts. Great selection. I still havent driven it. I need brake lines, some hardware, and a couple of locking collars for the jackshaft. I've learned a lot on this project and had a great time putting it all together. It's got some hefty tires but I' m hoping the 16HP will move it OK.

I've had a blast on this project, but I'm ready for it to wrap up! I plan to powder coat it all white.

 

[souperman000]

wow, that looks good!

 

[wlowman]

Many thanks! I'm actually very proud of how it looks. I can't wait for the finish to be applied. I'm very curious to see of it will perform well, or if I've made it too heavy. I'll keep the forum posted.

 

[souperman000]

are those trailer wheels on the front? If you want to tak it off road you might want to invest in some good ATV tires or something.

 

[wlowman]

are those trailer wheels on the front? If you want to tak it off road you might want to invest in some good ATV tires or something.

Yeah, they are trailer wheels from HF. I got a great deal on them. I figured I need to build a trailer anyhow, so if they work out OK, then cool. Otherwise, I'll use them for my trailer

 

[bighead]

Those wheels will be fine.

I would ad a bar from the back of your rack down to the main hoop. If you roll it your cage will fold at the back.

How do those shocks match up? They look small with little travel.

 

[wlowman]

The shocks have decent travel. It's a 12 inch shock. It settles about 1/ way when I sit in it but my kids only put a dent in it. Should be fine.

Yeah, the roll cage has concerned me. I'm trying to monitor my weight, but if I need to, I might beef it up around the rack area. Not alot to weld onto that doesnt move though.

 

[wlowman]

I found these threads to be very motivating, if not helpful

http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=12946&highlight=predator
http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=9463&page=1
http://www.spidercarts.com/

 

[landuse]

That is one killer kart!! Well done!

Now get on that thing and RIDE IT!

Oh...and do what Bighead says before you get it powdercoated. You don't want the cage to fold on you.

 

[B man]

is that angle of the engine safe? looks alittle steep.

 

[landuse]

is that angle of the engine safe? looks alittle steep.

I think 20 degrees is the general max you can tilt them. This one looks a bit more, but I am not too sure what the ramifications would be. Oil distribution probably

 

[fowler]

i imagine u are going to get alot of oil in the cylender and non on the crank shaft

gotta agree u need some triangles on the roll cage

great project though

 

[dmaznic]

very nice work
what CV are you using? 16hp is a lot to put through it
also, I would say when you go higher with hp, it's much better to go with a motorcycle engine. It's lighter, faster and stings like a bee with transmission.

 

[wlowman]

I think 20 degrees is the general max you can tilt them. This one looks a bit more, but I am not too sure what the ramifications would be. Oil distribution probably

Once you sit in it, the suspension settles and it drops down into range. But I left my shock mounts tacked in place because I'm still a bit concerned about this as well. I may drop it down a bit more.

 

[wlowman]

very nice work
what CV are you using? 16hp is a lot to put through it
also, I would say when you go higher with hp, it's much better to go with a motorcycle engine. It's lighter, faster and stings like a bee with transmission.

I'm using a Comet 40 Series. Based on my research, I think it should handle it OK. But we'll see!

 

[bighead]

The shocks have decent travel. It's a 12 inch shock. It settles about 1/ way when I sit in it but my kids only put a dent in it. Should be fine.

Yeah, the roll cage has concerned me. I'm trying to monitor my weight, but if I need to, I might beef it up around the rack area. Not alot to weld onto that doesnt move though.

It's simple really. Just weld a 45 deg. bar from the back corners of the rack down to the main hoop bar. This will beef up the whole rear section.

Add a full floor as well. You do not want anything getting thru those gaps and damaging the family jewels.

 

[jowel_men]

@wlowman,
Bro can you share your plans to me? I'm avid fun of go kart thats why here I am looking for plans...

Thanks

 

[jowel_men]

I started on this project a couple months ago and now I'm in the final stages. it's based on the Arachnid plans. I deviated from them greatly. It's got a 16HP Predator engine from Harbor Freight. It's using a 40 series Comet TQ. Most of my parts came from BMI Karts. Great selection. I still havent driven it. I need brake lines, some hardware, and a couple of locking collars for the jackshaft. I've learned a lot on this project and had a great time putting it all together. It's got some hefty tires but I' m hoping the 16HP will move it OK.

I've had a blast on this project, but I'm ready for it to wrap up! I plan to powder coat it all white.

@wlowman,
Bro can you share your plans to me? I'm avid fun of go kart thats why here I am looking for plans...

Thank

 

[wlowman]

@wlowman,
Bro can you share your plans to me? I'm avid fun of go kart thats why here I am looking for plans...

Thanks

Unfortunately, i can't. The plans are copyrighted and licensed. You can buy them from Spider Carts.

 

[dmaznic]

If the kart starts rolling you can:
A: abort as fast as possible and let it go its way
B: remain securely within the chassis
Having a roll cage with no harness is a dangerous in-between!
Road helmet is a mighty good idea too.