Good frame/chassis for WF Engines

[Curry Brown]

Anyone know which popular chassis/frame accept a WF engine, specifically 2 cycle versions of the birel/arrow/tony/CRG?

Currently looking at a nice birel, but understand the seat post has to be mounted in different position to fit WF engines, or is that for all 4 cycle engines? Excuse my ignorance, new to this world....

Want to buy a chassis that I can run WF now to ease into the sport (like the TAG concept) then upgrade to rotax or kt100 if I ever get the itch to.

Just for recreational use. Only interested in feedback about the "2 stroke/tag" chassis that work well with this engine.

Thanks for your help in advance.

[Bernie Lacotta]

[Craig Drabik]

They don't make the Arrow AX9 4S any more but I would check with Arrow to see if they have something that works. I believe the WF is still popular in Australia where the Arrow is made. My 4S would be workable for Tag and it's designed with inboard drive chain clearance in mind.

I would throw in this note of caution though. If you're learning, you might be better off saving money by getting a servicable used package now, then replacing it in a couple years when you step up. Usually Rotax/Tag run 50 mm axles, front hubs, and the frames are a lot beefier. The difference between my 4S and the X1 I bought for my Rotax is pretty big - tubing sizes, geometry, axle sizes, etc. I bought it used and paid under 2k for a mint chassis and I think in the end this is the better way to go.

Your mileage may vary.

[George Vorrilas]

I am guessing that we have done as many World Formula's on TaG as anyone and key is finding a chassis that has the bar behind that runs straight side to side rather than angled back toward the right bearing cassette. The potential issue is the inboard drive as Bernie mentioned. A chassis with an angled cross member will, or may limit the size rear sprocket that you can use. With this being said, you can always run a mount with a jackshaft but, as a rule we try and avoid these. To date we have made them work on about every brand chassis out there, some work a bit better than others but most are do able. The other concern is mounting the seat and clutch interference.
We generally use a small porta-power and try and move the left seat strut, pushing off the right frame rail to favor the seat to the left a slight bit. Regarding mounts, you may want to use one of the standard 4 stroke mounts with a top plate that slides left to right, this will make engine, clutch, chain alignment a breeze.

We just finished putting a pair of World Formulas on a Maranello R8 chassis, it worked really well. On this one we had to clip off one of the seat struts and mount a new one. As always, feel free to give us a call or email with any questions and we can send pictures of installations of many of the WF conversions we have done.

George V
ApexKartSports
www.apexkart.com
978-479-7974
apexkart@comcast.net (e)

[Chris Schmid]

So I'm in a similar boat and not that knowledgeable about all the different chassis and stuff.

I'm looking for a strictly World Formula chassis or kart package for SCCA Solo competition in FJB/A.

I've got two kids that have been running on & off for a couple years, but my oldest has now completely outgrown the Birel 950mm cadet chassis with Comer W80 engine. Oldest is just north of 5 foot, so I'm looking for a full size chassis/package and then doing pedal extenders for the younger one since they share.

So what chassis are my best options for the World Formula engine? I've been lurking on here a while reading and surfing the webs, but it's hard to decipher. Once you do, it's even harder to find a used rolling chassis or package.

Seems like the biggest issue is the rear cross bar and seat support bar. Trying to find one that I don't have to find someone to cut-up and weld, preferable used since their interest goes in spurts.

I've seen that a CRG RS4 or RS5 chassis works, but the RS4 is old and RS5 may be too new (out of my $ range), but not many hits on finding either one when searching.

I've heard Arrow might fit, but every picture I see on the internet looks like the frame & seat support is in the way with the in-board drive of the WF engine. Seem to be set-up for 2 cycle out-board drive.

Any way, any help on chassis would be appreciated. The season is starting in March and I've had no luck searching all winter, so coming to the experts for help.

Thanks.
Chris

[John Matthews]

It's not as big a deal as most people make of it. Very few Euro chassis actually will not work (I had a Top Kart that wouldn't).

If you find a chassis you want to know about post what it is up here and someone may have done it already. If not just arrange with the seller that you can fit your engine before the sale is complete.

Removing a welded seat strut and replacing it with a bolt on one just takes a hacksaw, file and a can of spray paint. Moving a cross bar (I've only had to do it once) can be done by your local welding shop for less than $100.

Unless you're running at a national level the equipment won't matter anywhere near as much as chassis tuning and driving so whatever you get will probably be fine as long as it's not bent or broken.

Don't be afraid to ask more questions but don't expect to get a definitive answer on what chassis is "best" cause there isn't one

Cheers,
_________________
John Matthews
Heartbeat Power, LLC.

[Chris Schmid]

Thanks. Not looking for what's the best chassis, just what options I have that will work.

It'd be great to find one local to check out, but haven't had much luck. Which means buying one site unseen over the internet. So just trying to avoid buying something that doesn't work.

I'll keep checking the Classifieds and if something seems like a potential, I'll have to post up for advice.

[Finch Guenther]

I run an 08 CRG Road Rebel with a WF of it and it works great. I did have to bend the seat struts a bit to get everything to fit but nothing major.

[Bernie Lacotta]

[John Matthews]

[Bernie Lacotta]

[Chris Schmid]

[Chris Schmid]

[Bernie Lacotta]

[John Matthews]

Bernie would be a good source

Tons of good used karts in Phoenix and no rust

Cheers,
_________________
John Matthews
Heartbeat Power, LLC.