My intro to DIY karting

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Basement_Modder

Basement_Modder

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Hi, all!

My name is Wyatt. I'm a 17 yer-old kid from western Michigan who is an aspiring computer hardware/ electrical engineer and a general hobbyist. My interests include:

-Robotics (3-year member of FRC team)
-Cubing (Can solve standard 3x3 in 21.2s)
-Electrical work (Long-time member of portablizing community ala Modretro/ BenHeck)
-Auto Mechanics (Current project: Drag Ford festiva. Yes, you read that correctly)
-Repair work (Technician at local phone repair company)
-Fabrication (Enjoy welding, played around with weedwhacker bikes)

So, I started to read up on Go-karts last year, but didn't feel motivated to build one at the time. Now, I'm having a little friendly competition with my friends.

Out of the 4 of us (Nate, Eric, Gabe, and me), Gabe and I have until June 6 to build a complete kart for under $400 that can beat Eric and Nate's (Under the same restrictions). Both of us are using the Predator 212cc 6.5HP Honda-clone with a Northern Tool 12-tooth #35 centrifugal clutch.

I own a cheap MIG welder and am somewhat practiced in the trade. I understand all of the parts and how they work, due partially to said research and a natural skill in engineering.

I will be making a Q&A thread in the appropriate forum after posting this, but for now...

How's it going, DIYgokarts forum?
 
Doc Sprocket

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landuse said:
Welcome to the forum. Why don't you enter the 'Build Off' competition? I look forward to seeing what you guys come up with
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:iagree: I'll second that! Our deadline is June 1st- you might lose a few days, but we'd love to have you in there. He//, even if you don't finish for our deadline, jump in anyways! Perhaps even tell your competitors about the site and have them join in, too!
 
r_chez_08

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Welcome to the forum! My mate at school is into cubing, he has done a 3x3 in 27 seconds or something.
My record is about 1 minute 30.

On a side note- it is a shame the build off doesn't end a month later. I was planning to fix my kart up after my exams, they end beginning of June.
 
Basement_Modder

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I think I will enter the contest. Why not?

I figure I have one main advantage at this point... He has started gathering parts, and is using some heavy stuff simply because his dad had it lying around. (Some thicker steel, and a Chevy Express R&P)

Their driver is like half my weight, but I think if I make a light chassis I can beat them because of this. (That, and governor removal, new spark plug, advanced timing, straight-pipe exhaust, carb tuning, cone K&N mini filter, and the strongest bolts I can find for the head, flywheel, and crankcase.)

I want a 30 MPH machine at least. :p
 
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Basement_Modder said:
I think I will enter the contest. Why not?

I figure I have one main advantage at this point... He has started gathering parts, and is using some heavy stuff simply because his dad had it lying around. (Some thicker steel, and a Chevy Express R&P)

Their driver is like half my weight, but I think if I make a light chassis I can beat them because of this. (That, and governor removal, new spark plug, advanced timing, straight-pipe exhaust, carb tuning, cone K&N mini filter, and the strongest bolts I can find for the head, flywheel, and crankcase.)

I want a 30 MPH machine at least. :p
Click to expand...

Let me give you a huge tip. You want something that will go fast but gets around on a flat dirt track, keep the frame low to the ground. I use 10" Tires on a 7' long frame. I'm running a 5.5HP Tecumseh OHV with no gearbox, TC, Jackshaft, or anything to boost my speed. I top out at 62 and that speed is dead on. I went beside a car, didn't believe the speed, so I taped my GPS to my steering wheel and had a different car ride next to me. GPS read 62, same as the car. Make sure your bearing are in great shape. Bad bearings can and will slow you down. Also, keep your frame as light as possible.
 
Basement_Modder

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toystory_4wd said:
Dude's using the ring and pinion from a fullsize Chevy van? YIKES!!!!:worried2:
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I know, haha.

And I was planning about 3-4" of ground clearance with 10" wheels, with a simple L-stock/ square stock frame, no suspension, and a solid live axle with a 40-60 tooth sprocket.

I'm going to try and take a chair from school this Monday for the seat.
 
Basement_Modder

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klicky96 said:
Let me give you a huge tip. You want something that will go fast but gets around on a flat dirt track, keep the frame low to the ground. I use 10" Tires on a 7' long frame. I'm running a 5.5HP Tecumseh OHV with no gearbox, TC, Jackshaft, or anything to boost my speed. I top out at 62 and that speed is dead on. I went beside a car, didn't believe the speed, so I taped my GPS to my steering wheel and had a different car ride next to me. GPS read 62, same as the car. Make sure your bearing are in great shape. Bad bearings can and will slow you down. Also, keep your frame as light as possible.
Click to expand...

Sorry to double-post, but what is your gear ratio for that setup? What RPM's do you top out at?
 
Doc Sprocket

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That's okay, Modder, I was wondering the same thing. You'll forgive my skepticism, Klicky, but those are some pretty tall claims!

Modder, I think you already have the upper hand against your buddies! Read up on the contest rules, and create your entry post.
 
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robbie

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Basement_Modder said:
I know, haha.

And I was planning about 3-4" of ground clearance with 10" wheels, with a simple L-stock/ square stock frame, no suspension, and a solid live axle with a 40-60 tooth sprocket.

I'm going to try and take a chair from school this Monday for the seat.
Click to expand...

It's probably not going to happen for you with a 40 tooth sprocket, because you won't be able to accelerate.

A 60 tooth sprocket will give you 5 to 1, and 30 mph at around 5000 RPM.
 
Basement_Modder

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That's good, I was planning on a 60-tooth to be safe.

In other news, getting my motor today. $99 at sidewalk sale, FTW.
 
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