Snowmobile Repair: Suzuki engine, suzuki engine, suzuki 400

Question
i have a 73 suzuki 400 engine out of a 73 suzuki xr 400 snowmobile. i was wondering if i could use that in a go kart. i know its alot of power . like 25 hp but do you think it would work. if so what do you think i would need besides a frame. i know your a snowmobile expert but i couldnt find any go kart experts so any input would be great, youve helped me before so thanks.

Answer
Hello Matt,

 
   It's worth a try, I know it is actually becoming somewhat popular to use vintage snowmobile engines in go karts, seeing that they are rather fast compared with the 4-stroke counterparts. I don't know anything about making a go kart, but I do know that you would need to use a clutch, such as the one on the engine, and then possibly use a belt going down to the drive shaft with a pulley on the kart. You may also want a welder to weld up a good mounting plate on the kart so that it wouldn't twist and break. You will also need to re-jet the engine for the warmer temperatures, if you operate the go-kart in the summer. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck! --Arcticatman