Go-Cart Parts

Quality go-cart parts will definitely make your ride greater then the sum of parts.

By far the most crucial go-cart parts are the chassis, the engine (and fuel), the transmission and the tires. Depending on the specifications of your cart, these four components can help to make or break your cart's performance on the track. Let's have a look at each component in turn.

Chassis - The chassis is one of the most crucial go-cart parts. It is the chassis which determines how well your cart holds the road. Without the right amount of flexibility in the chassis your cart is going to struggle to turn correctly. The amount of flex you need depends on what kind of conditions you are racing under. A go-cart does not usually have any form of suspension. A chassis may be open or caged.

Typical chassis construction is tubular and made of steel. A chassis usually has different grades and diameters of tubing which offer differing flexibility ranges. For indoor or non-professional racing a chassis usually has four large bumpers on the sides. High speed shifter or direct drive karts have plastic or fiberglass spoilers attached. These go-cart parts offer better aerodynamics and safety.

Engine and fuel - These are also important go-cart parts. Racing go-carts use a small engine. Various kinds are used as well as different kids of fuel. Gasoline 2-stroke or 4-stroke engines are the most commonly used. Engines running methanol are used or pressurized gas and electric motors powered by batteries may be preferred. Four-stroke engines are usually lawn mower, generator, or chain saw engines.

Most two-stroke engines were once motorcycle engines but can now be bought specially for go-cart racing. These go-cart parts are made by Vortex, as just one example. They range from 16 hp to 30 hp (12 to 22 kW) for a single-cylinder 100 cc unit to 90 hp (67 kW) for a twin 250 cc.

The transmission - Go-carts do not usually have a differential. Recreational carts have fixed gearing and can go up to 50 mph (80 km/h). Top racing classes use direct drive engines. Un-clutched engines are used at this level until 2007. Most go-cart enthusiasts drive shifter karts. These have a six-speed manual transmission and a clutch. These are critical go-cart parts as they help improve the overall speed of the cart.

Tires - Tires are important go-cart parts that can improve performance in certain conditions. The wheels and tires on go-carts are small and there are different kinds that can be used depending on the track conditions. Slicks are used in dry weather conditions and rain tires are used in wet weather. Intermediate tires are used in damp or low traction conditions.

So be sure to check out our pages about How To Build a Go-Cart, Racing Go-Carts, Racing Dirt Go-Carts, and Go-Cart Kits elsewhere on this site.