My project and questions!

[dn69141]

Well lets just do the most exciting thing first and see some pictures. I had posted some on the "greeting" part of the forum now here. Questions I have will follow, need help, first ever go kart build, any help is very appreciated. Thanks ahead of time!

http://imageshack.us/a/img706/5600/gokart3s.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img607/8872/gokart2.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img577/6610/gokart5.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img402/3351/gokart1.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img138/9624/gokart6.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img13/9071/gokart4.jpg

Well my plan is to convert this go kart into a live axle. I haven't quite figured out the brake system and what I want to do, but the scrub brakes are definitely not going to be an option. I will go with mechanical disc or a band brake system. I have even considered buying a hydraulic setup for the chinese atv's that you can get on ebay. Not sure if they are worthwhile or not at $40.

I was going to run a 12tooth clutch to a 60 or 72 tooth sprocket, but I found some cheap torque converters on ebay. I am NOT sure though if they are any good, so that is my first question. I was looking at this cheapo one.. I'm sure its a 30 series comet knock off: http://www.ebay.com/itm/GO-KART-TORQUE-CONVERTER-CVT-CLUTCH-3-4-COMET-TAV2-30-75-218353A-Manco-2-SPROCK-/390568315031?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5aefaf8897 I will be using a predator 212 engine from harbor freight. I'm not looking to blow a ton of money, and I haven't planned a budget meaning I'll spend to much probably. I wouldn't have a problem spending that $125 bucks but I don't want to spend $200+ on one. If need be I'd just go to a regular clutch/sprocket setup. Any advice on that converter would be awesome. It has the stock wheels as you can tell in the picture and I will have to get new hubs and rims most likely. Should i go with bigger tires? I may end up running a jack shaft, and at this point I know if I go with a converter I have to do some fab work to make it even begin to work.

 

[dn69141]

Anyone?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

You'll definately want to do a live axle swap if you intend to use a CVT. You won't necessarily NEED larger tires, but you'll probably want to. Band brakes? Some guys repert good results, I'd sooner use disc brakes, either mechanical or hydraulic.

 

[landuse]

I would go with the TC if you can afford it. The knock off TC's are not that bad, and should work fine with the predator

I would also go with either machanical, or even better, hydraulic brakes. Band brakes do work well if installed correctly, but can give a lot of hassles.

It is never good to go too large on tyres if you are using a centrifugal clutch. You will definately need a jackshaft if you do.

 

[mckutzy]

Probably going to need more than $200 to start, now that just means not all at once. Get it going over the next while.
More to the important things, how is your welding an your selection of tools and skill to accomplish this.

 

[mysteryboy28]

it would be so easy to add rear suspension to your kart. just cut off the frame behind that last bar, weld a new bar to the rear section, add a couple of pivot hinges and some shocks, done.

 

[dn69141]

I am sorry I had meant that I didn't want to spend more than $200 on just the CVT... I like that shock idea mystery. I wasn't thinking huge tires.. maybe like 13's or something. After doing some looking I'm pretty sure I will have to redo the entire rear section of the go cart to fit a live axle and a cvt but that's ok. Going to start buying peices and when I start on the work I'll update! Thanks for some input I appreciate it.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Great! We look forward to your progress!

 

[dn69141]

So I haven't made it very far at ALL!!!! Don't even have parts.. but I do have a shopping list and this week maybe I will get some bought, that was my plan. I am into 4 wheelers, motorcycles, and 3 wheelers as well as just getting into go karts. I have wasted my spending cash on some new toys so I haven't been able to afford any parts. Picked up a honda 110 atc, and a homage go kart with three wheeler tires and a yamaha 360 enduro motor..(hasn't ran in 5 years or so but was fine when parked.) Now for the exciting part. I research all the time, and I happened to be looking at a boat for sale by a guy. In the far corner of the picture of the boat I noticed a go-kart. Randomly asked if he would sell it and he said he had 2 that he would sell!!! He said they both needed pull start cords but he would get rid of them $50 for both. I will be driving an hour this weekend to pick them up . I figure now I should have enough parts maybe to build at least 1 working go kart.. and someday have 3!

The homemade go kart I will most likey strip and steal the tires for my other ATC (ytm225dx). I don't know what I will do with it, but I need to majorly modify it because I'm 250lbs and 5'11 and do NOT fit in it). Pics will follow on all my go karts when I get them home!

 

[dn69141]

So... can anyone decifer what this one is from this crappy picture?

Thanks.

 

[Kelly Wood]

Welcome. Some thoughts for you.

That kart is a manco kart. They made them for numerous years and there were probably 3 or 4 versions of that specific one over the years.

The first version (the one you have) is a one wheel drive fun kart. It had scrub brakes.

The 2nd version saw the band brake. I owned one and it was a ball. It had a 5HP briggs on it, a 13 tooth clutch and a 66 tooth rear. It was simply the coolest thing for what it was. Put 5 or 6 in wheels on it and go. There wasn't much to that version. it's seat was fixed and the side bars were welded on in 2 places.

The 3rd version of it appeared to have a live axle. It had the bearing carriers and a brake mount (for disc brakes) on it, it also had an adjustable seat and the tops of the side bars were welded to the frame too... the early versions tend to vibrate & break on the drivers side due to the engine being there. This version could have seen the addition of the 2 metal pads also, welded to the side bars. These were most likely for little rear fenders.

The 4th, the frame was so successful manco slapped larger balloon wheels on it and still didn't use a TC, it was just a fun reliable thing... Much larger wheels would require a TC... but yours won't at all. The 3rd & 4th version seemed to have 2 differences. Wheel size, the addition of the bolt on roll cage for the off road version and 2 brake mounts.

Attached is a pic of that version, without the seat. I've seen both... and owned every version... and all this is really guess work.

Honestly, if you want to just get a clutch, chain and a band brake it'd be usable with a little work. Mine did like 25mph and was simply just fun. Not much maintenance, just pull it & go.
And it won't take much to get yours going. The one wheel drive version you have is a riot as is. They were all low to the ground, corner well and are predictable. Get to a live axle, then you get into not making sharp slow turns well... and 2 worn out tires VS one...etc.

What do you want it to do? Go really fast, or just play around & maybe go mild off roading with a hummer?

I have an almost new band brake band, manco brake drum and a few different 6 hole sprockets around here if you're interested. By the look of it, it still has it's original 5" rears & 4" fronts.

no idea what that other one is. It's newer.

Kelly (Kartrods) Wood

 

[tha_thrasher]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-4-GO-KART...189?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d0d4a70fd

Hi, this torque converter is great i used it on this go kart and it went through anything and it went close to 30 mph with 20 inch atv tires.

 

[dn69141]

Oh thanks for the pictures and comments! Man I never thought I'd get replies like I did. I believe the 1st one I have decided I will keep stock, in the future I will maybe change it. I have a 9yr old daughter and I think the 1 wheel wonder will suit her well, and mom can always sit beside her.. if they fit. Going to buy a predator engine, chain, a new tire, and some linkages make a seat and slap it all together, when it gets to that point and it is 100% done, I'll stip it and paint it!

The 2nd one is the ONLY picture that I have of the go karts I am going to go get this next friday night. Don't know or have any idea what the other one is or looks like, but I figured for $50 bucks and they both come with engines, I can't go wrong. Saturday I will update with the 3 new go karts that I have collected. Maybe I will get lucky and have one of them running by the end of the weekend.

 

[dn69141]

Tha thrasher, thanks for letting me know that one works well It's what I have been looking at getting but with the price I just wasn't sure if it would be any good or if I should spend more money. With 3 karts, I can at least make one fast for me haha!