4 Cycle Classes/Catogories

Brian Degulis · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 5:04 pm Post subject: 4 Cycle Classes/Catogories

Would one of you 4 cycle guys be kind enough to explain the various classes the engines used and modifications allowed if any?

I got my son 7 years old soon to be 8 a Birel Cadet Kart with an IAME TAG 60 on it and it's not working out. It's way to much power and controlling the 2 stroke is to much for him. I'd like to set the kart up with a simple 4 stroke of limited power that would be easy to operate. I have a Honda GX 120 about 3 1/2 HP @ 3600. I know that work well but is that stock engine raced anywhere? Also interested in the classes moving up.

Thanks in advance!!

Brian

Bernie Lacotta · Joined: 21 Mar 2006 Posts: 168

John Matthews · Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 1:07 pm Post subject:

If you plan on racing right away then you'll need to start working with whatever engine your local club runs for cadets, Comer 80's used to be popular and some places run Yamaha KT100's with tiny carbs that are a PITA to tune. KPV is also popular with carbs and pipes for kids to adults but these are all 2 stroke options. 4 stroke is anything from Briggs gold plate flatheads, Animals, LO206, and Honda clones. I wouldn't bother with the GX120 since it's not likely to produce enough power for your son to get up to speed. They race them in quarter midgets but that's a whole different deal.

As you can see there's a mind boggling array of classes raced in the US so there really isn't any easy answer as Bernie said, except that you can only race what your local club runs. Back in 2004 I had an Easykart 60cc that's probably close to what you have. I took the engine off it and replaced it with a GX160 clone for my daughter. But, that was strictly for practice and it was way before the folks down south started messing with them. Eventually it dropped a valve and I replaced it with an Animal but the LO206 is definitely the best option IMHO.

When kids are just starting out they need as many laps as they can get so not messing with the engine is a very good thing. Out of the box the LO206 will run on pump gas with just oil changes and produce around 9hp, there are also restrictor slides to limit power which are very easy to install and don't mess up the tuning like plate restrictors.

Cheers,
_________________
John Matthews
Heartbeat Power, LLC.

Brian Degulis · Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 2:23 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the info it's good advice. I did some calculations and the GX 120 should get us around 30 MPH which is all I want him to have right now at 7 years old with no experience. Plus I already have one and we have a local test track where he can run it and get used to it and see if he likes it. Then I think the Briggs animal you suggested will be perfect for local racing the near by tracks are using them.

Thanks

Brian

Brian Degulis · Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2012 5:49 pm Post subject:

Finished. 120cc Honda GX120. I think this will be about perfect to get a 7 year old used to running a kart.

Brian

John Matthews · Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2012 10:13 am Post subject:

That'll do the trick, what you have is an Easykart (blue).

Did you remove the governor?

Cheers,
_________________
John Matthews
Heartbeat Power, LLC.

Brian Degulis · Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2012 10:43 am Post subject:

Sounds right It's marked Birel but I think they built the Easy Kart. No I didn't remove the governer I need it to keep his speed around 28 MPH fo a while.

Well he's doing great with it. He has no fear in an hour he started slow then worked up to speed then started losing it on the turns and he's now learning to stay on the edge. SUPER SELF STARTER!!!

It's funny my daughter age 8 wants no part of it. My other son age 12 is afraid of it. My 7 year old son is all over it and can't get enough.

Brian

mike clements · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 2:54 pm Post subject:

I would give everything I have to be back in the situation you are in. To have a child and be raising them in the sport as you are is an extreme honor. Those were the greatest years. My dad did for me and I did for my son.
Congratulations to you.
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Began kart racing 1959. Made many friends along the way.

Gary Lawson · Joined: 21 Aug 2001 Posts: 542

Try to get him a kid kart seat. They are cut down so he can move his arms. That is a seat for a much taller kid.

Rob Howden · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2012 4:34 am Post subject: Re: re

Jim McMahon · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2012 7:54 am Post subject:

Brian was the GX120 a kit or did you buy the pump, exhaust and soforth yourself and assemble?
Would you mind sharing your shopping list and pricing?
I've had good experiences with the GX120 on cadet rentals and if I can get the dough together I might put one together for my daughter. She's been telling me that some day she wants to put her helmet and suit on, close the glass down (visor) and go weee around the track.

She's been practicing.....

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Brian Degulis · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 5:28 pm Post subject:

I had the GX 120 but they cost around $325 Clutch was fury around $50 I made the mount but any clone mount will work $70 and the fuel pump top plate and exhaust kit (clone) $100. It works really well because you can leave the governer in place and control the top speed but still have full power accelerating. It makes it very easy for them to drive and very simple and cheap for you to maintain. As they get better you can remove the governer and change gearing to go much faster than a Comer.

The idea that a kid kart needes a $1000 2 cycle engine just shows how much manufacturers control this sport.

Brian