Go Kart Engine Build: Performance Mods

[@KartFab]

Go kart engine modifications. Feel free to add your own parts list, and consider contributing the the KartFab Build Fund kartfab.com/donate

[@michaelmcfarland3108]

KartFab check out my gx390 build on my facebook

[@michaelmcfarland3108]

KartFab what engine mods

[@scotttalken8431]

Everyone loves your confident, professional and positive attitude. Keep smiling and keep up the great work.

[@KartFab]

+Scott Talken thanks for your kind words. Will do!

[@MAD450r2]

Love to see the old 80s dingos still out there. I loved my 8hp briggs model back on release date

[@cheathunderwood]

I agree 100percent on the flywheel. But a lighter flywheel also helps to get to the max rpm quickly. And still can keep it below 5k. But nice job man

[@Customwinder1]

Nice work mate. You certainly went to town on the mods for the motor. Your exhaust header looks great. I did the same on my wifes kart. The pipe I used has a 28 mm i.d. and matched up perfectly with the exhaust outlet. Sounds a lot better. Hers runs a 16 hp clone . Looking into a carb kit and filter for it now. Great info . Cheers mate 👍

[@johnwyman6126]

When seating the bead, you only need about a quarter second blast of spray for that small of a tire. Much more and you can blow out the sidewall, or worse. Have a tire chuck hooked to the valve stem before you even spray it.

[@bctrails7206]

try to find an enclosed air filter assembly, kubota rtv's have a dual filter system and is designed to adapt to snorkle.saves having to clean and re oil filter.great vids btw!

[@-DIYPRO-]

Nothing like welding in sandals! Great video.

[@KartFab]

Living on the edge. Never knowing when I’m gunna get burnt

[@omwtfyb4485]

The mario kart sound effects 👍👍👍👍

[@rogermarshall8991]

You are absolutely correct Grant, stock flywheels are enough in 99.9% of any application. I've seen older engines turn upwards of 20,000 RPM and ZERO problems other than the busted block & rod..... It was a stock cast iron wheel. Up untill y'all started making videos, I've never even heard of a flywheel failure...

[@KartFab]

I'm compiling videos of failures. IF you spin one of these china/clone flywheels north of 7,000 rpm, you are in the danger zone. Two causes of "failure" are 1) spinning the flywheel because you didnt torque the nut down after adjusting timing, and 2) magnet flies off fronm the centrifugal force.

[@leonardosaavedra6428]

just when i was going to give up on my manco baja 200 dingo restoration i found your videos thanks alot for all of the tips and restoration videos it helps me alot.

[@KartFab]

No problem. It’s a sweet little ride.

[@Chris-yy7qc]

Great Video! 15:50 Next time just tackweld the pieces together and complete the weld off the engine. The plates wont bend if you just tackweld again and again until the weld is complete and let it cool in the meantime. So you dont have to worry about the heat transfering to the block and dont need to hurry taking it off again.

[@wes89]

I was about to kay the key does nothing!! Good one. Now I know your a pro ;)

[@rogeroconnor5182]

cool stuff,glad to see your still building stuff.

[@KartFab]

yeah, still at it! Got lots on my plate with work and family, but I still manage to squeak out a few videos here and there.

[@quicksand4089]

The 23 people who gave this thumbs down have no soul.

[@ronduck2812]

They noticed some misinformation couple times in the video I give a like his Engine do whatever he wants to it

[@austinlane5533]

20:10 4.5"er in the flops.. My kinda guy. Sub'd.

[@m1th3]

What would you recommend as a solution to limit the acceleration on my son's kart. I have a 212 running a standard clutch to 72 sprocket and 13" wheels. Some sort of adjustable throttle stop?

[@KartFab]

+Alex D if it's a predator with the governor and throttle setup that is stock, it already has an adjustable throttle stop built in. There will be a small screw with a spring on the top of the engine on the pull start side. The more you screw it in clockwise, the more the throttle will be limited.

[@TheBaccaClench]

I still will never understand how to find timing

[@KartFab]

thats okay, timing keys are good enough.

[@itbsection8980]

A thumbs up for princess helper!

[@Chris-yy7qc]

Why are you using 5W30 oil in an aircooled engine? With oil temperatures of 120 degrees and more I would use at least a 50 or maybe a 60 weight oil. In my atv (aircooled) Im running castrol 10W50.

[@clayhunna7357]

Do a V-twin build

[@KartFab]

Will be doing a 1 wheel peel v twin build for the heck of it before I put it on the mini buggy

[@rlld23]

Yeah do a v twin or opposing cylinder motor please

[@DonovanBryant92]

i have a question where can i find the valve lapping tool along with the valve spring installer tool

[@Screamingz1]

You can get a valve lapping tool at any parts store. Looks like a wooden handle and has to rubber ends on it. They are cheap! Then all is need is the lapping compound which is usually right with the lapping tool.

[@seanbaker9796]

Great video! Back in the day we used to drill the flywheel to lose weight instead of spending a ton of money on a billet one.

[@KartFab]

Nice

[@mecaniX69]

Can you give me some informations about the modification of your stock flywheel?

[@AEON.]

I wish people would do videos on Tecumseh powersport engines like what's on my yerf dog!

[@KartFab]

+Nicholas Brown tecumseh went out of business because they made bad engines. There are performance mods and parts for these and the basic principals are the same.

[@keeganhurren9931]

I like the long vids

[@KartFab]

the next few vids i do will be pretty long, and Ill mix a few short how to videos into them as well.

[@kartaroundtheworld]

How did you know that you needed a bigger jet ? Can you shed some light ?

[@willtrautman6243]

a haircut, about time, nice vid

[@KartFab]

yeah, everyone has been bugging me to get it. I don't look like a bum anymore.

[@c-man5679]

Don't do it for them. If you like it... rock it!

[@gabbleredneck6318]

You are correct I have only had one problem with a guenuin fly wheel and it cracked because I over reved the engine and it locked up immediately so the key stop or what ever you want to call it grabbed the fly wheel and it cracked the spot next to the key stop on the fly wheel lol

[@KartFab]

so it cracked because you didn't torque the flywheel to spec?

[@gabbleredneck6318]

KartFab yeah

[@pbp1701]

Wow! Great information.

[@YeeThirty]

Lol at the princess dress.. my 5 year old sister is the same way.

[@MAD450r2]

not sure if i missed u say. what size is the motor on the dingo u put lights on nice build by the wsy

[@KartFab]

+Ray Madore gx390

[@MAD450r2]

ah sweet 13hp baby plus the way you set them up :)

[@KartFab]

yeah buddy, definitely pulling more than 13 hp now.

[@lachlanbruce5566]

For the flywheel do I use fine grinding paste or coarse ?

[@KartFab]

+Lachlan Bruce doesn't matter but I'd do fine. Just look at the contact surfaces and when they are both evenly gray with no burrs on keyway, then thats it.

[@AEON.]

Would polishing to a mirror finish, the counterbalance do anything good or bad? Same on the gears and anything else that is not smooth?

[@KartFab]

+Nicholas Brown I doubt it would do anything.

[@AEON.]

That's what my thought was - there's a video here on youtube of a guy who did it and to me, it looked like a waste of time. Doesn't hurt to ask though! Thanks for the crazy fast reply! lol - Are you working on any new builds? If I could request something - seeing how shifter karts "shift" and how the paddles work and everything would be fricken awesome! I don't think there's a single video that really goes into depth about it.

[@rogermarshall8991]

The counter shaft is best in the scrap box. They were installed for equipment needing smooth vibration free applications like generators & such. Power sports equipment, no way they kill torque and suck power.

[@vx-iidu]

it looks better, that's about it.

[@buder5116]

8:43 who is grasping for air?

[@mr.takuache5558]

hey when you take the governor off a 212cc motor can you put a bolt that stick out a little bit in the motor where the governor arm was??

[@KartFab]

Yeah, but not too far.

[@mr.takuache5558]

KartFab. thank you

[@awkwardsilence3375]

What mig welder do you use?

[@KartFab]

millermatic 251

[@leopoldolopez6761]

Love your videos

[@KartFab]

thanks!

[@BlackDevill9]

Awesome video and verry detailed! Looking at your air filter gx 340 what part number is that? Thank you fine sir! 👊

[@KartFab]

No idea I just looked up the dimension and got a legit k&n filter for it

[@ricardomelo4097]

How much hp? I have a honda gx 390, with bored carburator 25mm, with a sport air filter, exausth pipe, and I want more accelaration at the exit of curves. What do you recommend? New timming key? I buy a new spark plug AR3910X is good for this engine? Thanks and congratulations for your channel (Do more videos with honda gx 390)

[@KartFab]

Get a NR racing cam. 280, torque grind

[@jordanharris4993]

My two go carts have 6.5 Tecumseh engines which i noticed you said weren't good. Would you recommend switching to the predators?

[@KartFab]

Yes

[@donaldbixby3692]

Hey bud gotta ask. If the flywheel key is only for reference. Why do we adjust timing with it? Just asking no smart ass intended

[@KartFab]

Timing keys are shaved. Regular keys are not

[@backyardkarts9554]

i plan to have a torque converter, with a 10 tooth sprocket, a 60 tooth sprocket on my axle, a high flow intake, and nitro, how fast do you think it would go?

[@KartFab]

+BackYard Karts depends on engine tire size, kart, and if you plan on floating the valves.

[@santiago101100]

I have a predator 212 on a minni bike with a 30 series. And it has a red spring on the driven, is the yellow spring better for acceleration? (Also I have the blue spring on the drive pulley.) I'm geared 50tooth on the big sprocket and 10 on the tc but I want to go faster. Right now I go about 32mph. so I ordered a 12tooth.

[@santiago101100]

Great video and thank you in advance! Also my predator has jet, exhaust and ungoverned. what's the next step for the engine? my goal speed is close to 40

[@KartFab]

It is a trade off between torque (acceleration) and top speed. If you gear it to go too fast, you could end up accelerating too slow.

[@KartFab]

heavier valve springs, 4 to 6 degree timing advance key, and an arc billet connecting rod to keep everything together.

[@santiago101100]

KartFab can I just upgrade the valve springs without damaging the engine or do I have to add a couple of mods at the same time? Also what are some good springs? I'm looking at some 18lb from G.P.S.

[@javamantv1593]

I have a Coleman CT200U and I removed the governor but while doing the my friend lifted the bike up while the side casing was still open and the camshaft came out and the lifters I put it all back to how it was but couldn't adjust the valves took it to a friend he didn't know and when we tried to fix it , it ran and then locked up ... What can I do ? Plz help very frustrated

[@KartFab]

+baller 2 take the valve cover off. Check for bent push rods. Take spark plug out and see if you can turn it over without spark plug.

[@lexusman83]

hey nice channel man , im looking to build up a gx390 , for my go kart , it replacing my gx200 will add almost double the weight, i wanna shred as much weight as possible ,so id like to remove the balance shaft , whats your take on it , have you ever done it , do you think it will vibrate way to much

[@KartFab]

You should only remove the balance shaft if you get the crank rod and piston balanced. You can still rev really high with the balance shaft in.

[@vancemacd6315]

Dude, you look like Napolien dynomite

[@KartFab]

+Vance Mac donald correction, Napolien Dynomite looks like me.

[@roadkillsf.f.cgarage386]

Looking to upgrade the cam in my GX340, any recommendations as to which one and where to find one, thanks and love the vids

[@KartFab]

275 cam and shave the head 50-80 thousandths. Run on premium pump gas.

[@joeshmo2473]

Man that dingo is sweet. What size engine is that you got on it

[@KartFab]

Gx390

[@joeshmo2473]

@@KartFab are you the guy that has the American express 2.0's for sale? The frames? I would like to order one from you in the future depending on how much they cost.

[@BunkerBlog]

Whats the max RPM you see once you remove the governor on one of these big blocks? Can I get 6k RPM with a stage 1 kit, 50lb springs, 6° timing advance, & stock cam? I'll be using billet flywheel/rod obviously.

[@KartFab]

Cam determines RPM for the most part.

[@BunkerBlog]

@@KartFab What cam are you running?

[@KartFab]

In this video the NR racing 280 cam 0211 grind

[@bartekho4896]

hello how many teeth does the sprocket on the axle have.

[@KartFab]

54

[@josephworthley2191]

Whats your opinion on smog pump superchargers?

[@KartFab]

Im not sure, but with the aid of a dyno someone could answer this question: "Does it take more power to drive the smog pump than you get back in boost?" Would be fun to find out.

[@josephworthley2191]

KartFab. I have a 2HP 60102 Briggs I could test it on, its had mild port work. Maybe i could get it together and then send it to ya?

[@KartFab]

I don't have a dyno, maybe finding someone who does would help?

[@motorheadkingsgarage2877]

Why was 22 degrees timing. Set and was it before or after full turn

[@KartFab]

22 degrees was stock.

[@Real.Alpheus]

Why didn't you pick up Pedro and Uncle Rico?

[@KartFab]

I was too busy practicing my dance moves.

[@Davyboi1690]

i have twin honda 160 engine whats best mod but dont want it to be loud air 2x filter and 2x bigger carbs and take govener out it aready does 70mph but i want more low end thanks i will subscribe

[@KartFab]

Get headers and attach dirt bike mufflers

[@Davyboi1690]

still really loud but i was thinking that or will just take exhausts off and see what i can do with them have porting kit there could maybe modify standered ones there maybe is restrickter on pipe like most dirtbike exhaust they weld it together pitbike ones have lumps of bad weld

[@mylostwife5230]

What would be a good price for an off-road go cart that was used and still running?

[@KartFab]

depends, but $100 is junk, $400-$800 is about what they sell for, and anything above that depends on what it is and how nice it is.

[@mylostwife5230]

KartFab Thanks

[@mylostwife5230]

KartFab What about just a frame and getting a engine for it

[@KartFab]

thats a good idea. That is usually what i do :-)

[@amotherlandcomrade4531]

Would this work on a weed wacker

[@KartFab]

rofl

[@ascholte2406]

No ..4 stroke not 2

[@keatonandjacksonbeckham8078]

4500 rpm an you run a risk of blowing up that flywheel it may be just 15 lbs of cast iron but if it shatters it will go right though the engine shroud an your seat right into your back an a pound of cast iron flying at 200 mph could kill you think about that a billet flywheel for those hondas are really cheap for what they are like $100 but that is also like saying i am not reving high so i dont need a better rod and yet you have a $200 arc rod the aluminum rod is not as important as the flywheel plus the rod is so light that if it shatters it probability not even break through the crankcase

[@KartFab]

+Keaton and Jackson Beckham where did you get the 4500 rpm number? Any documented primary sources?

[@keatonandjacksonbeckham8078]

KartFab i think i heard it off of carsandcameras but if you think about it cast iron is heavier than billet aluminum so it is affected a lot more by syintrifical force and i dont think i spelled that right but i think it would be cool if you built a racing mower i am builing one and tell me what you think of this briggs 18.5 hp opposed twin with billet flywheel arc rods hot cam dual mikuni carbs dual cold air intake and dual catch cans with dirt bike oil cooler for oil and inline oil filter with an in line oil pump people said the pump would create too much crankcase pressure but it is also creating a vacuum so it wil kind of balance out but it has a breather just in case and to top it all off a small turbo charger if i can get that to work together and be reliable i think it would make some serious power

[@KartFab]

+Keaton and Jackson Beckham there are a lot of misconceptions about the flywheels. You should double check your users manual for the Briggs. All of the v twins I have seen already have oil pumps.

[@keatonandjacksonbeckham8078]

KartFab but what about an inline oil pump for the turbo cooler

[@keatonandjacksonbeckham8078]

KartFab maybe i could get your phone number and we could talk about this over the phone

[@emmettcarr2988]

hey i have a 688cc twin cylinder briggs boxer engine and I'm going to be upgrading to billet connecting rods but i was wondering if its ok to upgrade just the connecting rods and still use the stock pistons? feedback would be greatly appreciated :)

[@KartFab]

Some reasons for upgrading pistons would be if you are turning some serious rpm's and want to lighten the rotating mass, or if you are increasing your compression ratio drastically and shaving the piston at all. With performance modifications, every little tiny bit of weight reduction in the valvetrain and rotating mass will help you with acceleration and whatnot. You can turn stock pistons pretty high. Just depends on your application.

[@emmettcarr2988]

thanks for the feedback, although I'm not looking to get alot of performance out of the motor, i just don't want it to break cause I'm gonna be beating on it so I'm gonna get billet connecting rods so i don't throw a rod and i was wondering if it was possible to run the stock piston crown with the aftermarket connecting rods or would i have to buy the rod and piston?

[@KartFab]

you can run stock. The rod just has to have the same diameter as the wrist pin.

[@brilliantmind4947]

You're the best

[@johnwyman6126]

You are spinning the hone way too fast for a 45° cross hatch pattern. It needs to spin very slowly while you work it back-and-forth very quickly. That style of dingleberry hone was made for doing a quick cross hatch between runs for engines with known straight walls that are taken apart between every run In the very high levels of professional Drag Racing. It has no ability to straighten out the cylinder that is worn. In order to do so you need a hone with straight hard stones. An extremely good, but fairly expensive one is made by Lisle.

[@larsbuller]

What camshaft and still stock 64mm crank?

[@KartFab]

280 cam with marine grind. Yes

[@sugizotakuro]

is it safe using open pods air filter and running into puddle like that? do the water sips into the carburetor?

[@KartFab]

probably not safe. Im sure some water got in there.

[@sugizotakuro]

@@KartFab thanks. Because i am afraid the engine got hydrolocked

[@KartFab]

Let me ask you something? Can the engine become hydrolocked while its still running? Think about that.

[@sugizotakuro]

@@KartFab yes. Because the water cant be compressed during the compression stroke, thus hydrolock happens. If only a small amount of water, there should not be a problem. That is what i know

[@KartFab]

@@sugizotakuro you got the hydro part right, but the lock part never happened.

[@joealaniz2588]

Ur a pro..

[@christopherwinson451]

What grit is the ball hone you're using?

[@KartFab]

240

[@christopherwinson451]

@@KartFab Thank you very much. love your videos.

[@alexncube1435]

u haven't uploaded in a long time

[@KartFab]

a long time is a relative term when it comes to me uploading videos

[@carsont3998]

What size cam is that?

[@KartFab]

280

[@spikemandan]

why are you so shaky like for reals brah

[@gokartmozart1567]

shutup

[@pierrelateur5337]

you made the lody yourself

[@KartFab]

whats a lody

[@adrianlastname4864]

45 degrees and NOT seen here

[@pierrelateur5337]

you con send me the plan of your kart

[@KartFab]

this is a baja 200 by manco

[@marcoscalderon1074]

Insisto que haga un vídeo pero en .latinoamericano. sobre los cart

[@KartFab]

No me nace.

[@paulskartslifan4206]

How does my engine look ? Check it out ... 3000$ into it

[@KartFab]

Looks good. Please don’t spam. The rest of your messages got flagged as spam.

[@paulskartslifan4206]

Kool

[@spikemandan]

genuine junk fly wheel you mean lmfao

[@KartFab]

They rev to 9k, no problems. Clone flywheels are the ones that are junk...

[@benitocamela8541]

U LOST ME AT 1:20 I THINK ILL STICK WITH STOCK ENGINE

[@adrianlastname4864]

dingle ball honer

[@mrniranjanmehta01]

Mobil nambar

[@KartFab]

I don't give out mobil nambars

[@charlenehedoin9251]

c nul vraiment les gens qui aiment la oute

[@gettingoldsuckss]

Use transmission fluid for stone hone

[@KartFab]

What’s the advantage of that over regular 10W30?

[@gettingoldsuckss]

KartFab supposedly trans fluid is more of a detergent and cleans.