QuestionHi, I have a go kart that is a few years old and it has a briggs and stratton engine on it, model number 135232. It's 5hp and and it's a pull starter. My question is this. I'd really like to make it my first forray into tuning and I'd like to make that engine put out a lot more hp than it does now. I plan on making the go kart lighter and really fixing it up. Is it possible to "tune" that kind of engine up to any worthy results? Can something be done to it like adding pipes to help it breathe, maybe an air filter or cold air intake? I really don't know what I'm doing lol and i just need some advice. Also, is there a way to make the engine start electrically instead of having to pull start it? I thank you in advance for your help and am looking forward to your response. Thank you, Clint.
AnswerThis engine has a valve train that will hold up at about 4000 rpms tops.
Yes there are performance kits available through after market kart companies. Titanium rods, beefed up valve springs, diaphragm carb/pump kits, etc.
Unless you are going to seriosly race and have a lot of room on your VISA, these items will be to costly.
A 5 hp Briggs makes its 5 horses at about 2700rpms. If you cranked the engine up to 4000 rpms it would go faster than it does now but it would take you a mile to get there.
The biggest bang for your buck will come with a torque convertor. Do a little research before deciding on which one you choose. I will leave a link for the ultimate karting clutch source, read up, it will be interesting.
If you "are" going to race seriosly, you will have to use a torque convertor to keep up. You might as well start there and see if you scare the crap out of yourself. Also at 3600 rpms a 2 inch taller tire will go about 4 mph faster. That's a lot in a go-kart.
http://www.hoffcocomet.com/comet/oem-torque-converters.asp
