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Go-karting is a great way to drive without the restrictions of the road. Whipping around corners in the karts is an incredible thrill that cannot be matched by much else. However, the karts used at the tracks that most people race at are only pared-down versions; there are plenty of ways to modify a go-kart to make it your own to achieve specific goals or a unique appearance. This guide will look at all the different ways a person can modify and add to a go-kart, from its type and mechanical components to its paint job. What Can You Modify on a Go-Kart? A go-kart contains a plethora of components designed to make it run and look a certain way. However, before starting your modifications, it is first worth learning which parts of a kart can be customized to fit your needs, whether you want more speed, better handling, louder noise, or an eye-catching appearance. In a way, go-karts resemble any standard car; they require: A gas-powered or an electric engine to power the vehicleFour tires controlled by a steering wheelBrakes on the wheelsA body covering all these parts Like an average car, go-karts have many intricate components needed to operate the vehicle and features that make it unique from standard cars. All the following parts can be modified, added, or swapped out for a more advanced part to boost the kart’s performance to whatever levels you desire: EngineAir FilterCarburetorFuel Filter Fuel TankRadiatorBody and FrameTires, Rims, and BrakesInterior ComponentsSeat SeatbeltsSteering Wheel Additionally, you can modify the go-kart’s aesthetics to match whatever you want it to look. Everything from custom rims, extra parts like a spoiler, more aerodynamic features like a more wind-resistant hood or side panels, or even a custom paint job are all-possible on a go-kart. Types of Go-Karts You Can Modify Several different types of go-karts are available to people to purchase or build. First, there are the standard karts that you can see and find in amusement parks; these are usually one- or two-seat karts that have minimal power. When you start to look at more professional and custom go-karts, though, there are more variations to choose from. Racing go-karts are generally going to have larger engines that allow for more power and increased speeds. They also are going to have customized tires and brakes that allow for the most handling possible. Outside of the track karts, there are off-road go-karts. These karts are generally larger because of the track's features and the engine’s need to be more powerful. Additionally, the tires are bigger on these vehicles to better grip the terrain. How to Modify a Go-Kart Engine The go-kart component that can be most modified is the engine because there are so many different parts that can be swapped and altered to fit your needs. There are a variety of go-kart engines, depending on the size and power of the vehicle. For most standard go-karts, their motors are either electric or a four-stroke engine. Racing go-karts, meanwhile, use smaller two- or four-stroke engines. The smaller four-stroke engines usually produce between 5-20 horsepower, with some more powerful engines getting up to 50 horsepower. These are the engines used by amusement parks that younger kids are more likely to use. The two-stroke engines are the more powerful engines, with the horsepower ranging from 60-90 horsepower, depending on the cc unit type (the larger the cc unit, the larger the motor). With the vast differences in these two go-kart engines, you may be wondering whether you can swap them out for one another when you are modifying your kart. If you are looking to switch out between these various engines, you might have a little bit of trouble. The motors are generally going to be different sizes because of the number of strokes in each component, and therefore may or may not fit your kart’s build. Of course, if you design your kart to have more room with a smaller sized motor, then you might be able to swap out for a larger sized engine. Alternatively, you can downgrade to a smaller engine if you wish to update your kart for kids or casual use. Note: For the most part, the engine in a go-kart will be behind the driver, unlike classic cars, because the motor is usually too big to fit under the kart's front hood. Air Filter Part of the engine that helps keep it clean and free of debris is the air filter. This piece is vital to the kart's performance because it blocks foreign particles and other dust or debris that might otherwise disrupt the engine. While there are no fashion pieces for air filters, there are various sizes that you can choose from that fit smaller or bigger engines. Note: Air filters are found on go-karts because most use a carburetor that mixes air and fuel before it enters the gas engine. If you are racing with an electric motor, an air filter is unnecessary because an electric engine does not run on gas but rather an electric current, so no air is required to move the kart. XLYZE Air Filter & Adapter Kit For Predator 212cc Engine Go Kart Racing Cart Mini Bike Fitment: Air Filter & Adapter Kit For Predator 212cc Engine Go Kart Racing Cart Mini BikeAlso fits 6.5 HP Honda Clone GX160 GX200 Go KartPackage includes: 1pc Air Filter + 1pc Adapter Kit + 1pc XLYZE key chain Buy on Amazon Carburetor The carburetor on the go-kart is essential to help propel the kart forward by combining the fuel and incoming air in a proportion specific to the kart and then pushing it through the combustion chamber of the engine. The carburetor needs the gas from the fuel inlet and air from the air intake to function correctly. Carburetors are found mainly on racing types of go-karts because they help boost the performance of the kart. You do not necessarily need a carburetor on your go-kart to function, but many racers add them because of this increase in performance. With that said, a carburetor can also be attached on both road and off-road style go-karts. Go Kart 150cc Carburetor Fuel Kit 150cc adjustable carburetor.Air filter with 2 7/8" openingIntake manifold Buy on Amazon Fuel Filter Along the same lines as the air filter, the fuel filter can be installed on go-karts to ensure that the kart's fuel is free of debris and other impediments. These are connected in two different places on the go-kart: one in the fuel lines and the other in the carburetor via the fuel inlet. The fuel filters installed in the fuel lines are magnetized to allow fuel to flow while catching any rust that might be coming through. It also has a sieving material on the outside to prevent impurities from coming into the engine. The fuel filters help the carburetor because carburetors have small jets that can get clogged with debris and other impurities if not filtered properly. In keeping those impurities out, the fuel filter helps keep the engine's performance at its peak levels. APE RACING Inline Fuel Filter Universal Fuel Filters for Small Engine Motorcycle Lawn Mower (Pack of... Perfect and easy replacement fit for 1/4" fuel lines, please make sure the fuel flow follow the arrow directionManufacturing with APE Racing HIGH FLOW technology for better performanceWide range of application for motorcycles, small tractors, lawn mowers, snowmobiles, garden equipment, Go Karts, generators Buy on Amazon Fuel Tanks Gas-powered engines must have a reserve of fuel to operate. So, go-karts that are gas-powered need to have a fuel tank somewhere in the kart's body to have the energy necessary to power the engine. This is where the modifications come in: For the most basic karts, the fuel tank is placed in the kart's front, near the steering column. For most racing karts, front fuel tank placement can be dangerous, as the driver is positioned right in front of the steering column. So, some kart designers will put the fuel tank near the back of the kart or in one of the side panels—whichever the designer of the kart sees fit and does not drag down the aerodynamics. For some off-road karts, the fuel tank is placed in the back by the engine. There is more room back there in off-road karts than street-racing karts because of the kart body's design. You can also choose to use a tank with a different material: Fuel tanks that are generally built out of materials such as stainless steel or aluminum are used on off-road go-karts. For racing karts, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is used because it is incredibly lightweight and able to fit into smaller spaces that generally are found on the karts. Everest Red Universal 5 Gallon Generator Gas Fuel Tank with Chrome Cap Petcock Valve 20" Length 13"... Brand New Everest Brand Part!High Quality Replacement Parts Backed By Everest Customer Service!Please Note: All sales on fuel tanks are final. No returns allowed*** Buy on Amazon Radiators When someone is racing with a high-performance engine in a go-kart, the parts tend to heat up very quickly. Overheating can cause parts to break down and stop functioning. Most normal go-karts and off-road karts are cooled by airflow going in and out of the engine. High-performance racing karts require a radiator's installation to help with the cooling down process because of the karts' design and performance. The radiators are generally made from aluminum or brass because those materials are great heat distributors. The cooling agent is typically water or coolant pumped through the engine via water pumps and flows around the cylinder to cool the engine. The heat is subsequently dispersed once it flows through the radiator. 3 Row Aluminum Racing Radiator For GAS SHIFTER KART/GO KART 3 rows Buy on Amazon Modifying the Go-Kart’s Body and Frame Most go-karts’ body and frame are all relatively the same, regardless of the type of kart. These structures are meant to be as aerodynamic as possible to allow the driver to get the best performance out of the kart while racing. This means that the body and frame will usually be lighter and designed to experience minimal resistance. Go-Kart Body The go-kart’s body is generally made from fiberglass and can be shaped and formed to fit the driver’s style and ideal performance standards. While go-karts can have bodies containing the kart's frame, some karts do not have a body and only have a frame. If you are building a kart from scratch, some websites like BMI Karts and Go Karts USA have starter kits with all the essential parts needed to start creating your go-kart. However, some of these kits will not include a kart body because some go-karts are built without the fiberglass structure and have the frame. Go-Kart Frame The frame of the go-kart is the most visible part of the kart besides the actual body. The frame is essentially made up of metal bars that surround the engine; it usually is more noticeable from the back of the kart. The purpose of the structure is to keep the engine and the necessary components of the kart together. If you want to customize this part of the kart, be sure that the basic frame covers the engine's outline and the kart’s base. Modifying a Go-Kart’s Tires, Rims, and Brakes A few of the accessory parts you need to operate the go-kart, such as tires, rims, and brakes, can be customized for both style and function. Although modifying these components is optional, you may desire to switch them out to fit best the type of racing you plan on doing in your kart. Tires One of the first accessory parts you can modify is the tires. Tires on a go-kart can determine how well the kart grips the surface you are racing on. Go Kart Guide has a great chart to help you decide which tires from specific brands might best fit the go-kart you are looking to run. I can also teach you how to read go-kart tire size if you still don't know. You will want to use tires with a low profile for any street or track race that allows for the grip on a dry track to be as tight as possible. There are tires with a little more of a profile and treads to grip any wet gravel or paved surface. If you happen to be on off-road terrain, specialty tires allow for maximum gripping power. These tires are usually a lot bigger than street tires and have wide treads to help grip the off-course terrain. SunF Go-Kart & Kart-Racer Slick Tire 11x7.10-5, 4-Ply, Smooth Tread, Tubeless Size: 11x7.10-5 | Total Number of Tires: 2 | Wheel (Rim) Diameter: 5 inTrue racing slick, maximum contact patch for maximum grip.Heavy 4 ply rated construction resists punctures and abrasions. Buy on Amazon Rims Along with the tires, the rims on go-karts can also be customized to fit the driver's style and racing type. For example, for the most part, the rims for a street-racing go-kart will be bigger than those on an off-road go-kart; this is due to the larger tire size of off-road go-karts. The driver can also modify or swap out rims based on: The type of material the rims are made fromThe number of bolts holding the rims in placeThe size of the rimsThe rims’ pattern Go Kart Supply has a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and other customization options for rims on go-karts. Go-Kart Brakes The brakes on a go-kart are essential because they slow down and stop the kart. For most go-karts, there are three different kinds of brakes: disc brakes, drum brakes, and band brakes. Each of these brakes uses friction as the primary way to slow down or stop the kart. The disc brakes are the most common brakes on go-karts, and they operate by using calipers to clamp on the disc brake to slow down the kart. This type of brake is similar to those found in regular cars. Drum brakes operate by using friction material to clamp down on the drums and slow the kart.Band breaks are the more simplistic form of brakes. They are bands that tighten around the brake drums when the brake pedal is pushed. The resulting friction causes the kart to slow down. Each of these brakes is used in several go-karts classes, so which one you choose to use is up to you and your comfort levels with each type. However, disc brakes are generally found on racing and off-road karts, with drum and band brakes being found on most homemade karts. Mophorn GO-KART Brake Master Cylinder Kit Go Kart Hydraulic Brake Kit Universal Go Karts Brake Kit... 【QUALITY MATERIAL】 - The go-kart brake kit is a high-performance aluminum cylinder pre-loaded with DOT3 brake fluid; the brake discs are made of high-quality steel, which is durable and durable and has a long service life.【COMPLETE BRAKE ASSY】 - The go-kart brake master cylinder kit includes a master cylinder, hoses, calipers, and brake pads. The master cylinder kit comes with calipers and pads, three brake hoses, and brand new brake discs.【IMPORTANT PARAMETERS】 - Bolt spacing of master cylinder brake pedal: 0.787" / 20mm, mounting hole of master cylinder: center distance 2.36" / 60mm, brake hose length: 34" / 860mm, 43" / 1090mm, 75" / 1900mm. Buy on Amazon Modifying a Go-Kart’s Interior Components While everything outside of a go-kart can be customized to achieve peak performance, everything inside will be more customized to driver comfort. For example, seats and seatbelts for karts come in various sizes and shapes; the options you choose to upgrade to in your kart will come down to what you prefer. Go-Kart Seat The seat in most go-karts is all about function over form. For the most part, the seats are lightweight and designed to keep the driver safely inside the vehicle, and there are not many comfortable designs involved. For the most part, fiberglass is the primary choice of material to create seats for go-karts. It allows the chair to be molded and fitted to the kart, and it can be easily modified to allow for as much comfort as possible. Other seats can be formed out of plastic or similar materials. Along with the seat itself, some websites offer padded seats or padding that a person can add to the chair to help maintain some level of comfort. For the most part, the padding will be fitted on the seat's lower back and rear end areas. However, some places have padding up near the chair's head area because the driver’s head sometimes will bounce around. BMI Karts has a small selection of seats and pads that one can purchase. Sale RCI 8000S Poly Baja Hghbck Seat Blk 20” wide x 33” tall10 lbs.18 Degree Layback Buy on Amazon Seatbelts Perhaps one of the more controversial parts of the go-kart is the seatbelt. In traditional go-karts found at amusement parks, seatbelts are required to drive because of liability concerns. But, in racing go-karts, there are fewer restrictions in some circuits. For the most part, the seatbelts are going to be different than those in a traditional car. Unlike the two-point contact belts, go-kart seatbelts are three- and five-point contact belts. These seatbelts usually go around the waist and the shoulders to induce minimal movement by the driver during a race. These types of seatbelts are common on off-road types of karts. But, in racing go-karts driven on streets or gravel, some drivers prefer to go without a seatbelt and may opt to have them removed. These drivers feel that they can move more freely without the restrictions of the seatbelt. Additionally, these drivers feel that if their kart flips over, they can get out of the kart quicker and not have to fumble with a seatbelt. Most of the go-karts seats provide enough cushion and protection because of their tight, molded fit to the driver. 4 Point Harness with 2 Inch Padding (Ez Buckle Technology) (Black (Pair)) (PAIR) 2 Inch Padded shoulders- ez buckleExtremely Easy InstallationCompatible with all SxS and UTV's Buy on Amazon Steering Wheel One of the more unlikely parts customized to fit the driver’s needs is the steering wheel. For the most part, the steering wheel is either a three-hole or five-hole mounting pattern—whichever suits the kart's steering column. The customization part of the steering wheel comes from its design and the material it is made from. Some wheels are circular, some are square, and others have their unique style. Steering wheels are mainly made from steel, polyurethane foam, or leather that can be formed to fit the driver's style. There are even options for reducing the wheel's vibrating amount and increasing the driver's grip on the wheel. Sale AlveyTech Go-Kart Steering Wheel with Cap for Kandi, Hammerhead, Roketa, Taotao Go-Karts & Dune... Go-Kart Steering Wheel with Cap for Kandi, Hammerhead, Roketa, Taotao Go-Karts & Dune Buggies. Buy on Amazon Modifying a Go-Kart’s Paint Job While the first part of this guide has been dedicated to the kart's functionality, this next part focuses on the kart's aesthetics. For some people, how the kart looks is just as important as how the kart performs. There are plenty of options for a person to customize their kart to get the look they want. Several different parts of a go-kart can have a custom paint job applied to them. Additionally, specific components can be shined or waxed to have a distinct shine or modified to have a darker appearance. Types of Paint that Can Be Used on Go-Karts There are three different kinds of paint that a person can use on a go-kart: gloss, matte, and satin. Gloss paint is excellent for a sleek design, but it does not hide imperfections well. Matte paint is a darker color that hides imperfections well but does not lend to great design options. Satin is right in the middle of the other two paint types, with options to have sleek designs and hide a little bit of any imperfections. Painting the Go-Kart Body and Frame You first want to cover up any parts of the kart that you do not want to paint with painter’s tape or a plastic tarp for a body paint job. Then, be sure to fix any issues in the kart’s frame, such as rust, and remove the frame’s existing paint before starting. Assess the state of the kart’s body and frame. There are a few things to look for: rust, wear, tear, holes, bends, dings, etc. Fixing these issues and getting the frame back to as best of a shape as possible are essential before painting it because it can affect the paint job and your vehicle's general performance if not addressed. Remove pre-existing paint. If there is old paint on your kart’s frame, remove it using sandpaper. Removing the paint and getting it down to its bare surface will ensure that the new coat will not be affected by old paint chips. This also allows you to create a more even layer of paint. After these steps, then you will be ready to prime the body and frame of your kart. For standard frames, two to three cans of primer should be sufficient to use. Wait at least an hour for the primer to dry before painting. Spray paint and regular brush paint will be effective for painting the kart’s frame, although spray paint can cover more of an area quicker. In contrast, brush painting will be more customizable and will allow you to produce more intricate designs. If you want to add any pattern, or use various colors, be sure to use the painter’s tape to mark the different sections. Like the primer, two to three cans of paint should be sufficient to cover the entire frame. Wait until the whole structure is dry before moving the kart. Painting Go-Kart Rims You can customize a go-kart rims' color by purchasing already-painted and designed rims or painting them yourself. If you plan on painting existing rims, make sure they’re made from a material to which paint can easily stick. Afterward, ensure that you fix any irregularities and remove existing paint before starting the process. Then, prime the rims and allow ample time for drying before applying your chosen paint color(s). Note: Make sure you plan the design you want on your rims ahead of time, especially if it will be a bit more intricate than a standard, single solid paint cover. If you plan on using more than one color of paint, use a heat gun after applying the first color of paint to prevent bubbling and chipping as you add the second color. Final Thoughts As you might have guessed from the above guide, there are different aspects of a go-kart that can be customized and altered to fit your specific wants and needs. For the most part, the kart’s engine will be the most adaptable of all its components to improve its performance. You can also choose to update your go-kart’s appearance by painting or updating the body, frame, and rims to fit your style. Remember, when you are updating the kart, whether that be fixing, painting, or modifying it, take all the necessary precautions; wear safety gear like gloves and goggles to ensure safety. Along with that, plan out any designs and modifications ahead of time to prevent any mistakes.

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