Should we have a firewall?

[sno-kart]

Below is a picture of our kart. We are trying to decide if we should extend the backrest up another 12" or so to put a firewall between the engine and driver. Race karts don't really have anything like that... the engine is usually right next to the driver, but someone had suggested we put some sort of barrier in case something went wrong with the engine. I don't know what the chance is of a motor like that failing in any violent way... curious to hear what you guys think. Thanks!

Edit: we will have a belt guard and chain guard regardless of whether we add the backrest extension or not.

 

[ML-TOYS]

i would just for the exhaust heat factor. and now for input from you. what is that motor from

 

[sno-kart]

1982 Kawasaki LTD 440 Snowmobile =)

Liquid cooled 2-cyl. two stroke with a CVT.

 

[gixxerkart]

I bet that thing hauls balls.

 

[OzFab]

Going UP will only increase wind drag which will slow you down. If you go back you will
a) create more downforce on the rear wheels (depending on the angle)
b) create a sort of cooling tunnel for the engine &
c) create an effective barrier between the engine & the driver

If you can create something similar to an F1 rear wing, it will not only provide the above mentioned characteristics but, IMO, it'll look good too

 

[ML-TOYS]

1982 Kawasaki LTD 440 Snowmobile =)

Liquid cooled 2-cyl. two stroke with a CVT.

Wow must be a beast

 

[minichopperfreak]

nice kart man i would put a firewall just incase any thing goes wrong

 

[Karter98]

Ive always had a idea to make a 4 in thick walled steel box around the engine, incase the flywheel explodes or something breaks andflies around.

 

[jamyers]

Ive always had a idea to make a 4 in thick walled steel box around the engine, incase the flywheel explodes or something breaks andflies around.

How about 1/2" steel plate inside and out with reinforced concrete between? LOL!!!

Seriously, I'd just put some sheet metal between you and the engine, lean it back like mentioned above. More for a heat shield than anything else.