If there's one thing to know about me, it's that I love everything with wheels. Whether it's a skateboard, bike, tractor, or truck; if it's something you can ride, I'm all about it. I especially love powersports like ATV's, motorcycles, and go karts; I even have a retired podcast on them! 

I know my way around a garage and have fixed up my fair share of machines, but I am no mechanic. I was reminded this after attempting to fix up a snowmobile that had been given to me a while back. It was crashed and had not been started in a number of years, but I was optimistic. I had a moment of clarity about a week ago and made the decision that I was in over my head having taken a bigger bite than I could chew. 

I posted the sled online for sale or trade and asked to be sent offers. I got some random offers like mini bikes, tools, and cash, but what really caught my eye was this big two-seater go kart project. I had actually seen it in an ad prior, and did my best to hide my excitement, though I was stoked. I jumped on it, and the offerer and I met up at his place to initiate the deal.

I was looking for a kart project to build up because I have a spare engine waiting for transplant in the garage, but I had no idea just how big this thing was. It's a Yerfdog Spiderbox with a Honda four-wheeler front end welded on in a questionable fashion, and it has a ton of potential. There is no engine or brakes and a few of the steering components need modified or repaired, but all things considered it's a solid start. 

Had he seen the snowmobile in person prior to agreeing to trade, I don't believe this fellow with the kart would have gone for it. It was rough, but I did nothing to mislead or misrepresent; I'm not like that.  To say loading that sled onto his trailer was a challenge, is a definite understatement. We tried every hairbrained idea until simply yanking it up onto the trailer with the truck, aggressively. I was glad no one got hurt and quite happy to see that piece of junk go to someone who is likely better suited to do something with it. 

Of course I am ecstatic about my new buggy project, but I have been left scratching my head on what to do for the powertrain. I unfortunately cannot use the engine I have on deck as it lacks ample power for the application, so that's gone out the window. I considered scooping up a used motorcycle or four-wheeler motor, (especially one with reverse) but those can be a nightmare with wiring and especially fabrication. With the stock engine putting down about 8hp, any 250 or bigger would easily do the job and gears sure would be cool. 

Going back to the title of this blog, I now have a toss up on my hands. Option one is the motorcycle engine with an unknown amount of work put in to adapt it to the kart platform. I could find something with gears including reverse, but it won't come cheap or easy. Option two is equally if not more expensive, but hugely simpler. Harbor Freight has a 15.8hp Predator engine on sale right now for a decent price. That motor combined with an Amazon 40 series torque converter would set me back nearly $700. Everything else needed to make it go would probably be an additional hundred dollars. That's nothing to scoff at, but the advantages of this option have me tempted. 

Both motors would have an electric start as well as a pull start, and with that a battery. Either option could power lights and maybe a winch. The motorcycle engine would likely have a clutch which may hinder certain friends of mine from driving it and complicate the intallation, whereas the Predator would allow for some pedal to the metal simplicity. Maintence is another consideration, as Predator parts are as cheap as they come whilst motorcycle and quad engine parts vary in afforability. The biggest appeal of all for the Predator over the alternative however, is the warranty. Buying new from a retail store provides confidence, and with such an expensive investment I know I want that.

The biggest toss up is not even necessarily between those two options, but rather when/if to proceed with purchasing a powerplant. I could get a very nice mini bike for the same price, or any number of other things. I'm looking at getting a dog, updating some appliances around the house, and some other major purchases right now, but my desire to make this kart into a mini-RZR is overwhelming. If I'm going to do it, I want it built and ready to rip come wintertime. Maybe I'll call it a birthday present to myself, as that's coming up soon! The sale on the Predator ends on the last day of September, so I guess I have until then to decide. I'll keep you posted on my progress, and thanks for reading!