Best Engine for Project

[GPhillips]

I have been working on a suspended kart project for use on 1/8-1/4 mile dirt tracks in the area. I know this question is going to open up a can of worms but I am going to ask any how, which ATV engine(s) should I bee looking at using for the power plant of this mini-racer? My original thought was to use a 400ex engine but I thought I would throw this out there for open discussion.

Thanks

[QuadParkour23]

I know exactly where your coming from, I built one for a neighbor. The 400 mill is heavy and doesn't kick out the ponies. I built the one with a RMZ250 dirt bike engine. It revved to the moon, had power everywhere and never lost torque. + It's much lighter and more reliable. Only down side - (kick start). But the neighbor loved it, owned all 125cc engined karts and had very low maintenance.

[PaRedneckRiders]

i dont know any of the regulations on that, but i would say dont use the 400ex motor, its pretty heavy i would use something more along the lines of a bike motor like yz400f/426f
Or crf250r/450r
but if u need a quad motor or a 400 motor i would prob go with the z400/drz400

[Tommy Warren]

banshee

[SpasticR450]

CR500
KX500
H2 750

[beastlywarrior]

blaster may be good for a cart, still air cooled, decent power potential and light

[GPhillips]

Let me give you just a few more details about the project.

The basic premise is to build a roughly a 2/3 scale of a dirt late model. It will have a double A-Arm front set up with either a 4-link or a swing arm rear setup. Rear axle will be chain driven and the engine will be to the right of the driver.

I would like to keep the weight down to 450-500lbs without driver.

I am wanting to use as many quad parts as possible to keep the cost down as much as possible, so we can build more than just one of these and really have some fun.

[trailrider894]

Small Block 350? lol

[beastlywarrior]

r1?

[QuadParkour23]

Try here.... http://www.qrckarts.com/

[wilkin250r]

The 400EX engine can likely be found for cheap, and it's extremely reliable. However, I would highly suggest something liquid-cooled for a project like that. The engine won't be exposed like it is in a quad frame, I don't think you'd get enough airflow around it to keep a 400EX motor cool.

[Canadian144]

Originally posted by beastlywarrior
r1?

+1, a street bike motor would be awesome!

Just saw a Gixxer 750 motor for like $700 the other day on craigslist.

[GPhillips]

We would like to stay with an ATV/Cycle engine, just because that is where our experience is. I personally would rather stay with a 4 stroke, simply because I like the sound of them better, but nothing is out of the question.

Also looking at using hubs, rotors, and the braking system from a quad just to help in keeping the cost down as much as possible.