Converting a race G0 Kart with a lawn mower engine...

[buzzer]

I have got hold of a very old race go cart which is complete save for the engine. It has a full set of new wet tyres with it, although they are very old and have gone hard.

I want to convert it to a low power, low speed kart for the kids and have got hold of a lawn mower engine and automatic clutch so it should be press and go.

Question is, should I drive one rear wheel or continue to use a solid axle and drive both rear wheels?

[B'stard Child]

Drive both - better for skidding

[buzzer]

B'stard Child said:

Drive both - better for skidding

but will it still steer if it has a solid back axle?

[sparkybean]

buzzer said:

will it still steer if it has a solid back axle?

Yes. Most gokarts of this type are designed so that the geometry of the steering lifts the inside rear wheel as you turn.

[acf8181]

Also...surely if you were to only drive one wheel it would steer when you press the thottle

[Some Gump]

As above, leave it a solid rear axle. Karts steer fine with no diff, they're nice and narrow track. If the young un is pushing on, he'll either break traction, or lift a wheel / "hop".

If it is a really old kart, you really want to get a new style chain guard. Back in the day, the chain guard mainly saved you from getting chain lube everywhere, and offered no real finger protection. The modern hire kart ones are pretty idiot proof - so slightly less child proof (children are rarely idiots, and will inevitably find every way to circumvent safety on the basis of fun!)