starting a build.. Need advice

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Str8trippin

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HEy guys. I'm planning on building a kart for m daughter. She's turning 9 soon and we just sold her PW50 because she wants a kart. Sweet! Gives me something to do.
So I figured I would just try to find a frame and start with a new engine, instead of dealing with someone else's problem/project.
My engine plans are simple:
I'm probably just going to run the Predator 212cc but thinking about the 8 hp 301cc. Curious what the stock top speeds are of each with a standard sprocket setup. for $200.00, the 301cc seems like the best deal. Top speed is not an issue, just curious if the difference is worth the extra $100.
Next is the frame:
This is where i'm looking for advice. Is there a "best" option to start with? Are there certain frames to stay away from? I'm not looking for home-made, so we're talking manufactured frames.
I see a lot of yerf dogs, mancos, etc. I'm gonna try to stay under $500 for now, which should be pretty easy. regardless, it's going to have the bigger balloon tires for some cushion and ground clearance. This will be used off road quite often. Also, is there a good place to order frames from? I'm gonna search the stickies and see what is out there, but in the meantime, I'd like to get some options tossed my way from an experienced crowd. Thanks in advance:thumbsup:
 

landuse

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Welcome to the forum. Mancos and yerf dogs are great karts, and you cannot really go wrong if you get one of them.

IMO, I would just buy the 6.5HP Predator. It is more than enough to push you around at a decent speed.
 

OzFab

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Your #1 problem will be size; my 10yo daughter can't drive my AmEx replica because she can't reach the pedals, not to mention the height of the steering wheel... & an AmEx is not a big kart...

There are smaller karts out there but, I can't think of any off the top of my head...

The best advice is search craigslist & don't limit the search to your local area, spread it out a bit...

As for the engine, :iagree: a predator will be plenty of power for her...for now... Chances are, you'll be doing all this again in a few years anyway...
 

Iron John

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Agree with the above posts. With the bigger engine, everything needs to be bigger/stronger/heavier. Not necessary for your use case. Keep it simple, keep it light - use short gearing since top speed is not an issue, you will have off-road use and it saves wear on the clutch.

Would also suggest staying away from a torque converter. Again, simple, nimble and light.
 

Str8trippin

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Right. I didn't want the torque convertor setup. I was gonna run the centrifugal setup. I found a nice one with an engine for 400, but the engine looks smoked and he won't budge. I'll find something. I'll go with the 212 pred. But she has grown up with my banshee, 450r, she loves speed, but yes, it's not safe or practical at this point. I have a little carter I'm working on for a customer and she fits that okay. But I wanted something a little different. Those have horrible tire clearances.


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Str8trippin

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I'm really liking the dingo kart. I think that's what I'm going to go with. There are a few around here for $300 or so. Those are the carts I always liked growing up.


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Str8trippin

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I just bought a predator 212. I also bought the stage 1 mod kit. I can not get the carb stud out to replace with the longer one. Any suggestions? This is the kit with the exhaust, filter, jet and emulsion tube, valve spring and 4 degree timing key.


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