Vintage go kart with a snowmobile engine

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ValiantK360

ValiantK360

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I ended up buying a very unique summer project for only $240 today...it is a 60s - 70s Rupp go kart frame paired with a 70s Harley-Davidson 440CC, 2 cylinder, 2 stroke snowmobile engine which puts out about 37 HP (from what I read online). It does not run, but has very strong compression. It probably just needs a carburetor clean and new plugs to get running again.

Anyone big a go kart fan in here? I don't know much about these older karts, but I do like how primitive and sturdy they are.

It is a good little Summer project to kill some time with :D

Go Kart 1.jpg


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There's one of those engines on Ebay now for like 1K dollars.
 
That is 'Death awaits". How is it geared? Hopefully is low end and not speed as 32HP is crazy for a cart. That big 'ol belt drive reduction looks like torque.
 
Sell the Harley motor for 1k on ebay and stuff a GSX-R motor in it....
 
pishta said:
That is 'Death awaits". How is it geared? Hopefully is low end and not speed as 32HP is crazy for a cart. That big 'ol belt drive reduction looks like torque.
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Not sure how it is geared actually. I will find out soon hopefully!
 
that is way too open for that kind of power ...needs a cage and some safety gear IMO

I probably wouldn't reach the pedals anyways :eek:
 
Be careful with that, I had one of those carts as a kid, with smaller tires on the rear, it would roll over very easy.
With those larger tires it is going to have more bite, and most likely will flip over real fast.
 
sireland67 said:
Be careful with that, I had one of those carts as a kid, with smaller tires on the rear, it would roll over very easy.
With those larger tires it is going to have more bite, and most likely will flip over real fast.
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Ya I had a larger framed kart as a kid with the snowmobile motor setup. Wish I had a good picture of that monster. Mine had good wide rears to keep it upright.
That centrifugal clutch is crazy dangerous right there under yer armpit with no guard.
 
snate66 said:
Ya I had a larger framed kart as a kid with the snowmobile motor setup. Wish I had a good picture of that monster. Mine had good wide rears to keep it upright.
That centrifugal clutch is crazy dangerous right there under yer armpit with no guard.
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Yeah I was thinking of making some sort of belt guard for it so I don't lose my arm lol.
 
I built a go Kart with a motorcycle engine back in the 70s. It was freak'n dangerous. Imagine going 75 MPH on the grass (open cockpit)!! Got pretty scary once you get past 40/45 MPH especially on asphalt when you try to make a turn. It WILL flip over!!

Treblig
 
Treblig said:
I built a go Kart with a motorcycle engine back in the 70s. It was freak'n dangerous. Imagine going 75 MPH on the grass (open cockpit)!! Got pretty scary once you get past 40/45 MPH especially on asphalt when you try to make a turn. It WILL flip over!!

Treblig
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That sounds pretty wicked! I don't think I would personally go 70 MPH on a kart, but I still would enjoy the power :D
 
ValiantK360 said:
That sounds pretty wicked! I don't think I would personally go 70 MPH on a kart, but I still would enjoy the power :D
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Seriously though........I wouldn't let my kids drive it. The one I built had a cage (flimsy one but still). The cage won't keep your arms and legs or head from getting out during a roll over. Even with a seat belt your arms will still get knocked loose and will get broken if you're not careful. Have fun but be safe!!
 
This looks wonderful and ultra-scary. That’s a Saturn V type power for any kart - don’t let your kids try it.
Not sure what I would do with this.
 
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