Vintage Small Engines and Cyclekarts?

I'm considering a cyclekart build(s) but I'm not really concerned with 'racing' them or even necessarily meeting another person with one (but I might build two). So to stick with the specs laid out on the http://cyclekarts.com/ website seems a bit too constraining to me. No need for a newish Honda and on to vintage motivation that better fit the aesthetics. Specifically the gas tank. I'd like a cylinder style one for that vintage look. I like copper tube gas lines and cloth wrapped spark plug wires, too.

There are some deals on old Briggs & Stratton engines out there if you look for them.

And I did: https://greenbay.craigslist.org/atq/6153519520.html

https://greenbay.craigslist.org/atq/6126968298.html

https://appleton.craigslist.org/atq/6093208051.html ... Seems incomplete and expensive.

Along with other manufacturers: https://appleton.craigslist.org/atq/6150980432.html ...Less of a deal

I'm not terrible concerned with horsepower, but maybe I should as the Model 5S only puts out 1 hp. I've got a 2.5 year old son that'll want a ride so I'm definitely not looking to go fast. I may or may not use one of the torque converters. Any opinions on those? I do intend on using tall tires like the website says but they will probably be a different size because those are hard to find.

But will these old engines work as I'm expecting? There is also an old Maytag Model 92 on my local CL, but it appears that it's a hit and miss engine. I don't think I want one of those because there isn't an engine speed control device that's conducive to a foot pedal, right?

Will old engines have the correct output shaft size to use with a modern clutch or a torque converter? Will I need lead additive for fuel? What else am I missing?

Any small engine people have any opinions?

Antique engines can bring premium money. That is especially true of some of the small ones. You might try Ebay. I would also see if there are any farm and antiques shows near by. Most of them will have auctions. There are also listings on here. https://www.smokstak.com/forum/

What about dressing a more modern engine to look vintage? I know that the rat rod guys do this with ls and sbc to look like nailheads....

In reply to Dusterbd13:

That certainly would be one way to do it and I'm not against it. Might be a more reasonable way to do it and it would be easier for figuring out things.

In reply to Toyman: There is a steam/vintage engine show every year locally that I've never made it to yet. This might be the year!

Dusterbd13 wrote: What about dressing a more modern engine to look vintage? I know that the rat rod guys do this with ls and sbc to look like nailheads....

This. I'd grab a 6.5hp Harbor Freight engine with a $99 coupon:

https://www.harborfreight.com/65-hp-212cc-ohv-horizontal-shaft-gas-engine-epa-69730.html

A running, ready to go engine for a C-note is a great place to start, from there you can work on appearance.

For a bit of inspiration, once you take away the gas tank and the other plastic parts, the Predator engine starts to look a lot better.

And with a bit of further mods to the shroud.

fanfoy wrote: For a bit of inspiration, once you take away the gas tank and the other plastic parts, the Predator engine starts to look a lot better. And with a bit of further mods to the shroud.

I found my mechanical and inspirational motivation! Thanks fanfoy.

That predator engine was definitely on the short list for new engines.

In reply to fanfoy:

That is truly excellent!

If you are looking for vintage I have an old Clinton 3.5hp or so that still turns over and his good compression that I can part with. You might even be able to convince Mazduece to GRM relay it to you.

In reply to oldopelguy:

Unless it's got a great 1920s or 30s look to it, I'd probably not want to make Mazduece swing a whole state out of the way. Unless he's a summer yooper and drives through Wisco rather than being a summer troll and travel though Indiana. Thanks though.