Information on this engine

Posts: 11 · Newbie Joined: 01 Jun 2008 Posts: 11 Pictures: 0

Hi, I am still pretty new to this forum, so hopefully this is in the correct area.

I just came across an ad on craigslist where a guy is offering up a go-kart for trade of some chevy parts (i.e. 700R4 tranny). I am finishing up a rebuild on a 700R4 tranny that I was going to sell. At the same time, I am working on a custom go-kart in my welding class. Can anyone offer me some information on this engine (link below)? Would it be something worth trading this fresh transmission for, and would the engine be powerful enough for use off road?

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/712490729.html

Posts: 180

the photos arnt good enough to really tell about the moter but it looks like a honda. contact the seller and ask some questions then we can help you out ferther

Posts: 11 · Newbie Joined: 01 Jun 2008 Posts: 11 Pictures: 0

Well I found out what engine it has. It is a Honda GX270. I did some searching and found out it has a net hp of 8hp@3600 rpms and 13.1 torque @ 2500 rpms. He stated to me that he has seen this engine sell for $900 alone. I just did a quick glance of ebay, a brand new gx270 in box for $550 buy it now.

So, would this engine do well in an off road type go-kart? If I made the trade (I have a freshly rebuilt 700r4), I would ask for money plus the kart for my transmission.

Furthermore, any idea of these karts come with a transmission, or is it just a direct connection from the engine to the axle? Also, would adapting the front steering to my setup be a smart thing to do?

Posts: 180

the cart posted dosnt have a tranny. its direct connect with a clutch. I'm not sure about the off road cart and that motor. most of us are using scooter motors. maybee some of the other guys have more insite into this than I do.

Posts: 11 · Newbie Joined: 01 Jun 2008 Posts: 11 Pictures: 0

What type of motors are you guys using, and how much do they run?

Posts: 62

most people here are using some version of a honda gy6 150cc. These can be found for around $300 on ebay and i think about $500 from dealers that have them(not positive though)

Posts: 1889

Buggy Depot sells a Huoniao GY6 for $300, Howhit GY6 for $400, and Howhit GY6 with internal reverse for $600.

Posts: 2640

if you are going to go with a honda engine like that one there, get a twin... If you want the offroad performance, go with an ATV engine. Polaris sportsman, polaris scrambler, honda TRX or foreman, suzuki 230, and so on...

I picked up a used TRX 300cc engine with an internal 5 speed transmission AND revers for 300 bux plus shipping... that motor is currently being drafted into a monster buggy... hehehe

John

Posts: 4277

I agree with the others. the engine in that picture has a gear reduction box on it. they are used in sod cutters, and other lawn equipment. so the speed with that box on it would be slow.

Posts: 11 · Newbie Joined: 01 Jun 2008 Posts: 11 Pictures: 0

All right, thanks for the replies. I will look into these engines. I really didn't expect this project to start escalating in price like it has haha. I was thinking I could do a budget of $200. But after reading and looking at prices, I would have to find the best deal of the century to attain that goal.

Maybe a stupid question, I dunno. An engine with a higher rpm range would definitely be better then one with a lower rpm range right? That Honda engine in the go kart I originally posted had a red line of like 3600 rpms. A buddy of mine was showing me some other engines that have a redline of 6000ish rpm.