The go-cart is a popular ride these days and after you get to be about 8 years of age the pedal carts just don’t appeal to you anymore. You want something with some horsepower behind it – enter the petrol go kart. Often referred to as a gas go cart, the petrol kart runs on petroleum (gasoline). You can purchase one out of a local yard sale or classifieds as well as online stores but the exciting thing to do is build your own. You can go the more expensive route by purchasing go kart kits or the inexpensive way by finding scrap parts. It is really not that difficult if you have any knowledge of tools and little mechanical ability.
What Parts Will I Need?
First you will need an engine and chassis. the engine can be a lawnmower or old go kart engine. Ask a friend or relative if they have an old mower engine you can have. Look in the classifieds of the newspaper or hit up a few yard sales. You are bound to find something you can use, it doesn’t have to be fancy.
Next get your hands on a chassis or frame either from an old kart or a bicycle, grocery cart, or even a soap box derby cart. You will be able to use the chain and brakes from a bicycle and maybe the tires from a derby cart. Otherwise find some wheel barrel wheels and tires. You will also need a steering wheel which can be found at a garage sale or auto parts store.
Remove the Lawnmower Engine
You need to disassemble the motor from the lawnmower and you can do this by removing the bolts that hold it to the motor mounts, usually four large bolts. Also remove the blade from the mower drive shaft. Now you have your go cart engine ready to be installed on the go kart.
Fabricate The Frame
Take the shopping cart basket and cut the base off of the basket (right below the basket) so all you have is the bottom part with the wheels attached. Then cut and attach a piece of 3/4 inch plywood the same size as the base of the cart. You can also use two by fours on the front and back. This allows you to attach the motor and parts to the frame and gives you a place to sit. Remove the shopping cart wheels and voila you have the start of your very own petrol go cart.
Attach Wheels
This is critical, when attaching your wheels you need to have the rear axle tube level and the front axle clamp centered an inch from the edge of the go carts wood. This allow the cart to travel in a straight line. You will then be able to slide the rear axle in the tube as long as you have lubed it up nicely with oil. You want the rear axle roughly the width of the tire hole which allows the axle to be fixed but the front needs to be independent. Use two screws to attach the front wheels on both ends of the axle allowing them to rotate freely.
Attach Sprockets
Slide the large bicycle sprocket onto the rear axle and secure it with a weld or screw nice an firm. It needs to line up straight with the drive shaft so your go kart chain is straight. Attach the small front bicycle sprocket to the motor shafts end using a weld or screw.
Engine Mounting
Now attach the motor to the frame by lining up the motor on top of the rear axle. The sprockets on the motor and axle have to line up properly. Take four bolts and attach the engine to the plywood or two by four.
Bicycle Chain
Snug the bicycle chain around the two sprockets so they are tight. The petrol go cart should start.
Seat Position – Steering
Now you need a place to sit. Attach a seat or something soft. Attach the steering pole in front of our sear using a pipe clamp. You will need a hole in the wood by your feet for the steering column to come in. Next attach wire at the bottom of steering shaft with a bolt. Attach other end of wire to front steering axle and you now can steer your go-kart.
Brakes
You can mount a friction brake at this time. Cut a three foot long piece of 1 by 2. Put a screw in the 1 by 2 and attach to the side of the plywood. This needs to be somewhere near your body so you can pull on it.
Petrol Go Kart Racing
Racing go carts is a great inexpensive way for those with the need for speed to compete. Most types of motor vehicle racing is very expensive and financially out of reach for most people. Children or adults can both get involved and participate in racing petrol go karts as this is the cheapest motorsport racing in the world.
Before getting involved in go cart racing be sure to do your research and learn as much about this sport as you possibly can. Learn about how fast the petrol go carts can go, for example did you know that the motors of these go carts can have four stroke engines that reach speeds of 50 miles per hour. Two stroke engines can run a lot faster than the four stroke engine, up to 160 miles per hour in a racing kart.
The Petrol go cart has a single gear so you don’t have to worry about shifting gears while gaining speed. The fastest race go karts (gearbox/shifter karts) have a two stroke engine and six speed manual transmission.
Tips
Always wear a helmet and appropriate riding gear. Use caution when riding and before you ever drive a go kart read safety manuals. Get on Youtube and watch safety videos on go carts.
Tools Needed
Wrenches (metric and standard if possible) Otherwise crescent wrenches
Screwdrivers (phillips and standard)
Drill
Hammer
Various sized screws and bolts
Wood (ply and 2by4)
Welder if possible
