Chassis selection

[Chassis selection]

Hi. I've done some research on getting my first kart and feel have learned a bit more. Thanks Jeff S. for helpful information.

Someone told me that I really should look into a newer, Italian made kart. What does this mean? When one says to look for chassis with good support, what does this exactly entail?

Is there a "list" of chassis manufacturers and their different characteristics that should be noted?

Any tips on what to check for when looking at a used kart, granted that I really wouldn't be able to know one thing from another?

Thanks. Oh, and if you would like to get a hold of me off these forums, please send me an email to orca49er at hotmail dot com.

[Jim Abbott]

if your looking for a good used chassis contact Geary here on the fourms, I know that he has a great chassis and won the class championship last year. He is offering it with 3 different engine packages, he has post under total cost regarding it. good luck and hope you get a kart to race with up.
Jim

[Ricky Bobby]

One thing to note:

CHASSIS SELECTION DOESNT MATTER, AS LONG AS YOU HAVE A GOOD SETUP/DRIVER YOU CAN GO FAST!!!

[Lee]

thanks. I am sort of a racing engineering student and I think I was reading too much into it. (don't get me wrong, I consider myself much more racer than engineer)

Several people told me that even old chassis (<10 yrs) are fine, as long as everything is straight and true.. But others have told me that that might be "pushing it" whatever that means.

It is all confusing.. Can I get any insight on this?

[Geary Launder]

Lee,

It's more about how much racing has been done on the chassis. Compare it to a wire that has been flexed back and forth a few thousand times. The wire, like a chassis becomes weak at the point of the flexing over time until it either breaks or develops stess cracks. Most manufactures of kart chassis are up to snuff on use of hybrid metals in their designs (chrome molly is the most popular). Some of your karts from 8-10 years ago did not have these types of metals in them.

Other things to look for when selecting a chassis is it's ability to adjust settings (ride height, front end camber and castor, front, rear and side torsion bars, etc.). Selecting the right seat and seat placement are big factors on how well a chassis works for you too. So is the firmness and size of the rear axle.

The best thing you can do next to extensive (and expensive) testing is to keep asking questions.

Geary

[Jeff Shadoan]

Someone told me that I really should look into a newer, Italian made kart. What does this mean?

The reason you want to look for a newer chassis is because they wear out over time. Chassis are designed to flex (they must in order for them to work properly). Metals can only take so much flexing before they lose rigidity. Some chassis are "softer" than others and wear out sooner. So typically the older the chassis the more usage on it. However, you can't go strictly by the year of a chassis. Some people race and test/practice 4+ days per month where others might use their kart one day per month. If you can find a little older chassis with very little usage then it could be a good deal.

When one says to look for chassis with good support, what does this exactly entail?

When you are starting out you definitely need support (local preferrably). Kart chassis' seem pretty simple at a glance but in reality there are many, many different tuning adjustments that can be made depending the handling issues you encounter. Without support you can be lost. Each chassis brand/model may have a different baseline set-up than another brand/model so you will want support to make sure your set-up is in the ballpark. Seat placement is most critical. If your seat is not in the manufactures suggested range then the rest of your set-up and adjustments will be affected and your handling may never be right. Support can also include driving tips, coaching, etc.

Any tips on what to check for when looking at a used kart, granted that I really wouldn't be able to know one thing from another?

Ideally you want to check the alignment and/or try to set it correctly. This gives you an idea if the chassis or components might be bent. You want to check all the bearings to make sure they are free spinning and not worn out. Check the axle, steering components, bumpers, etc to see if they are straight or bent. You want to check the brakes and brake fluid. Also, check the bottom of the chassis for excessive wear (deep scrapes with lots of metal worn down) ... all chassis will have some scrapes on the bottom due to how low they are to the ground.

What class are you looking at racing? Some chassis are better suited for lower horsepower classes and some are better for higher horsepower classes.
You also need to consider your height and weight. Some chassis are better suited for taller or heavier drivers while some are better for smaller drivers.

Please feel free to give me a call at 619-916-8076 and I'll help answer any questions.

[al go]

I'm actually selling a CRG Heron Plus chassis with a Rotax motor package. The motor is freshly rebuilt and hasn't even been broken in yet.

Email me at [e-mail] if you'd like to discuss. Thanks.