New Go Kart

[gaspipegokart]

Hey guys! My neighbor just gave me a go kart that was made out of a golf kart and this thing is really cool! I just want to know what kind of engine I should put in it to get it up to maybe 40 mph. He was going to put in a 16hp engine, but what do you you guys think?

 

[gear monkey]

you should look up a horse power to cc conversion most golf carts are cc.as for your speed depends on weight of kart, driver, and aerodynamics. also a torque converter should help speed. when you decide upon a engine get a briggs an straton not a chinese knock of clone moter.

 

[itsid]

there is no such thing as a HP to CC Conversion!
I have a 125cc 42HP kart sitting in my garage and a 200cc 6.5HP engine in my basement.
Also I have a 500cc 46HP Motorbike and a 3000cc 220HP car.

But yes, that kart looks heavy so I'd suggest anything above 9HP
to get a decent speed with a CVT [aka TC] (looks like the driven unit is already mounted )

'maybe 40' ? Hmm.. maybe 13HP ?? Depends on actual weight of kart plus driver, and size of your rear wheels (as in overall gear ratio)
Check the speed calculator:
http://www.diygokarts.com/speed-calculator.html
to see what gear ratio you'd need.

with that and the kart weight (aproximated ) someone might have a more educated idea what exact Poweroutput you should look for.

'sid

 

[mckutzy]

Im going to add to the HP to CC confusion, Ive got a(5.2 v8) 5200cc w/140hp in my current car, my previous, had 2.2i4 w/140hp, Of course torque values are really different.

 

[firemanjim]

Man,that kart is SREAMING ATV/QUAD engine w/reverse..... ! That is an AWESOME SCORE! FREE is ALWAYS for me!
Seriously, that size kart needs multiple gears to be fun. I really dont think you will be happy with 13hp @3600 and a CVT . I'd go with like a 200-250cc quadeengine, but thats just my opinion.

 

[itsid]

Im going to add to the HP to CC confusion, Ive got a(5.2 v8) 5200cc w/140hp in my current car, my previous, had 2.2i4 w/140hp, Of course torque values are really different.

Now the odd part:
Torque is the same if HP is the same, since HP is torque over a timespan.
(HP can be measured in Watts, Torque in Wattseconds aka Newtonmeter)

But you're right, it's a difference if you have the power at idle or at 4500rpm

'sid

 

[OzFab]

Torque is the same if HP is the same, since HP is torque over a timespan.

Not necessarily (I know, we've had this argument before):

HP = torque x RPM (IN IT'S SIMPLEST FORM)

If you have two vastly different engines that produce the same HP, either one produces torque a lot faster or the torque peaks at higher RPM.

In 1996, two particular cars were released in Australia; a Toyota Camry, powered by a 3 litre V6 which produced 151Kw & a Holden Commodore powered by a 5 litre V8 which produced 185Kw. In the grand scheme of things, that's not a big difference so, why such a low number on the V8 & such a high number for the V6.

The significant difference:
V8: Single cam, 2 valves per cylinder
V6: Quad overhead cams & 4 valves per cylinder
allowing the V6 to produce more torque in a shorter time...

...& here's the kicker: By making moderately small changes like, larger valves, higher capacity fuel injectors, modified cam profile, etc, you can produce even more torque.

When junior members ask "how do I get more power out of my 200cc clone engine" the first thing we suggest is a high flow air intake & exhaust. Why? Because that allows the engine to breathe &, therefore, produce more torque. The next step is to remove the governor: Why? To increase the max RPM &, possible, open up the top end of the torque curve...

 

[gear monkey]

problem with clone engines is the are HORIBLE

 

[gear monkey]

for your kart you should get a donar quad 300cc minim

 

[Doc Sprocket]

problem with clone engines is the are HORIBLE

In your opinion. However-

They are insanely popular, and used in racing. If they all sucked that badly, they wouldn't be. Some clones are better than others.

Not everybody can afford a brand name engines. If I had my choice, everything I owned would be powered by a Honda GX series. Do you know that I can buy FOUR clones locally for the price of ONE Honda GX? Sure- the Honda is superior. But don't be too quick to condemn something you're clearly not that familiar with.

In addition to the bike/quad suggestions, a sled engine and CVT combo would wake that thing up, too.

 

[itsid]

Not necessarily (I know, we've had this argument before):

HP = torque x RPM (IN IT'S SIMPLEST FORM)

Whatever one would consider to be the simplest form

'sid

 

[landuse]

(HP can be measured in Watts, Torque in Wattseconds aka Newtonmeter)

'sid

Watt?

 

[firemanjim]

In your opinion. However-

They are insanely popular, and used in racing. If they all sucked that badly, they wouldn't be. Some clones are better than others.

Not everybody can afford a brand name engines. If I had my choice, everything I owned would be powered by a Honda GX series. Do you know that I can buy FOUR clones locally for the price of ONE Honda GX? Sure- the Honda is superior. But don't be too quick to condemn something you're clearly not that familiar with.

In addition to the bike/quad suggestions, a sled engine and CVT combo would wake that thing up, too.

I agree about the clone motors..... I was REALLY skeptical about the predator motor but after having one, I HAVE GOT TO SAY its been the best bang for the buck, kart wise, in a while. I will be buying a couple more for sure.
And you're correct, a snowmobile power plant would be a great choice as well. I've seen them from stock (fast) to wild (SCARY fast as H€¿¿)

 

[meyerside]

Josh, Larry said he would sell you the 16 hp motor. We should talk if that's something you are interested in.

 

[gear monkey]

hey just asking does anyone know how to extend a steering wheel

 

[firemanjim]

hey just asking does anyone know how to extend a steering wheel

IIRC, you have 2 threads going already, no sense in asking atotally unrelated question in someone else's thread...... and if you can't figure out how to extend a steering shaft, you might SERIOUSLY consider getting some help with your kart build..... I'm just sayin......

 

[OzFab]

hey just asking does anyone know how to extend a steering wheel

It's ALWAYS better to change the subject in your own thread than hijack someone elses! You will get more attention that way

 

[souperman000]

You will get more attention that way

More positive attention at least.