Mini-Buggy Build!

[ccbruin]

When the weather warms up, I plan to build a little 2-seat buggy using a 583 Rotax snowmobile engine. I want it to be able to fit in the bed of my truck (so about 65" wide) and be as light as possible. I will be using 1.5" .120 wall, since thats the only die set I have, for pretty much everything. It's going to be rear-wheel drive with A-arm suspension front and rear. (hopefully some FOA coilovers) I figure it will be cheaper then building a Jeep or something alike, and I just want something fun to get to camp sites and such. So it will have to carry some camp gear as well. I can't wait to get working on it!

A question I have is has anyone had any experience with the rear drivetrain set up? I don't want to just buy a kit (the sprocket, shaft, bearings, rotor, and end for the CVs), but i am not entirely sure how difficult it will be. Anyone know of any how to's or sources for this?

[greenramp]

Built this one years ago with 4 wheel drive out of a polaris sportsman 4 wheeler and used a 20 hp honda engine.

[Cr33p3r]

That would be fun!

[Jim]

Sure I couldn't talk you into a Hayabusa motorcycle motor (a complete package for motor, clutch, trans)... `plenty of donor bikes about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAyXnCOXIvE

[ccbruin]

greenramp previously posted:

[Squshiee1]

They have some engines on crigs sometimes, usually rebuilt snowmobile engines, like a polaris 400 twin.

If i were you i would part out an older atv, it will have the chains, sprockets, engine, belts, and gearbox. you may eve be able to use the coils and suspension.

or part out a good snowmobile? http://denver.craigslist.org/sno/4309316075.html

[ccbruin]

the engine I am using is out of an old snowmobile. I am buying the whole thing for $100, it runs and can't really go wrong for that price

[Jim]

The motors I have in the garage were not on my mind, at all, when I posted the link, but...

I do have a running, 1984 Honda Magna VF1100c (V4, 1100cc, 4-valve/cyl, carb'd) motor sitting in the garage... Two, actually, but one has eaten (oil starvation) one of the cam's. I should have all electronics as well. One motor has cam issues but a quite decent trans. The motor that is in running condition has occasional "pop out of gear" issues on the trans. If you're interested, holler. These are liquid cooled motors.

The motor/clutch/trans weight may be over the limit for "easy" pickup truck loading - but it could be had for a nice price.

EDIT: This motor would likely NOT be of any interest as it's shaft drive (just thought of that)

[Brucker]

Jim previously posted:

[Jim]

PM sent!

[greenramp]

20HP was great for the kids 30mph tops. most of the time we were in 4 wheel drive and low gear anyway. High, low and reverse gear.

[ccbruin]

greenramp previously posted:

[greenramp]

sold it on CL about 4 years ago. Kids outgrew it and I had my own toys.

[xaza]

HP can be over rated
http://jrdragster.nhra.com/

5 HP - 85 mph in an 1/8th mile

[ccbruin]

xaza previously posted:

[zukrider]

you should consider adding a low range to it. a samurai transfer case will work well. sami axles as well. super light and very strong.

[ccbruin]

zukrider previously posted: