Hey, I'm wanting to build a go-kart that I can take offroad without problems, and I'm trying to find a good motor. The one I've been looking at is the Predator 301cc with 8hp. Is this a good one? Or is there a better option that still isn't that spendy?
Need help on picking a motor
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Hellion
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Are you going to build a go-kart from scratch?
I think the entire Predator engine range are good engines. The 8 HP should be good and beefy, but there just isn't much in the way of upgrade and hop-up parts for it, nothing like the 6.5 HP 212cc engines have.
Your bud is partly right. Since both rear wheels are locked together, making a turn is difficult but not impossible because one wheel has to break its traction which can be very hard to do especially on pavement.
But off-road on loose surfaces, dirt, snow, sand, it's a breeze. You basically want a live axle for off road use for the best possible traction...
I think the entire Predator engine range are good engines. The 8 HP should be good and beefy, but there just isn't much in the way of upgrade and hop-up parts for it, nothing like the 6.5 HP 212cc engines have.
Your bud is partly right. Since both rear wheels are locked together, making a turn is difficult but not impossible because one wheel has to break its traction which can be very hard to do especially on pavement.
But off-road on loose surfaces, dirt, snow, sand, it's a breeze. You basically want a live axle for off road use for the best possible traction...
Master Hack
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That is exactly right. Is this go kart going to have any kind of suspension?
ya better be purdy tough to pilot any vehicle without. Suspension adds weight. Weight consumes power.
panchothedog
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Off road you definitely want a live axle. Putting suspension on a scratch built kart is not an easy task. Buy a beater kart, or frame that already has suspension, because you need it for any kind of rough terrain. The predator 224 is a great engine. It is well worth the few dollars more than the 212. Hop up parts are easily found and inexpensive ( should you want to do that ). The 301 isn't that much more powerful in its stock form ( I have one ) and hop up parts are not easily found, and are much more expensive. 224 is the best bang for the buck, and if you don't think so, then get the 420. Twice the price, and hop up parts are expensive, but there's a lot of stuff available for the 420.
Denny
Canned Monster
Just go 420 and forget having to hop up anything.
Edwin Spangler
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Then decide the 420 is slow and throw every aftermarket part you can find, at it!
Thanks guys! One more thing, I was looking at using these tires for it https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XB515L...ZODID5LC&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it
They are a bit big, so would you guys recommend smaller ones?
They are a bit big, so would you guys recommend smaller ones?
I was going to try doing suspension
panchothedog
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For off road, they are actually small. For the rear axle you want 8" rims and 18
to 20" tall tires.
Master Hack
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Well, that complicates things, a lot. My observtions on this project:
You need to come up with a solid plan before picking an engine.
The quote above indictes you have ideas, but no definate plan..
knowing how much weight yer pushing around ishelpful for deciding on spring rates and power/weight ratio.
All that crap means is,,don't under estimate yer power requirements.
not trying to discourage you. But poor planning can lead to failure.
And thats a subject i know a lot about!
Master Hack
Well-known member
Yeah, thats it, in basic terms. Figger out WHAT ya want.
Get a desigh and an idea of what its gonna take to build it.
that includes:
tools/machines
materials
outside machine work
parts
and other stuff.
What do you have available?
if ya want a successful outcome, itwill be more than getting some old bed frames, wire coat hangers and a predator engine.
Search around for plans, and geta handle on what ya want, what ya can afford, what ya can actually build, and then build.
research, research, young grasshopper!
Get a desigh and an idea of what its gonna take to build it.
that includes:
tools/machines
materials
outside machine work
parts
and other stuff.
What do you have available?
if ya want a successful outcome, itwill be more than getting some old bed frames, wire coat hangers and a predator engine.
Search around for plans, and geta handle on what ya want, what ya can afford, what ya can actually build, and then build.
research, research, young grasshopper!
Whitetrashrocker
Inmate #952016
As a first kart I'd highly advise on finding a good rolling frame. You'll have plenty of challenges getting it going. Then you'll have an idea for the next build.
Master Hack
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And that suggestion is even mo bedder!
panchothedog
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Follow my advice from post #5, and also from Whitetrashrocker in post #15. You will have a factory designed, and welded frame, with proper proportions. Also if you find a roller ( even with a trashed engine, or none at all ) you will be so much farther ahead in parts you won't need to buy. Tires, rims, spindles, steering shaft and wheel, tie rods, ect.ect. money you won't have to spend, and parts you won't have to TRY and design. All of us have been down this road before, and are trying to help you have some success with your first project.
Hellion
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Hey man, if you got ideas in your head (for the possibility of building a kart) or know what you are looking for in a used kart frame, you can share images here -- we love photos more than anything, so you can post a photo either from your "hard drive" or directly from the URL. For an external image from the web with a URL, paste the string (like below for example) into the "insert image" option:
Coincidentally, I think that
is the kind of kart you should be looking for. Good ol' Godfrey (Yerf-Dog).panchothedog
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Hard to miss with one of those. Very simple and very rugged.
Hellion
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