New to go kart building

[Johnny2762]

Ok so I am new into the go kart building scene and i am planning to build a small go kart that is good for bringing around in the back of a pickup to drive around in the campground or at the park so it needs to be pretty quiet.

I am about 5'7 and about 130lbs so a huge chassis isn't needed. What kind of engine do you think will be ideal for going about 30-40mph tops and where can I find a good engine for a reasonable price. I was thinking about a 5 horse briggs engine but I am new to kart building so I don't really know what is best.

Most driving will be done on asphalt so is a live axle or a single wheel drive better? Single wheel drive sounds like its gonna want to turn one way since power is only going to one wheel. A differential is a possibility but only if I can find a really simple way to hook it up to the engine but I wanna keep things cheap and simple.

And for the frame I know metal is the way to go but I'm gonna have to pay a welder to build my frame. Is it possible to have a well supported pvc frame to cut some weight and costs. I have tons of 10 foot PVC pipe laying around in my garage.

For the sound can a homemade muffler be built or do i need to buy one? I still want to be able to hear the engine but not have it roar which can be bothersome to other people.

So about how much would everything be minus the frame. (Engine, Clutch, Wheels, Sprocket and Chain, Axle etc....) by budget is around $200. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[souperman000]

First of all: The PVC is a bad Idea, wont be able to take the stresses placed on it...anyone correct me if I am wrong please.

If this is your first cart, I would suggest looking on your local craigslist (or equivelent) for a pre fabbed frame. This would be the easiest way to learn about karts.

Engine: I would go for a $99 Harbor Freight 6.5 hp predator engine. BUdget is pretty good....probably gonna be more though depending on how completet the frame is. Building your own will be a lot more expensive (even if you have teh PVC....)

 

[landuse]

Budget might be a bit tight unless you can buy a rolling chassis of craigslist. If you are doing it from scratch, you are going to have to buy wheels, clutch, chain, sprockets etc. They will all amount to lots of money.

Your best bet, and easiest, is getting a rolling chassis somewhere

 

[fresh101]

Hello, I recommend the same thing as "landuse" said, try your local craigslist and fine a frame with most of the stuff already on it. I believe that even like that, it will go over $200. For going quiet, you can go electric but again it will cost maybe equal or more than gas. Gd luck