I take a lot of kids to the track to try out karting. Im trying to put together a cheap kart to help introduce kids to the sport but won’t ever be raced.
I have an old barrel cadet chassis that is in great shape but needs an engine. I’m considering putting a harbor freight ghost on it. Current price for the motor is $500 plus a engine mount and clutch.
I would still need a restrictor or some kind of limit to reduce the power down from the claimed 9.9hp. supposedly the clutch from a 206 is a direct fit but I haven’t verified this
While HF Ghost is an option I would suggest a used 206. If you have a lot of guys running those in your area you may find an older 206 either without a seal or an old color seal that you should be able to buy cheap.
The predator is an option too. It is low hp so you will not need to reduce power, but the same 206 clutch will work. I did this with an old chassis for my son that doesn’t kart so he could try it out. I had to rig up the throttle but it worked. You have to disable the low oil sensor too.
The ghost has a slide carb btw. In fact the lo slides will work for them I have put one in before in the store to try it myself. Haven’t tried on track however. So it’s an option you may even be able to find a used one or as stated a used lo.
If it matters, the 206 will be easier to sell and hold more value compared to the Ghost. For the small difference in up front cost the 206 will likely be more economical overall.
Both the ghost and 206 are 3/4” shaft and can use the came clutches.
instead of limiting the ghost why not run a regular predstpr 212 with a cheapo 30 dollar amazon clutch? itll be limited by the governor and you wont have to worry about rebuilding expensive clutches.
I sent with the predator 212. 206 motor mount fits perfectly. I threw an inferno clutch on it which required about 1/16” of material be removed off the end of the output shade. It’s been out a few times and has comparable performance to a 206.