Can You Use a Lawn Mower Engine for a Go Kart?

# Converting a Lawnmower Engine into a Go-Kart Engine

Though go-karts traditionally use horizontal mount engines, with a little modification, you can install a vertical shaft lawnmower engine to be the driving force. Taste again the exhilaration of the open road when you convert your lawnmower engine into the go-kart. 

Most lawn mowers are powered by four-cylinder engines, but some walk-behind lawn mowers use two-cylinder engines. Four-cylinder engines are typically more efficient and eco-friendly.

If you have an old go kart you can simply buy a predator 212cc engine and breathe new life into an old go kart. This engine should get your go kart running anywhere from 20 mph up to 35mph. 

With proper planning and modifications, you can easily build the go-kart of your dream with an engine from a lawnmower. Today, I’ll show you how you can eliminate that cost. So, let’s go through the step-by-step guide of building a go-kart from scratch using a lawnmower engine. 

# Engine Performance and Speed

The DuroMax XP16HPE has 16 horsepower at 3600 rpm. How fast will a lawn mower go kart go? The mowers can reach speeds of over 10 miles per hour when cutting at 5 mph. 

Honda’s new Mean Mower V2 broke the Guinness World Record for a lawnmower to go from zero to 100 mph, with a time of 6.29 seconds. At top speed, the mower can reach 150.99 mph. 

## How to Get More HP Out of a Lawn Mower Engine

1. Remove the flywheel housing from the top of your engine.
2. Unscrew the bolt holding the governor flap next to the flywheel with the proper sized wrench.
3. Fill the gas tank on your mower with high octane gas.
4. Maximize the air flow.

The best go kart engine for kids should sit right around 5-7 hp, have a 3/4′′ shaft, and fit a centrifugal clutch or 30 series torque converter, and has a standard bolt pattern for easy mounting.

# Choosing the Right Go-Kart Motor

Push mowers usually have engines with horsepower between 3 to 8; while riding mowers engine ranges from 13 to 30 horsepower. As a more preferred choice for go-karts, the push mower’s engine can easily go up to a top speed of 25 mph. You can use any lawnmower as long as it runs on an engine. However, push lawnmowers are a more popular choice for these DIY go-karting projects.

Wrap Up: Here we are at the end of my guide on how to make a go-kart with a lawnmower engine. If you already have a lawn mower engine at home, it is possible to make use of it to make a go-kart and save money on the go-kart engine’s most expensive part.

## Go-Kart Engine Recommendations

- Horizontal shaft – 4 stroke.
- The TX200 is a dependable motor arguably a top contender for the finest go-kart motor.

## Buying Guide for Go-Kart Engines

- 3000W Brushless Motor: Low noise operation and excellent speed regulating performance. 
- 1800W Brushless Motor: Also for low noise operation and excellent speed regulating performance. 

What Size Motor Is Good For A Go-Kart? Small block engines with 5-7 horsepower are sufficient for most go-karts.

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