hey guys

so my son and i just got plans to build a offroad go kart.

after looking at multiple sites, it says motorcycle engines are the easiest to use but heres my problem how big of a cc engine do i need?

we would like it to go over 40mph so maybe like 250cc?? or should it be higher?

 

a 5.4 would fit nicely in there

 

haha, i would need a bigger frame!

 

see if you can find a part out 4 stroke. that would propel you pretty good

 

hell if money wasnt an object, i would make it a BAMF buggy or something

anyone know about the cc question?

 

How old is the kid? Just how fast do you need this thing go? Will you be crawling over nasty terrain, or blasting around on smooth roads?

FWIW, modern 250cc two stroke MX race engines put out well over 45 hp, with some pushing 50 hp depending on the dyno and mods.

The newer 4 stroke 250cc MX race motors are around 35+- hp.

Newer 450cc 4 stroke race motors will make approx. 50 - 60 hp with a broad range of power.

FWIW, you could find a used Kawasaki KDX200 or KDX220 two stroke trail bike pretty cheap. The motor in that is small, light, low maintenance and makes about 30 hp, with fairly good low end power. Given the suspension limitations of a buggy, I think that would be plenty. It won't be as fast as a motor from a 450 MX racer, but it should be plenty for a buggy and would easily have the power to push a buggy over 40 mph.

 

What dave said. A two stroke 250 would be plenty if you ask me. Depending on how big this thing will be and the age of your son, I would even go 125 (2 stroke) or the 250 (4 stroke) route. Good luck and have fun.

 

hes 13, so we are ready to rip it.

it will be on streets until summer, thats if we get it done before then. then we will be taking it over to eastern washington so sand and gravel

alright i will look for a 250cc engine, how much do you think i could get one for?

btw it will hopefully end up looking like this

 

A 250 will make that thing fly. You're probably looking at anywhere from 700 to 1,000 for a used complete motor. Take Daves advice and look for either a used KDX200 89 and newer (water cooled) or KDX220 motor. Tons of low end and won't have that on/off switch that 250 2stroke race bikes have.

 

darn i wasnt looking to spend that much, maybe i can find a deal on CL close by or on ebay

 

A buddy of mine who does go kart racing as a hobby, used a 27 hp Kohler 4 stroke gas engine in his go cart. That thing is sickly fast. It's done like 60+ mph.

He is planning to make it 4x4 at some point.

Plus the engine is bullet proof.

 

thats also what i was looking into was kohler, tecumseh and honda engines. only about 15hp though

the kohler 26hp engine is $3,100!!

 

It's not much to do with go carts. But, Utube lawnmower races. It's amazing, how just changing the pullys will make a 15 horse lawnmower scoot. There is also an unlimited class. Those guys are crazy

 

How much are you looking to spend? You may have to find an older air cooled 2 stroke motor but then you never know what you're getting and parts could be hard to find. A modern 2 stroke water cooled motor isn't going to be cheap. Even if you drop down to 85cc. Plus, it's hard to find them complete with radiator, carbs, electronics etc.

How about something like this? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/150CC...Q5fAccessories

With the right gearing I'm sure it'd push that little cart along.

 

That seems like a good price, 150cc should come to what 20hp?? For another $100 I can get one that has reverse too.

Those go to an atv though would that still be easy to connect?