Automotive Blog

Many of us have zero money, but this mega thirst for a go kart. The belt drive can be the most cost effect drive system that you could implement, on your low cost cheap go kart.

There are, however, issues with a belt drive that need to be understood prior to just diving in and making this belt drive system.

First thing to understand is the final drive ratio. Is the engine actually going to be able to turn this system or will it stall. Keep in mind that the rpm for engagement is typically not very high, like 1200 rpms. So your calculation needs to reflect that. The HP curve for an engine is approximately linear, so if the rpms are decreased, then the HP needs to decrease accordingly.

For example a 5 hp motor will put out 87.5 in-lbs of torque at 3600 rpms. But the same engine will put out only approximately 1/3 of that at 1200 rpms (29.1 in-lbs of torque.)

Continue reading ‘How to Build a Go Kart – 6 Important Notes About Belt Drives’ »

Many of us are in the same boat. We’ve got plenty of junk, but no money. We would like to have some fun, maybe making some new gizmo, or even a go kart.

Well making a go kart can be as easy as 7 easy steps:

1. Layout the length wise members of the Frame on the floor
2. Now apply the cross members for stability
3. Attach the rear axel and engine plate
4. Attach the front axel
5. Attach the engine
6. Attach the seat
7. Attach the Brakes

This sounds too easy to be true, but it applies across the board whether you are building a wood go kart or a metal frame go kart.

Continue reading ‘How to Make a Go Kart in 7 Easy Steps – Making That Go Kart of Your Dreams’ »