Newbie Questions?

[offroad13]

Hi, i haven't really started doing anything with a go-kart yet, but i have been searching around for parts and plans. Now basically, i will build an off-road go-kart. My question is, how much horsepower will i need to get a pretty fast speed, at around 25 mph+, I'm planing on using an older lawn tractor motor, also what will i need to get it going at its full like speed potential, like gearing, and stuff like that. Also it will be used for someone a few inches shorter than 6 ft. and 200+ lbs. but not really fat, more bulky(muscle) haha.. if that has anything to do with the speed

thank you

 

[qtband]

Weight has a lot to do with speed. If you can keep the kart weight down, you can use less hp. You say you have a lawn mower engine. If the shaft is on the bottom of the engine (vertical) it won't be much use to you on a kart. You need a side shaft (horizontal) engine. Post again about your engine details and we'll go from there.

 

[klicky96]

Weight has a lot to do with speed. If you can keep the kart weight down, you can use less hp. You say you have a lawn mower engine. If the shaft is on the bottom of the engine (vertical) it won't be much use to you on a kart. You need a side shaft (horizontal) engine. Post again about your engine details and we'll go from there.

Or he could use a twisted-belt drive. A belt can be twisted 90* to a jackshaft, then switch it to chain drive. Or he can spend some money and use a ragb. If you have a verticle shaft engine, I highly recommend going to this site and buying this transmission.

http://glenssurplus.com/proddetail.php?prod=3sp-hpat-silver

These can be used for a lot of things. Cheap also. I own a few. I have one on my good kart and it gives me great torque, good speed, and with the trans, i have reverse also. Glens Surplus is located in Shelby, Ohio. I use them for a lot of things. I live in Sandusky, Ohio so i'm only about an hour away. But you can order it online and have it shipped.

 

[offroad13]

Weight has a lot to do with speed. If you can keep the kart weight down, you can use less hp. You say you have a lawn mower engine. If the shaft is on the bottom of the engine (vertical) it won't be much use to you on a kart. You need a side shaft (horizontal) engine. Post again about your engine details and we'll go from there.

it will most likely be a horizontal shaft