Gokart setup

[beef_bourito]

I was thinking as a fun project having a car engine (just a four cylender, probably between 1.5 and 2 litres) and having is sit on the right side of a driver in a gokart. The biggest problem, i think, with this setup is keeping the driver safe from getting burned. I know the headers get really hot, especially if i want to turbo the engine, but how hot does the block get? I should probably install a heat shield or something so that the driver doesn't have his forearm melted to the block right.

anyways, i was also wondering how much an average four cylender engine costs and how much of a performance hinderance it would be if the car was off balance laterally. could you change the suspension height to rebalance the car out or should i just put the engine behind the driver.

If i were to mount the engine behind the driver, could i use the same style of transmission and instead of hooking it up to the front wheels, hook it up the the rear wheels? if i did this, what kind of setup would i need to utilize to have an open or limited slip differential? are there any difs for the front wheels, if so are they in the trans or would i have to install it seperately?

Also, does anyone know of a six speed sequential transmission for a civic (i was thinking of using a b16 for this project if i ever do it) or even a normal 6 speed?

If I were to do this, the cart would probably weigh 100-150lbs, me 180-200 (depending on how much weight I gain), and the engine I expect somewhere between 150-250lbs, for a total of 450-600lbs. The engine I would expect to put out upwards of 300 hp (I plan on having a turbocharger and straight pipe or straight through muffler, run on higher octane than pump gas, around 20 psi, higher compression, better fuel system, etc.) so what kind of acceleration numbers should this thing be puting out? the tires will probably be bigger than average gokart tires to support the extra power but they will be slick (no treads).

Would i need a suspension? most gokarts i've seen i haven't noticed any suspension but i haven't looked very hard, I realize that it would be very uncomfortable but i'm looking stricktly from a performance point of view. would it be worth the extra money?

[bowlerguy92]

Just a 4 cylinder? Oh man your pushing with that but im sure you know what your doing even with the turbo and all. I have an answer to one of your questions about the heat in the block. The block does get pretty hot not AS hot as the other parts because of the coolent but it gets hot still i wouldent recommend having someone sitting within 2 feet away.

[bking05]

dood! that seems way a crazy idea. because thats a buttload of work to put into a go cart, and the engine will weigh at least that amount, probably more. if you mount it to the side, there will be an odd weight distribution and would probably comprimise handling. i dont know much about carting, but that seems a little insane. id just stick with your average shifter cart. either that or build an awesome buggy with that same amount of cash.

[sierrap615]

Originally Posted by beef_bourito

The biggest problem, i think, with this setup is keeping the driver safe from getting burned. I know the headers get really hot, especially if i want to turbo the engine, but how hot does the block get? I should probably install a heat shield or something so that the driver doesn't have his forearm melted to the block right.

on a non turbo engine the exhaust gases as easilly reach well over 600F
the coolant in an engine is typically around 200F
the temp inside the combustion chamber is at mininum 1200F(if not double that)

also don't forget about radiator placement

Originally Posted by beef_bourito

anyways, i was also wondering how much an average four cylender engine costs and how much of a performance hinderance it would be if the car was off balance laterally. could you change the suspension height to rebalance the car out or should i just put the engine behind the driver.

if you mount it laterally(i think thats the term, front to back, not transverse) and place the driver on the opposite side, the balance shouldn't be to bad, the engine out of my car, with accessorys installed, wieghts about 220 LB, i weigh about 190 LB, throw in a seat, steering, transmission, everything else i still don't see it being to far off, even if it is, just move the wieght around or add wieght to one side.

Originally Posted by beef_bourito

If i were to mount the engine behind the driver, could i use the same style of transmission and instead of hooking it up to the front wheels, hook it up the the rear wheels? if i did this, what kind of setup would i need to utilize to have an open or limited slip differential? are there any difs for the front wheels, if so are they in the trans or would i have to install it seperately?

you can use a transverse setup for RWD no problem. open or limited slip only depends on your choise and if one is availible for your transmission.
they do make differentials for front alxes, you could probilly score one off of a 4X4 trunk at a junkyard, but the whith may be to much for a gokart, so you may need to find a front alxe made for gokarts. remember the front and rear finial radios must be equal.

Originally Posted by beef_bourito

The engine I would expect to put out upwards of 300 hp (I plan on having a turbocharger and straight pipe or straight through muffler, run on higher octane than pump gas, around 20 psi, higher compression, better fuel system, etc.) so what kind of acceleration numbers should this thing be puting out?

for safety reasons unless you really know what you are doing i highly advise aginist puting a turbocharged 300 hp motor in a <600 LB gokart. the stock HP is way more then you need

[sierrap615]

Originally Posted by bking05

or build an awesome buggy with that same amount of cash.

argeed, this idea is better suited for a buggy then a gokart

[public]

Why not just try a mortocycle engine. Lighter, good HP (most are around 100 some way more) and some are air cooled for easier installation. Tey also have ready made small trannys. Have fun.

[Schister66]

snowmobile engine w/ tranny will work the best. They are built to fit in small spaces, most are air cooled...no radiator....and they have an ass-load of power. Get a 600cc engine and tranny and have fun!!

[beef_bourito]

I hear your comments about the air cooled motorcycle engine and i have concidered it but i've already seen it done. i wanted to have superior horsepower because i want it to be insanely quick. I'm not so concerned about performance per say, i don't really car about its cornering ability per say, i mean i want it to be at leased slightly controlable but i'm mostly focusing on quickness, i want this thing to be an absolute monster in the straights and i want to be able to turn at leased decently. my biggest concern is the differential, i dont want a straight bar because they suck in corners but i dont want to spend alot of money. could i just stick on two bars to a front wheel drive setup but stick it in the back instead of the front or would it be the same as a straight bar? if it's too much trouble, i could stick to straight bar and just drift around every corner but i'd prefer not to.