Stock or modify

[mrd821]

Hi,
I just acquired a manco, I believe it’s a 405, it has a 5hp B&S motor ( starts and runs great ). I want to build a hot rod go kart, but this is a nice original Manco and I’m torn between keeping it stock or modifying it. Thinking about looking for another kart to hot rod. Open to others suggestions (opinions).

 

[mckutzy]

If it go/stops as is... just leave it....
Its cool as a nicely done up kart...

Interesting... what is up with the.. Kill switch??? It look like you have a fuseable link or something inline there???

 

[mrd821]

PO said it was there so i could disconnect. only problem with kart is brakes. the bands bottom pivot hangs off the drum 3/16", the bolt that holds it is to short to space and still secure the band. So, I'm thinking drill hole in bolt and cotter pin it in right place or spacing inbetween the sprocket and drum.

 

[mckutzy]

Sorry...Disconnect what???

Ya what ever to align the brake....The more biased it is to one side.. more chance of it riding off the drum and getting jammed in between..

 

[mrd821]

Mckutzy
kill switch wire

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

I would keep the frame original, maybe "polish" it up a bit here and there to drive nicer, but I would mod the engine to all heck! It's a LOT of fun!

 

[mrd821]

JTSD, lol wanted to keep B&S stock but exhaust and intake are poss. looking into intake options. Any suggestions?

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

For both, check out www.dynocams.com
But also check EBay. Search for “Briggs header” and “Briggs raptor carburetor”.
Both a header and an old school Raptor carb will make it sound awesome and add some appreciable horsepower without much custom work. You will however have to pull the governor to avoid grenading the engine with the raptor carb, which will also free up about 1.5K RPM, boosting your top speed as well. Basically any carb upgrade will entail governor removal. If you’re comfortable with some custom welding, you could put something like a Mikuni 22mm slide carb, which would do away with the diaphragm “pumper” setup.

 

[mrd821]

thanks JTSD,
governor already removed! I was told I didn't need to upgrade valve springs, is that so? Does the stock or raptor carb need to be rejetted w/ header? This is my 1st B&S so I'm learning as I go w/ the Briggs. I've upgraded 196 clones and 212 predators. I have a NIB 212 preditor, but I like to tune this B&S!

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

Valve springs should only be upgraded with a billet connecting rod, no need to.
The stock carb might need to be rejected with a header, but probably not the Raptor carb. Raptors came stock with headers. However, since atmospheric and real world conditions always vary, you might have to tune a bit. But my experience with Briggs carbs is that the adjustment screws are enough, usually no need to touch the jets.