OT: Go kart racing, Looking for some knowledge |
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OT: Go kart racing, Looking for some knowledge |
736conver |
May 7 2007, 04:42 PM
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#1
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 2,117 Joined: 25-May 03 From: SE Wisconsin Member No.: 736 Region Association: None |
Went go kart racing a couple of weekends ago and it was a blast. 10 laps of practice. Then two time trials of 10 laps and then the main feature at ten laps. I got stuck at the back of the pack for both time trials but was lucky enough to get some clean track to post some fast lap times. Ended up starting 3 on the grid for the feature and ended up with first place. WooHoo.
Had perma grin for the next two days. Of course now I would like to get a kart and practice on some of the local tracks, and compete by next year. I have a chance to get a kart with a 18hp briggs and stratton world formula series engine on a coyote frame. Dont know anymore specifics then that. Dont know year, hours etc. I still have to go look at it. I figure the motor would need a rebuild, how much does that cost? He is asking around $1000 and says engine has few hours. I realized this engine is little bigger then the 9 horse I used at the track but then again I thought the 9 horse sucked coming off a hairpin. Way too slow. Any opinions/advice. |
nebreitling |
May 8 2007, 07:43 PM
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#2
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Member Emeritus Group: Members Posts: 3,314 Joined: 26-March 03 From: San Francisco Member No.: 478 |
DON'T buy the first kart you see. go to the track and watch a few races. talk to people about what classes are active and well-supported. TAG karts are really popular for good reason. hell, rotax engines go like 40 hours between rebuilds; leopards like 12... I don't know much about the briggs classes -- we don't run those out here.
a 125 shifter is a real handful, and unless you are truly gifted or in an uncompetitive region, you will get your ass kicked for a while until you come up to pace. if you must shift (and i highly recommend it!), 80 shifter (I run 80 limited at 360 lbs) is a good balance between speed and an accessible "learning tool". In any case, the maintanence costs can add up. I do a top-end rebuild every 90 minutes (slightly pumped up engine)... tires are about $180 a set, and last maybe 2 races (competitively) and another 4 practice days. I break shit all the time. You have to invest in special tools like chain breakers and bead breakers. Still, it's cheaper than racing cars, and it's unbelievably intense. |
andys |
May 8 2007, 10:26 PM
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#3
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Advanced Member Group: Members Posts: 2,165 Joined: 21-May 03 From: Valencia, CA Member No.: 721 Region Association: None |
DON'T buy the first kart you see. go to the track and watch a few races. talk to people about what classes are active and well-supported. TAG karts are really popular for good reason. hell, rotax engines go like 40 hours between rebuilds; leopards like 12... I don't know much about the briggs classes -- we don't run those out here. a 125 shifter is a real handful, and unless you are truly gifted or in an uncompetitive region, you will get your ass kicked for a while until you come up to pace. if you must shift (and i highly recommend it!), 80 shifter (I run 80 limited at 360 lbs) is a good balance between speed and an accessible "learning tool". In any case, the maintanence costs can add up. I do a top-end rebuild every 90 minutes (slightly pumped up engine)... tires are about $180 a set, and last maybe 2 races (competitively) and another 4 practice days. I break shit all the time. You have to invest in special tools like chain breakers and bead breakers. Still, it's cheaper than racing cars, and it's unbelievably intense. Godd advise. And to expand on that just a bit; take your time and see if you can find a deal like when I quit racing. Someone that's selling the kart with spares and tools, etc. You WILL NEED at least one full set of mounted wheels/tires, tire balancer, bead breaker, kart stand, air tank, gas can, a full set of tools (can be kart specific), plenty of spark plugs, brake pads, quality tire gauge, Ratio-Rite, lots of zip ties, driving suit/shoes/neck brace/current DOT helmet (whatever the rule book specifies), etc, etc. I'm sure I missed some obvious things, but you get the idea. A package deal will get you everything for 25 cents on the dollar. Andys |
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