What engine to put in my go kart.

[CMsoccer21]

So I am in the process of building a gokart. I had a kart with a 5hp briggs and stratton in it and it was just way tooo slow for me. Im looking for a kart that can get up to like 60-70mph. Im looking for an engine in between 10-15hp, does anyone have any recommendations as to which engines to look at?

 

[modelengineer]

Motorbike engine, definitely. Look for a bike which has been crashed and is for sale, that way you get the engine, brakes, gearbox, clutch, sprockets, chain. Many things which are needed for a kart.

For that speed I would go for a 125cc-250cc. (Not strictly true, I would go for a 500cc+ but I am a bit crazy )

 

[CMsoccer21]

i think im gonna put an animal in there. wat do u think the top speed would be for a relatively heavy offroad kart. do they make any aftermarket parts or upgrades for this engine?

 

[CMsoccer21]

Ok so im still thinking about buying a b&s animal engine. If i get that and I have 18" rear tires, how many teeth do you think i should get on my sprocket, 72? and also, what kind of clutch should i get?

 

[crazycart]

A animal aint gunna get you what you want, look for a motorcycle or sled engine.

 

[CMsoccer21]

why is that? and where would I find a big dirtbike or motorcycle engine for sale? im lookin around and they are kidna difficult to find...

 

[modelengineer]

Ring up some large insurance companies and find out where they auction off their damaged bikes. In Australia the biggest company is 'Manheim Fowles'. Check it out and try to find something similar where you are.

The wreckers buy from these auctions, so remember if you buy from the wreckers you are paying top dollar. They will mark up the price quite a lot from what they pay at the auction (well, that's how they make their money)

 

[CMsoccer21]

Alright will do, thanks. But will anyone mind telling me why an animal wont get me what I want?

 

[crazycart]

If your using a big chassis offroad cart with 18 tires, it wont. The animal is designed for a small light racing cart. With a manual transmission you will be able to get around anywhere.

 

[CMsoccer21]

Ok I get you there. Well i wouldnt say the frame is very large. It is actually kinda light, its just on the long side. I could also get smaller tires for the back but then it wouldnt really be an offroad cart which is what im looking for. i really dont want a manual transmission, so i guess im just gonna have to look for a big b and s or honda motor or somethin like that?

 

[Jerryburger]

I agree with Crazycart! Sled motors! Bare minimum 16hp @ 5500 rpm. Torque-converter/ automatic drive transmission. Can be found (old sleds sold as fixer-uppers) for fairly cheap, considering what you get. Plus they have that "Good Ol' 2 Stroke Hardly-Any-Moving-Parts" dependability! I have one of the lowest forms of sled power right now, and this thing shoves you into the seat like one of those NASA rocket chairs on acceleration. (Not even fully tweaked yet). Give sled motors a chance- or let me and Crazycart grab em all up!

 

[CMsoccer21]

sled motors as in like... snowmobile?

 

[jr dragster T]

Animal motors arent that strong. some make 6.5 and some make 8-10. Not going to get you 70 MPH.

 

[crazycart]

Yes, sled engines as in snowmobile. Check out Craigslist.com

 

[CMsoccer21]

hmm i never even thought of that... but i think with a snowmobile engine this thing is gonna haul lol. i have two sleds of my own actually... a 440cc and a 600cc each of which is way heavier than my kart and each of which will go over 70 or 80. sounds like a good way to kill myself haha but whatever im down.

 

[Jerryburger]

If those sleds are "donors" as in not being used as sleds, then I humbly bow before you. You have the makings of a kick-_ss cart. These motors (the older aircooled ones) aren't "Oh-My-Gawd! I'm Gonna Die!" quick, but they're head & shoulders (and a big top hat) over usual karting engine options. Lucky you!

 

[CMsoccer21]

ya... unfortunately these are newer liquid cooled engines and arent "donors". It woulda been a fun ride if they were though. maybe in a few years ill take one of them apart...

 

[Jerryburger]

Obviously you live in an area where snowmobiles exist. I'd check Craig's list for an old aircooled donor sled. For the $$$, make sure you get the drive with it.

 

[CMsoccer21]

How about this engine: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-OHV-16-HP-16HP-Gas-Engine-Go-Kart-Cart-Gasoline_W0QQitemZ310094215769QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item310094215769&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

With a few mods it should get me close right?

 

[jr dragster T]

Have fun trying to find mod's for that!