Newbie Looking for Some Guidance & Advice

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Nickkford

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Hey Everyone!

I'm looking at building my first kart, and I'm hoping you all can help me get a better idea of what to get and where to start.

I'm wanting to make my own chassis, unless there is a simple easy kit, or a bundle of sorts. I don't want to get a second hand one though. Any recommendations on design? Materials?

My biggest issue is figuring out what engine to get. It seems like there are so many options, I have no idea where to start. In the long run, I would want something with lots of power (nothing insane, but I'm a big, tall guy, so something with more power would be welcomed). I am really looking for a durable engine that I can mod and or repair on my own.

I drive an 04' Mini Cooper, that I've done some work on, and it's about as go karty as a car gets. I do just about all the work on it, so I can fumble my way through building a go kart (at least I think I should be able to...).

So any suggestions? Is there a good brand for engines? Are there engine bundles that come with everything needed? Is it worth scavenging on Kijiji and such for parts? Is there a good set of tires that is widely used? How much are they? How long do they last?

Sorry for what is I'm sure yet ANOTHER newbie post, but I would love any advice that you can give me! Also, I live in Canada, if anyone knows of Canadian sites, etc, that would be excellent!

Thanks!!
 
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utahoutdoors

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I was in your same shoes just a few months ago. But you need to help answer a few questions.

1. Do you know how to weld, do you own a welder?

2. How big do you want to build, one seater, 2 seater?

3. Standard back yard kart do you want suspension?

4. Off road or on road?

5. Most important is whats your budget?

So folks follow plans but many use their own ideas.

Based on several question will depend on the motor you would
buy.

I would search google images/videos and look at other go-karts on what others have built.

My kart has changed from my first idea to what it has become. I am getting close to get it to run. I am doing the gearing, brakes and steering now. Mine has become more of a buggy vs a kart


with front and rear suspension.
 
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Nickkford

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utahoutdoors said:
I was in your same shoes just a few months ago. But you need to help answer a few questions.

1. Do you know how to weld, do you own a welder?

2. How big do you want to build, one seater, 2 seater?

3. Standard back yard kart do you want suspension?

4. Off road or on road?

5. Most important is whats your budget?

So folks follow plans but many use their own ideas.

Based on several question will depend on the motor you would
buy.

I would search google images/videos and look at other go-karts on what others have built.

My kart has changed from my first idea to what it has become. I am getting close to get it to run. I am doing the gearing, brakes and steering now. Mine has become more of a buggy vs a kart


with front and rear suspension.
Click to expand...

1) I don't have a welder, but I might have access to one, as well as a guy who knows how to use it. (If not, it'll give me an excuse to get one!)
2) I'm going to go for a single seater
3) I'm thinking I might end up building more than one, but for my first I'm going to go for a track munching kart, then maybe a sort of buggy later on
4) on road, for the first one!
5) I'm hoping under $1000, but I'm happy to add things as I go (mods and such)

I like the idea of a buggy too... Looks like I might build a couple ;)

Thanks for the replies!
 
OzFab

OzFab

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Thanks for the answers, now we know where to lead you; I see you're from Canada; could you please add that to your profile page for future reference?

Being from Canada, that rules out a predator engine; allegedly, Princess auto sell similar items or you should find something on ebay; most use a Honda GX200 or clone but, there's no reason you can't use a "big block" version (240cc-390cc); the only drawback with using the larger engine is the clutch will cost considerable more than that of a small block (over $100 as opposed to $20 for a centrifugal clutch or $350 as opposed to $150 for a torque converter)... or you could use a small motorbike engine, snowmobile engine...

As for materials, round tube looks better but, square tube is easier to work with so, I suggest 1x1" square tube with 1/16" (16 gauge) wall thickness...

Kijiji, ebay & other similar sites are great places to find parts & help keep the budget down...

Good luck with your build & don't hesitate to ask any questions, we were all noobs once ;)
 
crazykart

crazykart

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Too bad you couldn't just hop across the border and grab an engine lol.

You know what's readily available in canada,, its cheap enough, comes with its own clutching system, will give you plenty of oompf? A snowmobile engine. A small (around 200cc at most), older snowmobile engine would suit you quite well, but the trick is to find an entire snowmobile.

I know here in mi I can find 70's era snowmobiles running all day for $200 or less. What that would give you is the engine, mounting plate (older snowmobiles used steel mounting plates) the cvt (clutching system), wiring harness (electric start, kill switch, speedo), and some nifty odds and ends that will come in handy. It's not everyones first choice, but it is definitely more bang for your buck.

For $1000 a good basic kart is well more then doable here in the US. I would suspect you shouldn't have too much of a problem coming in at or under budget.

I agree with fabro about the tubing size, keep the wall thin at 16 guage. It's better to go up in diameter than to go up in wall thickness. 1x1 tube should be more than adaquate.

I would suggest one little thing though, suspension. No not full blown suspension, just something to make the ride a touch more comfortable. Some seat springs would work perfect for this lol.
 
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the road

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Canadian tire periodically puts Rato 212cc 7hp clones on sale for $150 or something like that.
 
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