side mount or rear mount engine

[rtenzo02]

I was thinking about welding a bar and plate on the side of my kart vs running the engine on the rear behind the seat. Other than the side mount looking as if it's more of a pulling steup is there a reason the new karts are set up this way ?

 

[anderkart]

One reason for side mounted engines is to make room for the seat to be mounted much further back. (this is a pretty handy feature for tall guys...) Most all race karts have been doing this for quite awhile now.

 

[rtenzo02]

Makes good sense, any other reasons why all late model racing karts might be side engine mount designed ?

 

[theo]

I believe it's done to get a better balance, and it keeps the kart shorter.

thro

 

[kart_racer20]

it's also done to get weight transfer out of the corners and so you can get better set ups

 

[Scorch3]

It helps with the front to rear weight distribution. Not as big a deal in carts as cars but every handling improvement helps in racing.

 

[rtenzo02]

Great info people, thanks for your help. So can I get some opinions on how helpful it would be to fab a side engine mount on my vintage kart as well as flipping the rear axle brackets on the frame so the rear sits a bit closer to the ground. I'm running a kohler 8hp engine with a comet 1" bore cent clutch 12 tooth, 85 tooth axle sprocket, and 15" tires ? The track surface is cement, THANKS !

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

Great info people, thanks for your help. So can I get some opinions on how helpful it would be to fab a side engine mount on my vintage kart as well as flipping the rear axle brackets on the frame so the rear sits a bit closer to the ground. I'm running a kohler 8hp engine with a comet 1" bore cent clutch 12 tooth, 85 tooth axle sprocket, and 15" tires ? The track surface is cement, THANKS !

with an 8hp kohler and 15" tires you could easily get a 60t axle sprocket. Right now your topping at 23mph, with a 60t you could hit 32mph.

 

[rtenzo02]

Cool, 60 teeth = 32mph on my setup = me buying one ! How bout your opinion on a fabricated side engine mount ?

 

[Scorch3]

A picture of your kart would help. There may be a lot of work involved, or it should be as simple as making a mount welding it on and modifying the steering for a new seating position... oh yeah you have to move the seat.

 

[anderkart]

If its any help... here's a link to some pics of race kart style engine mounts:
http://www.bmikarts.com/shop/?cart=1775839&cat=166&PHPSESSID=bfeebc85e3f6f1b16754e7aee3e71dbf

Theres many diferent brands and models ranging from $35 to well over $100. They're shaped to fit over the frames twin side rails and are secured with butterfly clamps on the bottom:

Mine has an ajustable/slotted top plate section that slides to adjust the chain but with some brands you loosen the butterfly clamps and slide the whole mount forward or back as needed. Some also adjust inward or out to achieve more seat clearance...

If you wanted to go with one of these you'd add a secondary rear frame rail to clamp it on.

 

[rtenzo02]

More good info, thanks, Im currently painting the frame and will post some pics of the kart asap, my camera was stolen and I broke my **** palm phone so at this point I have no way of gettin pics on here !