Project Jet Kart v2.0

modifying the kart and selecting the engine core
 

Sorry for the long delay in getting any updates. As you can see from reading on the front page some new things are going on. After suffering the engine failure that was really a big set back, but opened the door for a better and more complicated project. After trying to make the kart a street worthy gasoline/turbine hybrid, it sparked an idea for a free power kart. I have always wanted to do a free power engine, but complexity kept me from even trying. 

Recently after some reading on the internet and studying pictures from a fellows site in Australia, I found that a home built free power is really a possibility.  So what is a free power turbine?  A free power turbine consists of a gas turbine (gas producer) and a separate power turbine. Its called free power because the power turbine section is on a separate shaft from the main engine. This power turbine collects and harness the fast moving gases from the main engine and turns them into rotational energy that is used to power something. Just about all helicopters use this type of set up.

The first part of this project will be the construction of the gas producer. Because we are not using thrust to push the vehicle, the core engine will be much smaller that our previous project. The heart of the engine will be a Schweitzer turbo charger.

Before construction of gas producer can begin, some changes must be made to the kart. The first thing is some new tires. The old knobby tires are to much of a drag. Some street tires were purchased and put on the rims, this should made rolling much easier.

Its very important that kart shed some weight. It was evident with the thrust powered project that the kart was a bit on the heavy side. With the free power project, weight considerations must be made to make for a better take off and acceleration. The kart will not need as much room for the core turbine and free power set up so some shrinking was done. The rear of the frame was pushed in by 1.5 feet as well as the shock relocated.

After relocating the shocks, a 32 tooth sprocket was fitted to the shaft. Once the engine and free power are installed, it will be connected via chain to transfer power to the wheels.

After welding the frame and getting the rear back together, the roll cage was removed. This project will go for the more open look, though safety will be added by adding a seat belt restraint system.

As you can see the cuts are rough still and will grinded down and capped off, but it gives a rough idea of how the back end changed. More updates will follow once the gas producer starts to go together.

 

Well, now some even better news. Since the destruction of our previous engine, I have been in contact with several turbo charger parts supply companies trying to find a way to rebuild the engine. Finally, some good news! We were able to obtain a rebuilt Rotomaster ST-50 that uses the "still in use" parts making rebuilds possible if necessary.  We have also been in contact with Russ over at Bad Bros Racing lining up some new ideas for jet kart 2.0.

So as you can see, this unit is ready to go and begging to be part of jet kart 2.0 so our new priority is to get the new engine built and the kart ready for this years summer shows. Stay tuned to watch the build begin!

 

 

 

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