Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): how to convert a lawn mower engine for a go-cart, horizontal engines, go cart

Question
how do i convert a lawn mower engine for a go-cart

Answer
Is the engine a horizontal or vertical crankshaft?

Horizontal engines, where the crankshaft comes out the side of the engine are easy to use on a go-cart.

Veritcal shafts, where the crankshaft comes out the bottom of the engine, as in most lawn mowers, are very difficult to convert for go-cart applications.  If the engine is less than 5 HP then you have to find a cast iron flywheel, very difficult to do, then you have to fabricate some kind of gear box; also very difficult and expensive to do.

What engine do you have?
Let me know.
Eric