new guy questions

[NY kid23]

hello, im new to go karting and was looking for a few opinions. Im looking for a summer do it yourself project so i dont sit around on my days off of work. I want something that i can drive off road with my friend on his hay fields. I am not sure how much money i want to spend, however i could spend up to $500 if i really needed. I'm looking for as fast as i can get, for as cheap as i can get it, i do have a junk yard in my town where i could probably get most parts. I dont have a welder but i do have most wrenches to work on all parts of my dirt bikes. My dad knows a good bit about cars and engines and i would have his help if needed. I was wondering what you guys think i should do about a frame, engine, suspension ect. I have had thoughts about fitting a 4 cyl engine in a go kart; is this a reasonable idea? Any help would be very appreciated. Thanks in advance

 

[numscul]

What i would do is look around for a Sprint kart .... they have roll cages and you can mount almost any engine on them ...or just spend your money on a nice welder and make your own ...it will give you something to do its fun and you can be proud of something you made with your own 2 hands .....here is a pic of my old sprint kart

Good Luck Bro

 

[NY kid23]

where could i find those frames? or, how easily could i make one of them? My tech class has a welder but i would need precise dimensions.

thanks

 

[adamclark]

i think no matter what you do theres enough knowledge on this for you to be able to get it done

 

[NY kid23]

i dont disagree. after looking around for a few days here i know this is the right spot to be asking these questions. i just dont know what to use as a frame, or even where i could find one... everything i have found online is very expensive

 

[qtband]

Check out your local Craigslist. Search all of these because people list them in many ways: go kart, go cart, sprint cart, sprint kart and any other variety you can think of. ALWAYS offer low, up to half the asking price, and go from there. Let us know what you find.

 

[NY kid23]

i have found this on my local craigslist!

http://rochester.craigslist.org/mcy/2801526613.html

it requires some work, but i think that will be the best part! any opinions?

 

[OzFab]

Looks like a good place to start: everything's there, you just need to fix it up.

Be aware, though, once you include the purchase price, parts may send you over budget, depending on what's wrong with it. You never know, it may be a cheap fix.

 

[NY kid23]

thanks for the heads up. It says it isn't seized up so from the sounds of it its not in the worst shape, some spark plugs, fresh oil, and some persuasion i think my dad could help me get her going. My only real concern is there doesn't seem to be suspension, would that be something i need for going down hay fields that have been rutted up by tractors? is there a way to possibly add some shock absorbers?

 

[qtband]

I think you would be better off with suspension. That's why the guys back can't take it! LOL!! Keep looking.