Author Topic: Engine modifications  (Read 314 times)

RhysN

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Engine modifications
« on: 04 Feb 19, 07:43 am »
Rather than pollute/dilute the ethos thread, let's discuss this here.
The reasons I gave for allowing the "approved" modifications include;


Removal of governor, costs absolutely nothing, allows the engine to operate in a band of revolutions greater than approx 1700 (from idle to governor cut) and also lengthens the life of TAV belts as they are not subjected to as much slippage
Alternate air cleaners, in some cases "packaging" of getting the power unit into the car, cost is minimal, and yes they do allow marginally better breathing, but also better air cleaning/filtration
Alternate exhausts, packaging mainly, a number of desirable looking cars look absolutely hideous with the stock exhaust. Some alternates will give more power, I suspect some may be worse!
Carburettor change. If you have ever had to mess with the stock ones, which in some cases you can't even get to some of the jets to clean ethanol deposits from, you will understand.
Flywheel, some clone ones have exploded. It's right behind you, "nuff said?"


Of course one of the major reasons was to be inclusive of existing CKs, as I was attempting to do to allow for Chris' plans for his scooter power.  When the guidelines were framed every engine I knew about already had the changes which are well accepted in the US, and regulated.
If we were to say that buying another engine was a good option to participate in other events, I suspect that some would decline taking part, and some (me for instance), would decline cos it won't fit in the car with the rear cover on.
I'm guessing that even changing the tank could be said to be "not stock"?
« Last Edit: 04 Feb 19, 08:00 am by RhysN »
We must avoid torturing our brains with false problems, it occupies but it can annoy. In jest!

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Graham Hill

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Re: Engine modifications
« Reply #1 on: 04 Feb 19, 10:15 am »
Most are tempted for a little more power, myself included. To me this is an added part of the fun.
But as you have stated previously Rhys, its not all about competition, I hope we can all run happily together.
Oh hell, am I posting in the right place !!
Captain Ethos.

Chris Brown

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Re: Engine modifications
« Reply #2 on: 05 Feb 19, 11:14 am »
Thanks for your efforts to include my "off piste" build Rhys. The only changes I would consider for the Morgan are a change of ignition module to remove the rev limiter, and/or tweaking the variator (TAV) to better match the weight of the cyclekart. It depends how it performs in testing, I may not feel the need to do either, in any case the power output won't exceed the 10hp, as I'm starting at 7.5.

The second kart is another matter, as the space for installation is tight, so a modified exhaust will be needed as a minimum.

petrolderek

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Re: Engine modifications
« Reply #3 on: 22 Apr 19, 12:25 pm »
I was involved in doing some voluntary work in something called the Blair project for a year or so. It was a project for local disadvantages kids where they had a chance to drive go karts on the three sisters race track. These kids were fearless they would thrash these karts and it took me all my time to keep these three kart running. The engines were Honda gx160 we removed the governor and low oil switch de baffed the silencers ( this makes a big difference ) fitted stronger valve springs and fitted keeper washers on top of the valves to stop the springs coming off. One had a k and n type air filter. You can get larger jets for the standard carb and a modified key for the flywheel which increases the advance of the spark. I have some of these if anyone wants one. On my Kart (No Limit )I made an inlet manifold so I could fit a slide carb ( there is a video on you tube of the mod). I have a taco so we could limit the revs or they will break the rod and hole the case. There are endless mods for the gx160 all the go kart men know them.


RhysN

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Re: Engine modifications
« Reply #4 on: 22 Apr 19, 07:48 pm »
Petrolderek, most of us are well aware of what can be done, however can you please refer to the guidelines already posted before charging into territory where you may be in an area which the hobby does not want to go. We want to be inclusive, but the hammer may come down.
We must avoid torturing our brains with false problems, it occupies but it can annoy. In jest!

petrolderek

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Re: Engine modifications
« Reply #5 on: 22 Apr 19, 10:28 pm »
I wasn't aware that any of these engine mods would be considered outside of the original formula you either want to get more power from a basic engine or you don't. If you don't then no mods at all would be the best wat to go. I have been reading the rules and I see a diff if acceptable. I thought the Stephenson formula rules says no diff one wheel drive. In any case I will build my Kart to my rules I don't care about anyone else's.
Regards Derek

Graham Hill

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Re: Engine modifications
« Reply #6 on: 23 Apr 19, 09:21 am »
I am not a trained engineer, motor mechanic or racer (despite my name!). I am though, always willing to be corrected.
As a new UK group we have set out our interpretation of the Stevensons' guidelines under the 'Getting Started' forum. For 'Class CK' the relaxation on totally-stock engines is to allow builders the opportunity to engage in a restricted amount of tuning fun. This equates to stage 1 modifications to a GX200 or clone. IE approx 10HP max.
Anything above this is undesirable due to competition and safety.
The spirit of CK is not about all-out speed, the spirit of CK is definitely camaraderie.
I, (and others I hope) am very keen to see design and engineering ingenuity flourish in our UK group and this is our reason for slightly relaxing numerous aspects of the Stevenson Formula. Over-engineered interpretations may result in being considered best placed our 'Hobby Cart' category. Thats great, thats where a lot of interest will lie. However safety must be the prime consideration, and not top-speed.

petrolderek

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Re: Engine modifications
« Reply #7 on: 23 Apr 19, 11:36 am »
Graham
amen to that. I have been following the cycle kart scene for about a year on the mostly American site and I am struck by how much money they throw at their projects and there is nothing wrong with that if that's what you want. However to my mind and may be this is just me I wanted to build a kart that is a representation of the 20s and 30s not a replica. If you get into the realms of a replica then that's when it starts to run away with the costs ( and that's important ). I built my kart as an engineering exercise using what I had around at the time which is what happened back in the day starting off with a scrap mobility scooter and a scaffold tube and it evolved from there. If another wishes to build a whiss bang replica using a cad with the latest materials why not each to their own its only when comitative racing gets involved that rules need to  adhered to but if your not racing what dose it matter. My kart is geared for about 50mph but there is absolutely no way I would take it over 25 its not safe enough. Its only a hobby what dose it matter.