MiniBuggy.Net: The Ultimate Off-Road Buggy Community

Manco Vortex (616) rebuild no power

SharpTJ — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:28:01 GMT

So I purchased this kart a few days ago, with the intentions of refurbishing it, it needed throttle cable, return springs, brake adjustment, and a few other odds and ends. Well, I get all the obvious stuff taken care of and figure it is time to ride it. It starts and runs fine, but is seriously lacking power, only getting up to about 12 mph with a 170 lbs rider.

From speaking to the previous owner (no one would EVER lie to me), he says it should run around 30 mph which jived with what I have read on the internet (again, internet is never wrong).

It has the 6.5 hp Suburu Robin motor and Comet 30 series torque converter. How reliable, how often, do these torque converter's need to be rebuilt? And the belt is extremely loose on both pulleys at idle, is that correct?

<---hoping engine hasn't lost compression.... and if it has, could I just bolt on a bigger honda clone with the same TC?

New mini buggy build

DaGr�ppel — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:30:54 GMT

Hi everyone,
I think about building my own mini buggy with the R82s plans. Do anyone know if they are good or what I could change, are there better plans etc. The plans are quite expensive and I don�t want to waste money. It�s my first build so im addicted to your help.
Thanks for all replies.

[smilie=tr_thankyou:

where is it!!!

bri2109 — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:42:57 GMT

Just joined forum tonight some very informative reading.got to read about adapting samurai transfer cases for fnr dropped phone and can no longer find what i was reading aaaarrrrgggghh which area is it in been looking for two hours help

Help with mini buggy identification

rasco — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:24:38 GMT

Just picked this buggy up as a summer father and son project.
I have looked for an id plate or sticker but found nothing.
It has a serial # on the rear axle housing but that's about it.
I would love to find out if anybody knows what this is.
Thanks!

Attached Images

	gocart1.jpg (38.5 KB)
	gocart2.jpg (37.7 KB)
	gocart3.jpg (36.0 KB)

Ideas on tips for swapping a wrx engine into my mini rail

homerj1122 — Wed, 22 May 2013 06:21:53 GMT

Currently my mini rail has a R1 motor, but after pushing it backwards in the sand a few times, I decided I need reverse. After pricing gearboxes, I realized it wouldn't cost much more to buy a built VW tranny and a 2.0L Subaru STI engine pushing 300HP stock (of course this calculation includes trade/selling the R1 motor).

This will be my first project using a car motor, so as I progress I will post pics and comments on the built which hopefully others can benefit from. Also, I would appreciate any comments or advice anyone has, especially on transmissions, shift linkages, motor mounts, trailing arms, etc... (even if its just posting a link to another forum page or site). Once I figure out how to post pictures, I will post what my rail looks like now.

Thanks

Durafix

Stomper — Wed, 22 May 2013 02:12:58 GMT

Found another cool video for fixing aluminum. Looks impressive. I will let you know as I ordered some to fix a leak in one of the pontoon on my pontoon boat that I cant get at with a tig torch.

Durafix Hrvatska - Video - YouTube

Golf is dangerous

TALON — Wed, 22 May 2013 00:04:26 GMT

This turned up in my IN box - thought you's would like

The Ultimate Golf Fail Compilation | Video on Clip Nation

Why do bullnerds eyes bulge?

TALON — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:59:31 GMT

and you thought you where having a bad day!!

Potential owner from PA. Need your advice!

Formul8 — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:17:53 GMT

Hi guys. Thanks for having me, my names Jake, im 21 and im from around the northern pittsburgh region. I don't really have the time or resources to build a buggy from ground up, so i'm currently in the market for one. Here is one that i have found on Craigslist. Im going to check it out this week, but i need to know what i would have to do to make this road legal. Are there any links to where i can find such information? Basically, i'm going to put some work into it so it is easily capable from going from track to dirt with a few adjustments of suspenion (and different wheels/tires, of course). But what do you guys think, goodbye or good buy for $6500 asking price? Heres the info :

2002 GM 3800 3.8L V6 (12k miles), 6 rib transmission, tubular extended trailing arms, custom slip-yoke half-shaft axles with u-joints (no more broken CV's), CNC pedal assembly and cutter brake, king pin front end, front and rear disc brakes, heavy duty caliper kit, long travel adjustable front beam, heavy duty spring plates, front limit straps, new Sway Away torsion bars, chromoly stub axles and trans drive flange, Kennedy racing clutch and pressure plate, new reclining racing seats with 4 point harnesses, 3 core off-road radiator with 2 electric fans, removable steering wheel, aluminum diamond plate floor, steering stabilizer, off-road lights and more

Fab skills

Stomper — Tue, 21 May 2013 01:49:39 GMT

Saw this on another forum and was impressed with it and thought I would share.

Métaux 1 - YouTube

One of the fastest Mini Buggies For Sale - $12,000

andy johs — Mon, 20 May 2013 22:52:44 GMT

new here from oklahoma

yds6 — Mon, 20 May 2013 22:45:27 GMT

well, im new to the forum so i thought id say hello. I started out with go karts as a teenager and as i grew, so did my carts until just recently i relized it wasnt a go cart at all anymore. so i find myself in the world of mini buggies.

Now im not one to spend much money on a project so most everything i do is with old used parts or things i make myself. this means my stuff breaks on the trail alot but that has made me quite good at "jimmy riggin" stuff.

Anyways im Jon and i live in tulsa.

Great pics of the SSTs

Bullnerd — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:42:00 GMT

ROBBY GORDON'S STADIUM SUPER TRUCKS - Speedhunters

zzr600 carb problems!

BruceMetcalfe — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:01:31 GMT

having problems trying to get my buggy to start, im getting good spark on all 4 cylinders and have removed the bowls of all the carbs to check for gunk, they're all fine. However when i fill with fuel, the carbs start leaking fuel into the cylinders. when i turn it over theres no sign of an occasional fire at all, only getting fuel being spluttered out the air intakes of the carbs occasionally! the whole engine and carbs were removed from a running zzr600 d2 and i have changed none of the carb settings except the idle adjustment since then, so im stuck as to what the culprit could be? :confused: any help will be greatly appreciated

roketa gk-31 ktr-1000

stingersx — Mon, 20 May 2013 05:58:11 GMT

Im new to the buggy world
Im buying a roketa gk-31 ktr-1000 In July
GK311000cc

I have a question for you all
if you were to get this
what mod would you do? Im not big on handy work i will have to get someone to do it.

But what would you add and or take away

SST practice at Qualcomm

Bullnerd — Mon, 20 May 2013 01:01:49 GMT

SST ROBBY GORDON PRACTICE - Qualcomm Stadium Friday May 17 - YouTube

Making my buggy street legal!

BuggyBuilder2 — Sun, 19 May 2013 17:13:42 GMT

Hey guys! I'm new to the site, and i'm trying to get some helpful information about making our 74 buggy street legal. Some of our biggest problems are going to be the fender law and the emergency brake housing and running the cables. So if you can offer any advice at all that would be great!
-BuggyBuilder2

Air filter

Racesnake -zn — Sun, 19 May 2013 16:16:36 GMT

Hi Guys
i am currently in the process of building a edge barracuda and i just wanted to find out what air filters you guys run? the motor is a 600 four cylinder Yamaha and i will be using it in very dusty conditions.
thanks in advance

Not a Mini Buggy but thought you would like it

bngcustoms — Sun, 19 May 2013 13:41:14 GMT

Full drivetrain swap. 04 GSXR1000, RPM f-n-r, VW Type 2 offroad CV's & axles, frame stretched 6'', RZR "S" a-arm conversion, 1.5'' forward front a arms...should run good when done.

Attached Images

	rzr3.jpg (45.2 KB)
	rzr4.jpg (35.4 KB)
	rzr6.jpg (45.2 KB)
	rzr2.jpg (56.2 KB)

Welding mild steel to Titanium header ???

bngcustoms — Sun, 19 May 2013 13:28:30 GMT

04 GSXR1000, I had to cut the 2 into 1 header. Now I have 2, 2 into 1. I started to fab up the exhaust, went to tack weld onto the factory header and holy smokes it didn't want to weld. I thought I ran out of welding gas. Come to find out the pipes are titanium? So my questions are: what are others doing? Is it possible to have a short stub of mild steel tube tig welded onto the titanium header? If so then I can go ahead and fab up the exhaust. Thanks for any help in advance..

Travis

Toy Hauler Build

Gotted — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:08:11 GMT

I'm going to make a toyhauler to put the R1 buggy I made.
I gave my daughter the buggy now she has to have something to hale it around with.
I have a 1948 Westwood trailer made by a bus company in Los Angeles,Calif.
It is made like a airplane all aluminum framed.
There are some pics of what it looked like before the start of this project.

Attached Images

	IMG_75451 (Custom).JPG (32.5 KB)
	IMG_75521 (Custom).JPG (33.1 KB)
	IMG_75541 (Custom).JPG (29.7 KB)
	IMG_75601 (Custom).JPG (31.7 KB)
	IMG_75641 (Custom).JPG (29.8 KB)

Ocotillo Wells video

K-fab — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:07:40 GMT

After 10 years of pestering my brother, he finally joined us on our Westward Ho! trip this past March. He was pretty much blown away with playing out in Ocotillo and Glamis and we now have another guaranteed member of the annual trip.

Anyhow, he took his Go-Pro:
720p - YouTube

Looks like the Dez needs a bit more rear rebound damping...

85' A-Arm 440cc snowmobile motor odyssey fl350

blowinsoot00 — Thu, 16 May 2013 20:06:47 GMT

hey guys. im looking to sell my 85' odyssey fl350 with a-arm frontend and a 440cc snowmobile motor. motor runs great, starts on 1/4 pull, all throttle and brakes work, have a set of sand tires for the rear on douglas rims, and a spare set of stock fl rims with stock tires for the rear. only thing that needs to be done to it is the rack and pinion hooked back up. i don't have the time to finish it up and i need the money for a down payment on a house. im in phoenix az. name is dj. phone is 623-229-179three. call or text me if interested. 2000 obo i can send pics via text or email. it wont let me post any

Lucas Oil Off Road Lake Elsinore

psychoholic — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:11:27 GMT

Anyone in Southern Ca should come check it out. Lucas Oil Off Road at Lake Elsinore this weekend. May 17-19.

My new pilot.

Odyprime — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:06:38 GMT

Has Fox rear suspension, and aftermarket exhaust also. Runs like a champ!

Electronic Paddle Shift

dev — Thu, 16 May 2013 00:25:16 GMT

Here is the way that I have used an electronic Paddle shift setup. I have only used it once on a homemade 250cc buggy. It was just a little thing but used a dirtbike engine and it worked good and IMO it is safer than having a standard shift lever as the hands are always on the wheel. Here goes....

also posted an extra link so it could be viewed in its full resolution and even downloaded!

Attached Images

untitled.jpg (22.9 KB)

New Member Buggy Noob

Yo peeps — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:11:49 GMT

Hey everybody
I am a teenager that is very interested in this field. I don't know alot for I am a noob. So since you all are the experts i wanted to talk to you. I really want to build a buggy myself over the summer (want it to be a fun summer project [smilie=ecstatic.gi:), but the problem is that i don't know much on how to build it, or about the parts, etc. So can you all help me with a build that is not crazy hardcore but something that is really good, and cheap because i don't have too much money too work with. I am gonna ride it off road but not something crazy and maybe in the neighborhood.
Thank you

Pismo

kulapp — Wed, 15 May 2013 02:26:01 GMT

Anyone going to Pismo ? Would love to tag along up there never been.

If one goes what should they expect to bring?

Dont bother me while I'm eating!

Bullnerd — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:21:05 GMT

Elephant bitchslaps a guy funny !! - Elephant attack - YouTube

SST at the coliseeummm, COOL VId!

Bullnerd — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:08:32 GMT

Replay XD with SST at LA Coliseum - YouTube

Honda 3.0 J series V6

Nivek4209 — Tue, 14 May 2013 21:19:46 GMT

Anyone using these j series V6 Hondas in any buggys sand rails
I bought a complete accord coupe recently coz it was dirt cheap and its a sweet engine I'd love to use it ridiculously unwisely in something
Any ideas welcome
Ps it's an auto which doesn't sit we'll with me anybody converted to manual rwd preferably

Buggy Innovations Cheetah build

cthib27 — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:45:59 GMT

Started this build a couple months back. I work offshore so its hard to find time to work on the buggy but its getting done, I'll have the frame complete within the next month and then it'll be time to build suspension components and start ordering some cool stuff. :)

Attached Images

	1388.jpg (28.9 KB)
	1363.jpg (18.3 KB)
	1347.jpg (18.5 KB)

New member from Louisiana!

cthib27 — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:41:28 GMT

Hello to all, my name is Cody and I am currently building a Buggy Innovations Cheetah buggy. I enjoy riding my Harley Davidson and playing with my RC cars. Good to be on the site and I look forward to meeting new folks.

Rorty Racing For SALE!!!!

Howie — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:17:18 GMT

Visit Rorty Racing. The site says that it is for sale. All plans, cut files, everything... I had bought the R6 plans before the R21 came out. Had thought about buying the R21 some day as well.

I hope someone here in the US buys it, updates the buggies for the US market and keeps on rolling in the minibuggy world.[smilie=ecstatic.gi:

Weight Distribution Calculator

huwcdavies — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:39:05 GMT

Hello,

I'm Huw and I run the site racing aspirations. I wanted to post this update to the Weight Distribution calculator as this forum has in the past referred traffic my way. It's a drag and drop calculator which is easy to use and quick to get results. I hope it proves useful to you...

I'd like to present to you the long awaited update for the Weight Distribution Calculator. The new calculator offers the following enhancements over it's predecessor:

More Workspace - 4.5 times more workspace than before to be precise.
Sharing - As before, you can share a link back to your project but now you can also embed the results in your website or forum.
Unlimited Objects - Not only is there now a ballast object but any number of objects can be added to your project so you can have two engines, two driven axles and four passengers if you wish.
CoG and Corner Weights - They're displayed right there on the workspace.
Selectable Plans - You now place your objects on a vehicle plan which you can change to represent your own vehicle.
Room for Improvement - This is one of the new breed of calculators offered by racingaspirations.com with scope built in to enhance the functionality without needed to go back to the drawing board.

Click the link below to be directed to the Weight Distribution Calculator loaded with some sample data.

I hope you find this calculator a useful addition to your toolkit and would like to remind you if you haven't already done so to register yourself on the site.

Regards,
Huw

turbo for gsxr 600

blasterguy2 — Tue, 14 May 2013 02:05:43 GMT

so im planning on buying the cheetah plans and all i have is a gsxr 600 and i dont think it will be enough power so i was wandering what is a good turbo that will work on this motor?

Badland ST2 custom build from Ireland

Nivek4209 — Tue, 14 May 2013 00:52:18 GMT

Hi all
My names Kevin I'm 39 mechanic by trade but work in engineering for the last 20 years cars are more a hobby now than anything else
I've had ideas of building a buggy for years now and there was always something more important financially and otherwise ,I've been gathering parts for years as I suspect most of you do
I purchased a 750 gsxr k5 powerplant around 6 years go with just 300 miles on it
Wheels and rims followed soon after
Bucket seat and loads of other useful stuff
I had it in mind to buy plans from edge products but one day recently I found a video from another member here on YouTube about there build and having never heard of an st2 a google search ensued

I liked what I saw and bought the plans for a long travel st2 though mine may end up buying more of a medium travel buggy :)
Bought piping and invested in a pipe bender and off we go

Once. All the plans were transferred to my jig board things progressed nicely
Time for me at this is always gonna be an issue I work six days most weeks
Day one saw me this far

Day two was a lot shorter and involved allot of head scratching I didn't like the box section used in he plans to make the base of the frame it seems to me a little agricultural so I decided to go with a full tube frame this straying away from the. Plan hasn't caused me much issue so far
This pic shows the tubular base with engine and. Things fitted for guide only

Rear drive train is going to have a limited slip diff I made up from a impreza wrx rear LSD
It was incorporated into the original wishbone mounts from the badland plans and will have twin in board disc brakes when complete I'm using the std r160 shafts and cut down rear impreza hubs too
This is why I may end up loosing some suspension travel I'm unsure as yet how much angle these drives can take but I'm hoping around 14 " + or --

Tonight I got about 4 hours at it it's now 1.40 am here and I'm not long up from the garage
After 2 mates passed comment that my buggy was very long I decided tonight to take 9 inches off the overall length before I did anything else structural it was also in my head that it was big but my friends confirmed it for me. Luckily it was an easy task as its only tacked together as yet.
Also added a few more bars from the original layout I think it looks better now that its shorter
I will have to rework my steering angles now I reckon and hope this decrease in overall length won't have any ill effects

That's it for now
More updates will follow as this buggy owes its origins to Erwin from the Netherlands if I hadn't seen his video I'd be building something different :)

how to post pics

atvsandcars — Tue, 14 May 2013 00:32:54 GMT

down loaded photo bucket.dont know how to use it. need help so I can get start uploading pics of the start of my buggy.thanks in advance.

Best plans/ engine

Fred3500 — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:14:34 GMT

Ok I'm sure all of you are tired of this subject but what plans are the best bang for buck? A little about my self I'm 15 and have been welding for 1 1/2 years. I do work part time in summer so I would like to keep under $3000. I like the looks of the ar51(to expensive $6000-$10,000, barracuda ( again to expensive $7,000-$10,000 , st2, st3 (I have herd have lots of problems) desert karts panther ( don't like the looks of it and has some problems with suspension) shredder ll (ugly IMO). Also should I use a car engine ( from a golf VW or some thing) or motorcycle engine (I have a 84'650 Suzuki tempter engine in garage, but it's air cooled . 51hp. If used would only be a stepper engine (would like to upgrade to a cbr900 or something) let me know what you think

Rotax 670

brent192 — Mon, 13 May 2013 23:10:19 GMT

Just looking for some opinions here... I've got an older 2 seater Sand Toys frame - used to have a VW setup in it. I'm thinking about a lighter rebuild with my Skidoo Summit X 670 engine. Is that going to be enough power to shoot the pipe at Little Sahara? Should be 100+ HP...?

Best plans/ engine

Fred3500 — Mon, 13 May 2013 22:30:10 GMT

Ok I'm sure all of you are tired of this subject but what plans are the best bang for buck? A little about my self I'm 15 and have been welding for 1 1/2 years. I do work part time in summer so I would like to keep under $3000. I like the looks of the ar51(to expensive $6000-$10,000, barracuda ( again to expensive $7,000-$10,000 , st2, st3 (I have herd have lots of problems) desert karts panther ( don't like the looks of it and has some problems with suspension) shredder ll (ugly IMO). Also should I use a car engine ( from a golf VW or some thing) or motorcycle engine (I have a 84'650 Suzuki tempter engine in garage, but it's air cooled :eek:. 51hp. If used would only be a stepper engine (would like to upgrade to a cbr900 or something) let me know what you think

350 FL purchase- upgrade.

Odyprime — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:47:24 GMT

I just sealed the deal on this FL 350, picking it up this weekend out of state. 1985 honda odyssey fl 350

I want to put 1500$ into this after I buy it, but how to spend the 1500$?

Gsxr fuel pump ?

GateKeeper — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:07:38 GMT

Do all 01-07 gsxr/busa fuel pumps have a common mounting sruface. As far as hole diameter and bolt holes. I have a 2006 fuel pump and need to know differant years of tank I could use.
Thanks

Panther

CaseyZ — Mon, 13 May 2013 08:48:10 GMT

Hello all,

My name is Casey, and I'm from Texas. I'm new here and need advice on how to continue with purchasing or creating a mini rail. I currently love the Panther Rally Kart Plans (Metric) Panther. I have 3000$ to build with or buy with currently. Is it possible to do a full functioning rail for that?

Thanks!

What to do?

dairyman — Sun, 12 May 2013 20:39:35 GMT

Hi everyone I am new to this so be gentle. I have just brought an unfinished hypersprint project and need a little help finishing it. that frame is all finished it just the A arms and suspension to go.

I have been in touch with the edge products and hey don't sell plans for them, but kindly offered to build me a set for about $8000. bugger that.

I know this is a problem people have had before so ideas please, from what is strong enough to make it out of. what have people done before, any photo of previous builds, any and all help with be great. thanks in advance. cheers Joel

Klf 350 front splindles and brakes

Nivek4209 — Sun, 12 May 2013 18:35:15 GMT

Hi I'm building an st2 badland buggy and am wondering about the suitability of the above front brake setup and hubs for my build I'm using a gsxr 750 k5 engine and twin inboard rear brakes it just the badland plans don't specify any front brakes and I fear that may be ok in sand but no good in mud or grass
I've a fair drive to get these so has anyone any idea of there suitability or strength
I could use just the hub and brakes adapted to the std badland upright that would hopefully keep my angles right

U joint drive axles

dunerider0227 — Sun, 12 May 2013 04:37:04 GMT

Ok. I decided to ditch the civic transmission idea and go with a spool set up for the drive train. I would like to go with a u joint drive axle. Similar to the ones here at Extreme drive axles Extreme Fabrication, Riverside Ca Im going to be running this buggy 80% of the time in sand, and frankly i'm not a big fan of changing broken cv's out in the middle of the dunes. haha so i'm hoping to get away from that problem with the u joint style axles. My question is, will these be too heavy for my set up? What are the drawbacks from having this type of axle? Anybody have a similar set up? Any input, thoughts, advice, would be greatly appreciated.

ZX-14r Mini Sand Rail Project

rumorco — Sat, 11 May 2013 20:54:11 GMT

I'm starting a ZX-14r rail project. I chose the Kawasaki ZX-14 engine because it only goes to 10k rpm, lots of low end, and you just can't miss out on that 200+ hp. Currently, I am getting a few parts machined (like the driveline setup, and the hub mounts) so I'm not too far.

I bought a cheap harbor freight tube bender and that thing is crap. Ruined 20ft of dom tubing. All I got for $70 is stress and trouble. Waiting to bend up the tubing at my buddies shop.

I'm designing everything in solidworks currently, so I'll attach a few pictures. I'm using chromoly heim joints on the hubs (heim joint link) and a bushing, sleeve, and tube on the inside. Look at the pictures if that didn't make sense. Sorry [smilie=dunno.gif]

My driveline consists of a 8 inch long dom tube (About 6" OD), bearings that slide into both sides, and a splined couper that goes through the bearings, and cv cups that slide into the coupler.

I want to get as much travel as I can, going to use FOX 2.0 Air Shocks, 44" in total length, 18" of travel I believe.

Basically that's it. Let me know if you have any advice, suggestions, and bear with me on this build! [smilie=non_banana2:

I'm a kid in college studying to become a mechanical engineer so.. money's tight. [smilie=icon_razz2.:

Attached Images

	Sand Rail Frame 1.jpg (22.2 KB)
	Sand Rail Frame 6.jpg (10.4 KB)
	Driveline Labeled.jpg (19.7 KB)
	basic_concept_02.jpg (25.1 KB)
	Driveline 02.png (60.3 KB)

crf 150r buggy??

blasterguy2 — Sat, 11 May 2013 19:41:24 GMT

so i was talking to my friends and one has a 2008 crf150r that the head needs some work and my other friend has a single seat go cart that needs a motor and i can get the motor for free but the price of the cart is 100$ and i do have ok fabrication skills i have built one buggy before and i dont think this one will be hardso what do you guys think? and it wont have any suspension.

there needs to be a like button

adamphillip — Sat, 11 May 2013 15:02:05 GMT

just because!