New Project: Building Prop Driven Go-Kart (100+ HP) Hehe !!

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BigLance

Golden Member
Dec 20, 2000
1,206
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Hey guys,

I have this great idea. My Dad is a genius (seriously) he built a prop driven go-kart when he was like 10 by himself, made his own prop even, only had 10HP but would do 55 MPH. Anyway, we are going to do it again, only this time were going big ! Probably 100HP or more. Here are the ideas we have so far:

(Price is major player, since it will be mine I'm paying for it, we will build it in his machine/welding/hydraulics shop...)

Enigne
S-10 2.8l
Toyota 4cyl
Subaru 4cyl Tubro

(All used)

Trying to find (without luck) a (approx.) 5ft 3 blade prop to swing

The wheels and breaks are figured out...

Not sure about reduction method: Chain, Pulleys, groved pully ???

We are thinking we will use 4 disk breaks, he bought some for his Ultralight... same ones should work !!

Not sure about the overall layout, like where the gas tank should be ext. And how long to make it...

And I have no idea what to make a safety cage out of for the prop... dont want someone loosing something :(

If you have any comments/suggestions please let me know, this is going to be a blast to build/drive, hehe WOOHOO !!!!
 
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loup garou

Lifer
Feb 17, 2000
35,132
1
81
I was going to suggest looking for props/cages from an airboat, but I see you're in Colorado. Don't see too many airboats there, huh?

Sounds like a fscking cool project. Where the hell will you drive that sucker? The track? LOL.
 
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BigLance

Golden Member
Dec 20, 2000
1,206
2
0
Hehe....

Well your right, not many airboats around here :(

But I do have a lot of open space, I'm out east of CO Springs... open country... probably not open enough to really test that sucker out though.. I doubt I have the balls to go as fast as something like this could !! :D

 
Zenmervolt

Zenmervolt

Elite member
Oct 22, 2000
24,514
36
91
If you can manage a gear driven reduction unit that would probably be best for durability. Chains will need tensioners, and a belt and pulley system seems as though it would be too easily damaged. If you do go with belts, I'd think toothed belts would be best because with 100 HP there would be a good chance of something slipping unless the belts were toothed. At least that's my theory. Can't help you with the prop cage other than say ditch the cage and hope everyone is careful (and doesn't like to sue). When you get this thing built, please put up pics, sounds like an amazing project.

Zenmervolt
 
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BigLance

Golden Member
Dec 20, 2000
1,206
2
0
Thanks for your input guys, if/when it happens I will be sure to throw some pics up !!!
Zenmervolt, we are leaning towards the Toothed Belt drive, its a little expensive, but having something go wrong IS SUCK :) Plus, with that high speed chain it needs to be oiled all the time I beleive. I will talk to Pops about a gear drive, thanks !
 
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BigLance

Golden Member
Dec 20, 2000
1,206
2
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Thanks for the site, but those seem to be Boat (as in, boats with propeller in the water, not fan type boats).

Anyone here know any good Ultralight sites ?
 
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Viper GTS

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
38,107
433
136
Sounds like you're making a damned plane, not a go-kart.

I would kill myself with it.

Viper GTS
 
geno

geno

Lifer
Dec 26, 1999
25,074
4
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For engines, look for a 2.2L or a 2.5L Mopar engine. I've seen people mount these suckers onto a crudely designed dragster and they go great. They're durable as hell due to the fact that they're detuned (a TBI 2.2 puts out 93 horses, the 2.5 does 100). I can give you some links, and chances are you'll find a handfull of these engines in any given junk yeard. A Turbo version puts out somewhere between 140-150HP if you're looking for a little kick in the pants :) All in all, this is a great engine for a back yard project such as the one you described, they're versatile and easy to work with.
 
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BigLance

Golden Member
Dec 20, 2000
1,206
2
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Hey, that sounds cool, if you want to post some links or PM me that would be awesome !! Thanks for the good idea...
 
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Ornery

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
20,022
17
81
I don't understand the point. Now if it were going to hover, I could understand. But it seems you'll be wasting power, too noisy, no throttle response... just plain don't get the point!
 
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BigLance

Golden Member
Dec 20, 2000
1,206
2
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Yes, you are correct. It will be less effecient, however, It will not be limited by gearing like a wheel driven/ transmission vehicle would be, not saying it will go infinite speed...of course not, but plenty fast. Now I probably will never find out how fast it is, but uh, whens the last time you saw a prop driven go-kart ? You can't tell me it wouldnt be REALLY cool... besides, the power vs. the weight on this thing should make it fly anyway!
 
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Ornery

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
20,022
17
81
Yeah, I've heard of racing karts doing 140mph with 2 cycle engines. Not exotic setups at all really. You sure this is worth the trouble?
 
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BigLance

Golden Member
Dec 20, 2000
1,206
2
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Well not that I will ever atempt 140MPH, nor will I designe this particular machine for ultimate high speed but numbers up to 200MPH with a 100+ HP Prop Diven setup (if done right) is not out of the question. If built very areodynamic it could be done because Prop's are almost "gearless" , they dont really run out of gearing until very high speeds... also depends on the prop...

Remember, this could be fun where I live, it isn't bothered by snow and mud and stuff like this, same traction at all times !!!

AND ITS SO DAMN COOL :) :D
 
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BigLance

Golden Member
Dec 20, 2000
1,206
2
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I have a couple of realistic options here now, its pretty exciting !

1. GM 4cyl w/ Tubrocharger (Motor needs work, could get for around $100, including turbo!)
2. Early 80's Toyota 4cyl Motor (Descent shape, also around $100)
3. Go to Junk yard and grab 2.2 or 2.5l Mopar Engine

Hmm... this is looking good... just getting started too !
 
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