vertical shaft conversion?

[sho305]

Originally Posted by rokcrlr

sho, i think they are rated even lower 600 rpm comes to mind

They might be, but are built like bricks. May not be that easy to hook up though...but if you had one its an idea. I'm just going to buy a clone, but $20 is not a bad deal at all to use a vertical.

[oddpowers]

Has a this project been started yet? Just curious.....

[chazdo2]

Just started. Figuring out the drive system. Got a 90 degree gearbox from a Honda 250 Sx looks pretty strong. May have to mount the engine a little below the frame for seat clearance issues. Lift kit should take care of any drive componets below the frame though. Drive system? A jackshaft like a snowmobile, direct chain drive? Any suggestions welcome!

[oddpowers]

I dont know if it can be done, but it would be cool if you could mount the clutchs on the engine and gear box under the engine in a water tite encloser, then chain drive from other end of gear box to rear end.

[1989Marathon]

The 17hp Briggs will probably max out at 3600rpm. Even using a 1:1 ratio gearbox, you will lose significant power through the gearbox. If you want more speed out of the cart, you will have to increase the gearbox ratio, which will further add to the torque loss through the gearbox. If you go to a 2:1 gearbox, torque will be cut in half, while horsepower stays the same(minus the gearbox loss). Changing gear ratios has a direct affect on torque(which is what you need for a rotating mass), but no affect on horsepower. Still, with the power losses through the new drivetrain, you will see little to no advantage over a stock setup, and have a much more complicated setup

[rib33024]

[AirJunky]

Originally Posted by chazdo2

Just started. Figuring out the drive system. Got a 90 degree gearbox from a Honda 250 Sx looks pretty strong. May have to mount the engine a little below the frame for seat clearance issues. Lift kit should take care of any drive componets below the frame though. Drive system? A jackshaft like a snowmobile, direct chain drive? Any suggestions welcome!

I've thought about retrofitting a 250SX engine & transaxle into the back of a cart. Found a few guys who have done it & loved it. One guy used a chain drive in an old EZGo 2 stroke. The SX trans has the reverse.
The other used the SX rear diff & shaft drive. This way seems the most bullet proof to me. You'd have to use like 2" wheel spacers, and add a 2nd shock in the rear.

I test rode a 250SX this weekend. The thing was quick, easily pulled wheelies. I think it would push a cart along 2 or 3 times as quick as the stock running gear does.

[chazdo2]

Thanks you guys, you have me thinking in a whole other direction now. Hey marathon man thanks I never gave your points any concern. RIB's idea seems plausable, keep you posted

[rokcrlr]

Removing or modifing the gov on the engine will raise your rpm. Just an unrestricted exhaust and intake will boost HP 1 or 2 hp with rejetting the carb.Those mods alone will offset most of the looses of the gearbox. Lawn mower racers use these engines for racing.Tho this isn't an ideal engine for a golf cart. I still see no reason to give up. Not sure the rear axle would work, First for lubing and also clutch mounting,because the sheeves have to move together in the same direction to stay in aline.