Noob here with first build

[daddie05]

Hey everyone...This is going to be my first go kart/build, so I would really like your input before I go buying things. I would like a two seater since I know my son would also like to ride with me (4 yo). I would like one that goes around around 30. I know it depends on the gearing and weight of the passengers...not just the engine. I was looking at a couple of kits online (gokartsusa . com) but they're only for one person. Are the go kart engines pretty universal?

hXXp://gokartsusa.com/Road-Rocket-Gokart-Kit.aspx

What would you guys recommend as far as a (light) frame, engine, clutch etc? I hear the honda gc160 5hp are pretty good and a guy on CL is selling a new one for 300. Would I need more than 5hp? Thanks!

**I'm not too good with fixing cars. Ive only changed the brakes on my 98 camry, and the oil/filters on other cars. Sorry if you need to speak in layman's terms.

 

[crazykart]

If you don't want do to too much work/spend too much money, look on your local craigslist for used karts. Usually you can get a good starting platform for a couple hundred bucks. Might get one with engine as well.

Yes 5hp should be plenty for a street kart, and even a small yard kart/off road kart, but as always it depends on gearing.

Answer a quick question, will this be mainly street/track, or more of yard or off road? Suspension or rigid?

 

[OzFab]

A GC160 is not necessarily a good choice as the exhaust dumps into the rear of the seat, a much better choice is a GX series engine; however, the most popular choice is a 212cc Predator engine from Harbor Freight, which can be bought new for around $100; obviously, that's only useful if you're in the US (this is why we ask all members to please fill in their profile to show your location )

I agree with crazykart, with limited knowledge &/or experience, your best option would be to find a kart on craigslist, etc & fix it up, again, knowing your location will help us help you find something suitable...

 

[daddie05]

Thanks for the tips. I would really like to get one on Craigslist too, but I'm afraid of buying a lemon. I've seen some I've liked, but with limited knowledge, I wouldn't know where to start. Are the go kart engines pretty standard in size? If I were to get one one CL, with a weak engine, what exactly would I need to search for online/Craigslist?

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[daddie05]

Just updated my bio...
And I found a yerf dog 2 seater go kart with that Harbor freight engine. It just needs the throttle cable adjusted. Nit sure how much that is or if I can do that myself.
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[DaveP]

well you have found the right place to be,,, in the shoe's your in. I got my first one a year back,, have tons of car knowledge,, but limited kart specific knowledge. That's where this site comes in,,, I now have a yerfdog 2 seater, with Robin 6hp engine, and torque converter. Perfect for my 9yo to drive him and his friends around, of me to drive him in also. When you run into a snag, just post a pic of the problem, and what you have, and any of the great gents on here, will help you out, as they have all been there and done that! BMI carts has most of the parts you need, and yes you can do the work yourself. Go for it!

 

[daddie05]

Thanks Dave,
I almost made that impulse buy online, but I am really glad I stopped here to get the amazing tips everyone has provided.
*how much would switching/adjusting out the throttle cable be? Under $50?

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[crazykart]

Adjusting it should be near free lol. Switching it out for a new cable, or even a rod should be less than $20 so no biggie. Which harbor freight engine, the 212cc? Should be plenty for that. Does it have a torque converter?

 

[daddie05]

The only mods are gas jet, intake, and exhaust. Would switching the throttle cable be more practical/easier?
Would the torque converter be a good investment?
hxxps://www.bmikarts.com/mobile/Torque-Converter-for-35-Chain-1-Bore-TAV2-Replacement_p_2527.html

YES...the 212cc predator

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[OzFab]

And I found a yerf dog 2 seater go kart with that Harbor freight engine. It just needs the throttle cable adjusted. Nit sure how much that is or if I can do that myself.

If you post the links here we can have a look at it for you & give our opinions

*how much would switching/adjusting out the throttle cable be? Under $50?

It may cost you that much if you pay someone to do it for you

Swapping out a throttle cable is one of the simplest jobs on a kart; most people don't bother with the OEM cable, we just buy a $5-10 bicycle brake cable & fit it... depending on the original setup

Would the torque converter be a good investment?

Definitely

 

[daddie05]

Great idea using the brake cable. It looks so similar to a throttle cable.

Yerf dogg go kart 2 person - $1
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/snw/4988590523.html

Here's the post.
I'm gonna go see it tomorrow


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[OzFab]

Last line of the ad states

I'm asking 500 obo

Wow, prices are crazy in LA... not that it's not worth it, it's a pretty neat unit...

 

[daddie05]

That's one of the cheaper ones...
The one I really loved was $1200 obo

If I knew how to weld, I'd by the material and blueprints and build one myself

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[crazykart]

From what I can see its worth it. I would try to throw 400 cash at him myself, but 500 is still a decent deal.

I would say if you're going to get a TC look on ebay, the china made knockoffs are pretty good, and will run you about $100 shipped to your door for a comet 30 style which imo is the best for that engine. Thats only if that kart doesnt already have a TC, cant tell in the pics.
i believe that shaft for the 212 is a 3/4" shaft, someone correct me if Im wrong?
You may also need an adapter/spacer from what Ive heard that shaft is a tad too short.

 

[daddie05]

Just went to check out the kart, and I think I'm gonna get it


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[daddie05]

The screw holding the throttle cable (middle pic) is the adjustment he was talking about. You need to keep tightening the screw since it loosens while you're riding. How would you remedy this guys? Thanks.

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[Hursty]

The screw holding the throttle cable (middle pic) is the adjustment he was talking about. You need to keep tightening the screw since it loosens while you're riding. How how you remedy this guys? Thanks.

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i would remove that bolt and replace it with a set screw an add a little loc tite

 

[daddie05]

i would remove that bolt and replace it with a set screw an add a little loc tite

Thanks for the quick response. What kind of set screw?
The tires we're pretty worn. Are they pretty cheap? I got him down to $400 even

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[chancer]

those little Allen head set screws seem to have a bit of a tip or concave first thread so they grip things like the throttle cable better than that carriage bolt. Also you have to wonder how they even tightened that bolt.
And It is nice to see another California guy here, I am soooo outnumbered by Texans!

 

[daddie05]

those little Allen head set screws seem to have a bit of a tip or concave first thread so they grip things like the throttle cable better than that carriage bolt. Also you have to wonder how they even tightened that bolt.
And It is nice to see another California guy here, I am soooo outnumbered by Texans!

Thanks. I've been wanting a kart/moped for a long time. Now that my son is 4, it's the perfect excuse...haha
I'm gonna look into the Allen bolts. The bolt on now doesn't look like it was stripped. It screws in and out with ease.

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