New to the Go-Kart world :)

[dCid]

Well a few days back, i went to this little place called scandia and went on go-karts. things were mad fun!!
i then find out they were built from lawn mower engines.

well im just here to ask what would be the cheapest way possiable to make a go-karts
no more then 350$$?

 

[Orange Krate]

Start with Craigslist, scrapyard, sawpmeet, or a flea market. Build on that platform and then upgrade and Fix Or Repair Daily

That's how I do it anyway and usually get out with a pretty decent kart for well under $300.

 

[dCid]

Yeah im hitting the swampmeet saturday.
What some good engines? like cc
Cause i have a lawn mower we dont use and its 158cc Is that good?
Whats slow and whats fast?
Sorry i just got lots of questions.
i basically just need the frame and need to learn how to put it 2gether.
can it be possiable to make a "stick shift" go kart.

 

[r_chez_08]

Lawnmower engines are not really usable, as they are vertical shaft, and the wheels turn on an axle that is horizontal, so it is difficult to get the power from the vertical shaft tot the horizontal wheel. That is why most people use a horizontal shaft motor, as it takes time, knowlege and a bit of money to get a lawnmower motor running horizontal, because it needs a new mount, way of getting oil around the engine and carburettor changes.
Rob
Edit: read this

 

[dCid]

So, im better off with looking for a dirtbike/atv/pitbike engine instead?

also a kart i want to get or build, would be just for fun. you know around the block thing.
or use cones to make a track and such.

 

[r_chez_08]

You could use a dirtbike or pitbike or quad engine, but if this is your first project then I would use an industrial engine like a Briggs and Stratton or Honda, like the ones that you saw on the go karts you went on. These are not usually found on lawnmowers as they are horizontal motors, but have similar power ratings.
Do you have a harbour freight near you?
They sell a very reasonable engine that you can get for 99 dollars if you use a coupon. It is a copy of a Honda gx200 and is suppose to be 6.5hp (it's really about 5.5hp, but it can still shift you ok) you may be able to find a cheaper used engine like a Briggs 5hp or an old Honda on craigslist or eBay. These industrial engines are probably the easiest to start with IMO. Here is a link to the hf engines. The 6.5hp is fine, bit for more money and power you could use the 11 or 13hp, any of the engines in the link should work, except the 5.5hp lawnmower one at the end.http://www.harborfreight.com/engines-generators/gas-engines.html
You can then get a clutch, chain, sprockets axle and wheels from somewhere like bmi karts and buy or find some steel, and weld up a frame, or buy a used frame from craigslist or get one from Azusa engineering.
Rob

 

[dCid]

So if i have the money i should go for the 11HP or 13HP?
Well im thinking of looking for a Go-Kart frame or one on wheels and put everything together then buy the engine.
is it hard to put everything together? the pedals clutch(if it was one) and such?

 

[Lynx_Genisys]

Start with Craigslist, scrapyard, sawpmeet, or a flea market. Build on that platform and then upgrade and Fix Or R epair Daily

That's how I do it anyway and usually get out with a pretty decent kart for well under $300.

you want him to build a ford??? lmao!!

jsut keep your ee out for somethign cheap that may or may not need fixing.. go from there.. lol

 

[dCid]

Well since i'm going to the swampmeet tommor.
Whst are some things i should look out for to get.
will be looking for frame, wheels, and engine.
i want a shifter kart.
or somthing similar, like i want to be switcg gears, not just foot on pedal and gas.

 

[redsox985]

That will surely exceed your price range of $350 as most shifter motors, with out gearbox an clutch, cost in excess of $500 not to mention the hydraulic brakes, slicks, frame, and other parts. The only way to hit $350 would be to buy a rolling frame in need of a motor and centrifugal clutch. Get the 6.5 from HF and order a $30-50 MaxTorque cent. clutch, and then drop it onto the frame.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

The only way I can see you getting a "shifter kart" running for $350 is some big-time luck. A good deal on a frame that's more-or-less complete, and maybe needing some TLC. Then a really good deal on a decent motorcycle that you can use the guts from. Then, you'd have to sell off all the remaining motorcycle parts that you don't need, to recoup your budget.

You're going to have to fabricate your brains out, and find ways to adapt and use existing parts, rather than just buying every little bit that you need.

Either way, getting everything done for $350 is going to require a minor miracle.

 

[dCid]

Well not a real shifter kart,
i wanna be able to switch gears up and down and such.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

That IS a shifter kart. Any KART that you can SHIFT gears on, is a shifter kart.

What I'm getting at here, is a regular kart with a 5-6.5hp industrial engine is doable for $350. A shifter kart is not.

 

[dCid]

oh i see,
What kind of engine would i need?
a dirtbike or quad right??

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Anything with a multi-speed, manually shifted tranny. Crotch-rocket, cruiser, ATV, dirtbike, whatever.

 

[dCid]

alright thanks man.

 

[Russ2251]

Given your limited experience, I would start with a basic frame and engine combo.
Work your way up to a shifter kart. Shifter karts are far more complex than the standard fare found on this site....and more expensive.
It's a "crawl before you can walk" kinda' thing.

 

[r97]

if your really like the idea of shifting you could go with russ's idea, then add a gear lever that controls the throttle but nothing else, so its like vroooooooom...., vrooooooooooooom..., VROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM! lol .

 

[Bluethunder3320]

like pretending? hahaha.

 

[redsox985]

A multi-stage throttle lol. Like a long slot in the plate with L-shaped branches off of the main slot so you have to throttle down a bit to give it more gas. I would give you some cool revving sounds if you would put a good pipe on it. Also, you could use it like a normal throttle in the main, long slot. It would have to be a hand throttle though.