what to do with my new kart?

[bookel]

Today I bought my first kart. Its a Yerf Dog 3206 and is pretty much bone stock. I wanted the Spider Box frame and fortunately I didn't have to wait long to find it. I am new to karts but not new to mechanics and modding. I've built a full sized VW dune buggy (Manx style). I have a Checy Luv I've done a V8 conversion so my skills are up to par I think.

I have some ideas on what I want out of my kart. First I am planning on doing an engine swap. The 7.8 Howit is nice but I want to go a little crazy. I'm thinking I can fit the HF Predator V-twin 22hp in the engine cradle (with some modification I am assuming). I also want to add reverse. I think the Howit shaft is 3/4". The Predator shaft is 1". Anyone know of parts made to accommodate the 1" shaft to make this happen? I'd also like to raise the ground clearance a bit. Are there larger wheels out there that bolt on to my original bolt pattern? Seeing I'm going to a larger engine the taller gear ratio should not be an issue. I've read that the stock suspension is a bit lacking as well as some of the steering components. I've also read that the rear axle can be a weak point on my kart. Any suggestions on bolt on upgrades in these departments? What I can't find bolt on I will probably fabricate or end up living with. I'll probably start a thread documenting my journey.

Nothing set in stone so far as engine choice but I am definitely going to be making improvements over its stock incarnation.

Again, I am new to karting so I am not aware of good resources and whatnot. Thoughts, suggestions and pointers all welcome. Thanks.

 

[KartFab]

Azusa flexpruf axles are good.

Front end will need reinforcements. Esp ball joints.

Look for the Briggs vanguard 16 hp v twin. That's pretty much the only engine that will still be under the limit for hp for go kart transmissions and reverse gearboxes.

Comet reverse gearbox
40 series torque converter.

Have fun!

 

[bookel]

Let me also preface this with how I plan on using the kart. I own 63 acres with about 10 acres fields and the rest hilly and forest. I want to use the kart to make some trails through the woods as well as blast a bit around the fields. I also want to use it for some work about the place. I plan on pulling hauling carts and carrying chainsaws and other gear about the property for maintenance. So my goal for this build is a mix of sport and utility. Yes I could go out and get a utv and then play on the kart. I like the challenge of this build though. I may settle on the 420cc predator since it looks like the conversion would be easier and the hp falls withing spec of readily available parts. 18.1 ftlbs torque is probably enough to move me around the hilly trail terrain I will have as well.

 

[Zombient]

I have the 420cc. It's a pretty nice little engine, lots of torque.

 

[OzFab]

Without trying to throw a spanner in the works, you could always find a largish (up to 600cc) wrecked ATV & transfer the running gear; it would mean a bit more fab work but, a lot more flexibility...

 

[Denny]

That 22hp Predator lump weighs in at about 103 lbs. dry, plus you need to build your own gas tank. I can see that lump making short work of you're rear swingarm with all that beef going up and down. Crack City! The 420 with no governor on the other hand with 22x11x8 rear tires would be balls out fun though!

Denny

 

[bookel]

Yeah, I'm leaning towards the 420cc. Looks like there are more readily available parts out there that are compatible. I took it out for my first run today. This was a test run to get a feel for the kart. Most noted in the first run is the suspension is harsh. I was really surprised how slow this thing was. Going around my flat field I was going nowhere near the 30ish mph I believe was advertised originally. The engine was revving wide open but it seemed like a vehicle stuck in second gear. Then came time for my biggest hill. Its probably about 50 yards long and 15 - 20 degrees. Coming up the hill it did.... okay. It was "fast" crawling along when all of a sudden when I was just about at the top it stopped going forward and smoke came from the torque converter. Shredded my belt.. That doesn't matter because it was probably an old belt and I also wanted to use that to test how it may do as is.

Anyway I got the torque converter apart and cleaned the pulleys. The front pulley Was stuck and would not slide on the bushing in the center. This is probably why it seemed like it was in a low gear. I got that cleaned and unfrozen. Not it moves freely and should work properly once reinstalled.

I still want to put around a bit on this thing while I decide what I want to do with it. I need to figure out which belt to get. Its a series 20. The clutch pulley measures 5.5 inches diameter which I find strange as I've read most are 6 or 7 inch. Length between shafts is 9 inches center to center.The most intact piece from the belt I can find measures 27 inches so the belt that the yerf dog manual calls for isn't close to what this is. Anyone know what this belt is and what I should try to order?

Okay I got some pics of the dog. I think its a 3206. If someone knows different let me know, thanks.

 

[landuse]

Here is a link to help you find the correct belt you need

http://www.gokartsupply.com/tcbelts.htm

 

[OzFab]

Hang on, I could be wrong but, that looks like a GY6 setup, in which case, the belt required will be in a completely different category...

 

[landuse]

Hang on, I could be wrong but, that looks like a GY6 setup, in which case, the belt required will be in a completely different category...

I know, but when he said this...

I still want to put around a bit on this thing while I decide what I want to do with it. I need to figure out which belt to get. Its a series 20. The clutch pulley measures 5.5 inches diameter which I find strange as I've read most are 6 or 7 inch.

I thought I would post the link anyway. *shrugs* maybe it is for another kart

 

[bookel]

Please feel feel to correct me if I post incorrect information. Like I said I am new to karts and I am eager to learn. What is a gy6 setup and how do I tell. Belts for gy6?

We think this is the correct belt for me?
http://www.bmikarts.com/Drive-Belt-for-GY6-150cc-Engine-743-20-30_p_196.html

 

[2SlickNick]

I would leave that engine. That is the yerf dog spider box. Plenty of mods, cheap parts, and even a reverse kit for that engine.

 

[bookel]

I think I will keep the GY6 for a while at least. Now that it is running better due to a good carb cleaning. I added the high performance CDI and coil an that has helped a bit. The new torque converter belt slips much less than the old one.

For now I'm concentrating on making the ride better and stronger. The front shocks are stupidly underengineered for this ride. I own a 1972 Honda CB750 I have replaced the rear shocks on a couple of years ago. I had tossed the old ones in my scrap metal pile. I pulled them out an what do you know, they fit with very little modification.I pushed the bushings out of the yerf's old shocks and put them into the honda shocks. A little bit of grinding to narrow the width of the top eye on the honda shocks so they would fit inside the clevis at the top on the kart. The Honda shocks are much longer that the original ones and I couldn't lower the bottom enough to fit the shock in. I disconnected the lower ball joint and used a ratchet strap to compress the the shock while it was bolted into the top. Then I lined up the spindle with the lower ball joint and released the ratchet strap. I bolted the lower ball joint back in. Once the shocks were in my front end was towed way out. Easily fixed with a quick front end alignment.

Now I have about 3 inches more clearance and lots more suspension travel up front. I did a short test drive and it rides much better. I'll probably relocate the rack lower to reduce the angle of the tie rods. Ball joint and spindle mods are on the agenda next. As well and better rear shocks and taller front wheels.