Too much power or not

[Bigdogashwood]

Hey guys! First off, I just wanna say that I'm a newbie so don't flame me too bad if I ask or say anything dumb lol.
But I recently picked up a very cool cart that doesn't have an engine. So I have been looking for a 13hp engine. Today I ran across a guy selling a 650cc motorcycle engine. He only wants $200 and that includes everything from radiator to the battery. He even offered rotors and calipers.
My main concern is that it may be too much power for a go kart. I am a fabricator/welder for a living so reinforcing the frame wouldn't be a problem. But realistically, would you guys think this would be too much for a go kart.
Specs on motor are 50hp and 54lbs torque

 

[David Ham]

Hi and
if you can reinforce the frame and fit it in, go for it!
you might be able to rival Likeable Bumps kart: http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=36705

 

[itsid]

I disagree with 6.5hp here..

Well, it's not the frame that should have you worried tbh...
it's everything else just alike.

the kart as being a kids 'offroad'-esque kart is relatively high but narrow and not too long either.
Sooo with a high center of gravity it's more likely to tip over, especially at speed.
Talking of speeds..

You will need to upgrade the brakes considerably! (keep in mind that karts of that type have a max speed of maybe 20mph originally and their brakes are designed to stop THAT speed with the kids weight in it.. not an adult going 60mph... sooo yeah)

So if this kart is for you and you ONLY.. go ahead, be prepared to have a very dangerous toy in the end, but as an adult.. use your brain or die trying

If there are kids around, yours or neighbors (nephews... what have you): DON'T!
Seriously, just don't... of course it's fun and of course it's grunt inducing full Tim Taylor style,
but one false move one mistake from a kid and you have a dead person in your back yard...
noone really wants that.

'sid

PS I don't know the engine, I certainly don't know your skills... So I'd rather dial in for security since I don't know if there might be "untrained personell" around that might die using it.

 

[Bbqjoe]

Just put in a 212.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp9a8gp_yLo

 

[Ebrownie]

I would guess it is either a klr or a Honda engine you speak of? Either way, that is not a good idea. It is heavy, makes too much power, and is complicated with the transmission, liquid cooling, wiring and that stuff. Plus those engines are hard to mount because you have to make your own brackets.

 

[anickode]

Yeah, stick to the ~13 hp engine.

Or go a little bigger, maybe 18.

But don't go slapping a sport bike engine in it. Too top heavy for that kind of power, and you'd probably have to hack up the body to make it fit, etc. A Briggs opposed twin would be pretty sweet.

 

[Bigdogashwood]

It may look small but it's actually a nice size kart. I'm 5'8 and have to stretch out to reach the pedals with the seat midway back. Its Just over 5ft in length and It came with dual disc brakes on the rear.

---------- Post added at 11:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:39 AM ----------

So to make it work and be somewhat safe, then i would need to lower it or widen it and beef up the brakes alot.. yea I may just get the motor and build a go-kart to handle it

---------- Post added at 11:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:43 AM ----------

Another quick question. To run the 13hp and torque converter would I need a jackshaft setup?

 

[Functional Artist]

Hey guys! First off, I just wanna say that I'm a newbie so don't flame me too bad if I ask or say anything dumb lol.
But I recently picked up a very cool cart that doesn't have an engine. So I have been looking for a 13hp engine. Today I ran across a guy selling a 650cc motorcycle engine. He only wants $200 and that includes everything from radiator to the battery. He even offered rotors and calipers.
My main concern is that it may be too much power for a go kart. I am a fabricator/welder for a living so reinforcing the frame wouldn't be a problem. But realistically, would you guys think this would be too much for a go kart.
Specs on motor are 50hp and 54lbs torque

Looks like a Toledo built Jeep (Wrangler)

If its your first build

...I would recommend a 6.5 predator

...then move up with experience


But, if you want to "stand out in a crowd" go electric


Drop a

...48V 1,000W motor ($100.00)

...controller ($25.00)

...& couple of batteries ($120.00 sm. 12AH or $250.00 bigger 35AH)

in there &


BOOM! You got a Jeep that sounds like an F1 Indy car

 

[anickode]

It may look small but it's actually a nice size kart. I'm 5'8 and have to stretch out to reach the pedals with the seat midway back. Its Just over 5ft in length and It came with dual disc brakes on the rear.

---------- Post added at 11:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:39 AM ----------

So to make it work and be somewhat safe, then i would need to lower it or widen it and beef up the brakes alot.. yea I may just get the motor and build a go-kart to handle it

---------- Post added at 11:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:43 AM ----------

Another quick question. To run the 13hp and torque converter would I need a jackshaft setup?

You can get 40 series torque converter setups with an integral jackshaft. The whole thing just bolts right to the engine.

Lowering and widening it would really ruin the Jeep look. I agree, if you want a bike engine kart, just build one specifically for that purpose. Or find a used racing kart chassis and stretch the rear end a bit to accommodate it.

 

[Bbqjoe]

I thought it was one of the kids powerwheels.

 

[David Ham]

if you want to be SAFE... don't do it I guess, but I still want to see it

Collin Furze has done it twice, but, yeah

 

[Bbqjoe]

if you want to be SAFE... don't do it I guess, but I still want to see it

Collin Furze has done it twice, but, yeah

It could be one of those hold my beer moments.

 

[Bigdogashwood]

Whats up with the sprocket holder? Is there something special about it? It appears to be made on the axle

 

[mckutzy]

Thats a differential... Hence the dual discs.....

 

[armyvet]

Sometimes too much power can be a bad thing.you will want suspension and good brakes.i have a 90 HP Arctic cat sled motor in my asw 150 buggy and it's kinda scary with only 2" of front suspension travel lol

 

[KingCobra]

It won't hurt to run a jack-shaft but it get's complicated then,but worth it!!

 

[Kansaskart]

Personally 420 and jackshaft all the way and transaxle trashcan.

---------- Post added at 09:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:41 PM ----------

Without a transaxle you have to mow less!