project kart - want to upgrade engine and add brakes / pedal assemblies

[fuzzyl]

Hi, I'm new to the forum... I am a full time mechanic for vehicles and picked this kart up for real cheap not running. I got it running, but it has no brakes or pedal assemblies but I took it out for a ride and it's not fast enough for me. I really want to put the harbor freight predator 212cc on it if possible. This has a f / r / n trans of some sort on it already not sure if that's going to be compatible with the new engine or if I should ditch it? I need some recommendations for adding the 212cc, which pedal assemblies for both gas and brakes, and the complete brake setup i'll need.. price isn't really an issue.. here's some pic's..

 

[OzFab]

Apart from the fact that the engine has a wet clutch built in, I don't disagree with an engine upgrade but, you'll need to sort out a clutch...

As for the gearbox, there are members here who would LITERALLY KILL for it; if you decide to not use it, I'm sure you won't have a problem getting rid of it...

For brakes you can use anything from a band setup to an expensice race kart setup but, IMO, the best thing to do would be to find an inexpensive (as opposed to cheap) ATV hydraulic disc setup; they can be found for as little as $40...

Now, what exactly do you mean by

it's not fast enough for me.

Are you referring to acceleration or top speed? Either way, there are many different reasons why:
- The engine simply doesn't provide enough power
- The gearing is wrong: When you consider that the engine may have a reduction box on it plus the 2:1 reduction of the FNR box, that spells pretty low gearing
- The whole drive assembly is mounted on a 1/4" solid steel plate, which is mounted on big, solid steel rails; all that adds up to a LOT of excess weight which will, obviously, slow the kart down...

Being that you're a mechanic, I realise i'm probably "stating the obvious" to you but, just in case...

Oh & welcome to the forum

 

[fuzzyl]

Yeah so If I do go with a predator 212cc what's a good clutch to go with? I don't mind taking that gear box off and dealing with no reverse, I just want more power in all aspects so I think getting rid of the gearbox will suit my needs best.. the person who used to run this said he had it low geared for running through the woods. Is it possible to use that gearbox with a 212 what parts are required? I've found a few brake kits I feel I can easily install so that department is all set just need to sort out what I want to do with the engine upgrade.

 

[Moedog07]

Max-torque or Hilliard are two good clutches for yard carts. Look at a torque convertor (TAV) as well.

 

[Scout]

When I swapped from a Briggs 5 hp to a 212 it used the same mount pattern. The 212 has a 3/4" diameter output shaft. The one on your motor is probably the same, but measure it to make sure. If so, then your options are to either swap in the new motor and use the existing gearbox, or (I can't read the ratio on the tag on the gearbox, is that 3.4?) ditch the gearbox, buy a new axle sprocket, clutch, and do the fab work to either move the motor over or make room for the sprocket and chain to come through where the motor is.

 

[OzFab]

The 212 has a 3/4" diameter output shaft. The one on your motor is probably the same,

Nope, that's not a 5hp B&S, its a 3hp B&S, more than likely, it will have a 5/8" shaft but, who knows what's under the casing on it...

It's a long shot but, you may get lucky & that casing will fit the Predator...

 

[Scout]

The 3 hp briggs I removed from my leaf blower was replaced with a 212, because the 3 hp predator output shaft was too small. But like I said, measure it and be sure.