Go Kart Engines

For beginners in the karting sport, it is essential to know the system of the Go kart with which you will ride in on the track. It will not only educate you but also help you to keep a safe ride.

Among the different parts of the Go kart, the next most important element after the chassis is the engine. Today, a lot of brand new state-of-the-art Go karts are already built with their own engines so there should be no more problem finding one while for those who plan to build your own Go karts, choosing the perfect engine is one issue to face. It is best to go for engines that suit your demands as a karting enthusiast.

Off The Shelf Engines

This type of engine is designed primarily for use of only a short period of time. They have this aluminum cylinder bore that can be rubbed against a steel piston ring thus creating a great deal of friction. Because of this, they do not last very long and therefore, are not a good choice for those who intend to do the sport a lot.

As for larger models, they have this cast iron cylinder, a variety that is more expensive than aluminum. However, this type lasts longer so it may be a good option to consider.

For some engines of this type, an electric start is built on them and along with this is an alternator that allows them to power a light and even charge batteries.

Motorcycle Engines

The most popular and by far the most versatile type of engines are the motorcycle engines since not only can they be used for racing on tracks but also for the off road Go karting. They don’t need a lot of modification to fit a used or self-constructed Go kart. However, this type of engine is one that is hard to find.

Lawnmower Engines

A horsepower of three to five, these engines are relatively powerful ones. Unlike the previous type of engine, these are not difficult to find. Nonetheless, there are a number of downsides. They are not really fast. They are also difficult to adapt with to fit a particular Go kart’s needs.

Another disadvantage for using this type of engine is that upon running on a vertical pin, it requires a lot of work so that it will be able to run on the horizontal pin demanded by Go karts. As a result, there is a risk of piston failure since the engines are primarily designed to settle for that same way up.

Other Sources

There are also other sources of engines that can be used for your Go kart. These include moped engines, generator engines, tractor lawnmower engines, chainsaw engines and car engines. Some of them may be easy to adapt with while others may turn out to be dangerous and really challenging to become accustomed to.

Choosing the right kind of engine may be quite a challenge especially when you are having your Go kart built on you own considering that the best ones are not as easy to take hold of. For regular karters, brand new Go karts are probably the best option.

For safety reasons, its best to acquire the help of a professional or perhaps an experienced karter to have the engine fit since it is quite a risky procedure to get it done.