Go kart

[James325]

I have decided to build a petrol engined go kart. Always wanted one !
and I'm a big kid (with two kids)

It's my first real project, and I'm learning lot's and fast!
I did the frame yesterday and made the engine mounting plate today, I'll weld it fully later on when I haven't got shorts on!

 

[demag]

It looks like it's going to be a very strong frame, you'll not damage that too easily.

 

[madkayaker]

is that a real Honda or a copy look forward to the rest of it

 

[James325]

Yes, very strong frame. It's what I found laying around, might blunt the performance slightly!

No, not a Honda. I picked up a clone on ebay, Seems good quality. And fired first time!
Time will tell..

 

[NTwoO]

That X shape looks to lack some torsional stiffness. Maybe you want to box it up the sides a little for stiffness.

 

[James325]

That X shape looks to lack some torsional stiffness. Maybe you want to box it up the sides a little for stiffness.

Good point. I'll see what it feels like, then I can always add some bars if it needs them. It's heavy enough at the moment

 

[NTwoO]

Mmm. Have a look at how a chassis of a Lotus 7 is built for some ideas in getting it slightly stiffer..

 

[Justme]

Chock all 4 corners up on bricks & stand in the middle. It looks like it will have a large amount of bounce in the centre as you have used the central tube wide & not tall.

But looking good so far. I made a similar two seater one about 20 years ago.

 

[BRODTuning]

been wanting to do one of these for years! and im only 15 haha
will have to give it a go in the near future!

 

[NTwoO]

Yea, stiffness is an important ingredient in that "kart feel". That being said, you shouldn't be put off too much. Whether it handles good or bad, I think you'll have a decent laugh either way.

 

[James325]

Chock all 4 corners up on bricks & stand in the middle. It looks like it will have a large amount of bounce in the centre as you have used the central tube wide & not tall.

But looking good so far. I made a similar two seater one about 20 years ago.

I've just had a quick 'bounce'. Yes there is a bit of flex, but I'm 14 stone and I think it may be ok. Still it's never going to be formula one spec

No progress today, but did collect another ebay purchase. £25 sound ok ?

 

[gavuk]

they look like fun on wet grass .....might be ok on tarmac too

 

[James325]

they look like fun on wet grass .....might be ok on tarmac too

I know, I've got a mix of both surfaces to play on. I really would have liked something with a bit of tread, but the price was right!

 

[luke123]

Saxon kart shop tune the 5.5 gx160 engines to do 80mph that engine that you've got there

Look for some other kart ones with tread.
they use them slicks for dry and the ones with tread for wet

 

[James325]

I hope this is strong enough. I REALLY need a proper welding bench, with a flat metal top.

I've only tacked the 'C' shaped bracket on so far...

 

[James325]

Didn't bother watching royal wedding, did this instead!

 

[Justme]

Did you allow for / use the Ackerman principle to work out the angle & lengths of those steering arms?

 

[James325]

Did you allow for / use the Ackerman principle to work out the angle & lengths of those steering arms?

Nope, Just decided what looked about right.... Which probably won't be, but this little project is more about having fun building it, than technical perfection

If it does all go Pete Tong then I can modify or make some more.

 

[Justme]

Its quite easy to get the angle right by eye. Makes a huge difference to the handling & safe steering. Prob tyre wear too.

 

[Robotstar5]

Are bolts suitable/safe to use as pivots?