VFR400 Engine

[Tidy_Traxx]

Hi all,

I am just looking for a bit of advice, I have recently road my Honda VFR400 into the back of a car and this brings me to a few decisions, one of which is considering to drop the 400cc motor into a go kart chassis. Im just wondering how wise it will be and if there is any specific problems I might encounter.

Please note, I have never taken on a project like this before , but myself and my 'partner in crime' do have a bit of mechanical knowledge.

Thanks in advance for your advice.
Traxx

 

[Magice]

This engine would be a great candidate for a shifter kart. It will defeinatley be a big project but it's just so worth it once it's complete.

Depending on how you're doing it - a prebuild frame: rollcage frame, track frame, yard kart frame, etc. all depends on your plans.

I would go for a custom made race frame, riding higher on the ground than a standard one, similar to Kibbles, but that's just me.

With a custom made frame you can with the engine, no around it. You're going to need custom sprockets, etc.

I can't give too much advise except what a killer kart that would make - Just wait til some others reply. There's a whole lot of helpful people here during peak hours (and sometimes not peak)

Welcome to the site and enjoy your stay!

 

[redcali]

with that size engine go an offroad style kart imo, totally uneeded power for a track kart.

 

[Tidy_Traxx]

I would like a offraod one, but I dont think the gear ratios are going to give me any traction on the dirt, so it will have to be onroad.

 

[crazycart]

You can gear it high/low enough in the final drive (chain). I believe thats a V4 engine..makes around 60 hp. Go for the offroad cart. It all depends on your mechanical skills. Do you have access/ have a welder? That would be a major thing. Look for an atv rolling chassis and use the front & Rear suspension and axle..that will make the job much easier. With that 6 speed you will be flyin off road

 

[redcali]

I would like a offraod one, but I dont think the gear ratios are going to give me any traction on the dirt, so it will have to be onroad.

it wont be a huge problem tbh, i have a 400 but slightly older engine in mine and yes, you can floor it and lose traction, but its not like you cant take off.

also the tyre you use will greatly effect your take off.

my gear ratio is 16/44

 

[Tidy_Traxx]

Thanks alot for the help so far, im definately gonna have a look into the offroad idea and see what I can do. I do have a welder and most tools available, main thing im lacking at the moment is the know how, but that is picking up slowly.

Thanks again
Traxx

 

[redcali]

for a decent offroad kart, either look in you loacal trading post or equivalent for a donor body of some smaller engined kart
or
invest in some plans, easily found on the internet, most will have sufficient information on building etc.

 

[modelengineer]

http://www.edge.au.com
^ Best off road buggy plans ever, IMO, and I've done a LOT of research to arrive at that conclusion. With that engine go for the Sidewinder.

No affiliation just a satisfied customer.