Corsair Kart Chassis

[Alex Greco]

If anyone could give me some guidance here I’d be very thankful. So I’m really interested in karting and want to buy a kart, I found a “Corsair” chassis (used 2 or 3 times) with rims and tires for $500. I tried to find info on Corsair but found nothing. Anyone know anything about these chassis?

Thanks a lot, Alex

[David Cole]

Hello Alex, where did you find it? That’s the best way to understand what you are looking at is if we can see it too.

What are you looking to do with the kart – 4-Cycle, 2-Cycle, TaG racing?

Where do you plan to race?

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[Alex Greco]

Here’s the link:http://kartsale.com/item/Corsair-Chassis-%28Full-Size%29/771

And I live on long island so the closest tracks for me are in NJ (Englishtown and Millville) and I was thinking about buying a new Rotax 125 Max Evo and throwing it in a used chassis. Not sure if that’s a good idea or not.

[David Cole]

Quick advice, don’t put a $4,000 engine on a $500 chassis

Personally, that Corsair is for a Briggs LO206 or Clone class, something to just get you started in the sport. It’s cheap because parts are probably non-existent. I have heard of the name, but not sure who or where you would get parts that fit the brand.

Are you brand new to the sport?

If so, LO206 is probably a better direction for you. You could get this kart, put on an engine for about another $1,000, and have some fun.

Otherwise, I would look into something more recognizable if you are going toward the Rotax route. You will also want to find a local kart shop to work with, as you will likely have questions and need to buy parts.

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[Alex Greco]

Yes I am brand new to it, I really want to get into Motorsport and Karting seems it be the route to take. I do have a fairly small budget though, that’s why I considered the Corsair. Thanks a lot for the advice, have anymore tips for someone just starting out?

 

[David Cole]

Your best solution is to find out what entry level classes either of the tracks have. Going with a Rotax is a big learning curve, both on and off the track.

Here is a local shop – http://www.fulltiltracing.com/

Or you can also look at – http://www.ovrp.net/

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[Alex Greco]

I figured that might be the case, but I was feeling a little cocky. The only karts I’ve ever driven are those pole position electric karts. Thanks a lot for those links, really helpful! And I found this eBay listing for a LO206, http://m.ebay.com/itm/Briggs-LO206-Racing-engine-Local-Option-L0206-Animal-/400279557914 is this the one you were talking about?

[David Cole]

Yes, making the jump from indoor karts to competitive karts can be tricky, thus why you want to start at the entry level, then jumping right up to the elite level.

Yes, but instead of looking at ebay, look at the classifieds here, or just buy it right from the shop so you know there is no question that the engine is what it is, and you can get your parts right from them – http://cometkartsales.com/Briggs-Local-Option-206-Engine.html

David Cole - EKN Managing Editor

[Walt Gifford]

Alex, there are no LO206 racers in NJ. LO206 is a great class and I wish one would get going around here. If you get one they will let you run in the catch all class and they will make a new LO206 class if we get 5 guys to come out. If you want an LO206 don’t go on ebay, get one from this shop that sets them up for racing http://www.carlsonmotorsports.com/

The best way to go right now imho, get the $500 chassis and put a yamaha KT100 on it for some great racing at Englishtown in the sportsman class. Stay away from Rotax or Tag.

Gif

FAA certified jet engine and aircraft technician,
Nicholson Speedway class champion 2001,
Yamaha KT100 Service Center,
41 years karting experience

[Alex Greco]

Gig, thank you for the info, I was going to call ETown and ask what classes race there.. But now I know! Do you know if the same goes for Millville NJ? And if you know, how much should a new KT-100 run me? I saw around $700-1000.

[Kirt Burcroff]

Alex – You’ll have a hard time finding a race for the Briggs right now within driving distance (I live in East Meadow). As Walt said, Yamaha will be your best bet. I’ve been through the whole starting new thing in the last 5 years, so if I can be of any help drop me an email. kburcroff@yahoo.com

[Alex Greco]

Wow that’s so funny, I just moved to Port Washington from East Meadow a while back! And yeah I think I’m going to go ahead and go for that corsair and a KT100. I desperately want to start racing and want to be ready in time for the first races this season. I thought I would have to save up around $5k to start out but now everything seems to be falling into my budget. And I’ll definitely contact you if I have any questions, thanks a lot.

-Alex

 

[Walt Gifford]

I would look for a KT100 package that’s been raced with everything you need (mount, clutch, exhaust, airbox ect) to bolt on and go. Make sure it’s a new style cylinder. I would expect to pay 800-900 at most.

Millville is still like the wild west on the competition kart side after all these years. Basically they are a rental kart track that gets a new manager that changes everything every couple of years. What they’re doing is the best kept secret in karting. If you go there and security won’t let you in don’t give up right away, just keep talking and asking question and maybe tell them you have a meeting at the kart track and they will let you in after a while if you sign a couple of release forms and give a pint of blood. I only go there to practice and I try to reduce my contact with staff while I’m there. If you do get out on the track keep your head up and watch out for golf carts crossing the racing line. They are ok for the nj sprint series because Englishtown runs the show that day. Did I mention their fees are higher than other tracks. Other than that they’re ok.

Gif

FAA certified jet engine and aircraft technician,
Nicholson Speedway class champion 2001,
Yamaha KT100 Service Center,
41 years karting experience

[Kirt Burcroff]

Small world. We primarily race at Englishtown and this year I’m putting my son back into Yamaha for the club races, so we’ll see you at the track.

[Kirt Burcroff]

As soon as someone breaks the seal on Briggs at Etown I think there will be a really healthy class.

[Alex Greco]

Alright guys so now that I know what I want, do you think getting that cheap chassis is a good idea? Or should I got for a more well know brand?

 

[Kirt Burcroff]

I personally would go for a more well known brand. My number one reason for that would be the availability of parts at the track and help if you need it. I started off with an old used CRG chassis and because I was new I found it to be too much to maintain. We ran it 3 times, sold it and bought a new kart.

[Alex Greco]

Any recommendations for an affordable one? Looking to spend under $1k. This Corsair chassis is still really tempting though..

-Alex

 

 

[Kirt Burcroff]

My question to you would be: If you went with the Corsair and wadded it up at the end of the long straight in Etown would you be able to get a front end spindle, steering shaft, side pod or other part? That value kart could become a headache really quickly. There are a few options to find a kart. Under $1,000 may be a little more difficult.

-The Long Island Karting Association has a FB page. Post on there and see if anyone has something on the Island.

-The Etown club pre-season meeting is this Sunday at 1pm at the race track. Go there and ask around or let John Ferris (He runs the show) know what you’re looking for.

-The classifieds on here are great but at that price it will be tough to find something that doesn’t have to be shipped.

-There are several Kart shops in the area

Kaos Kart Shop, Oakland Valley Race park (OVRP), Kart Attack, Keller Motorsports. Call them and see what they have in their shops.

[Alex Greco]

Hmm.. Good points, so no parts are really interchangeable from different manufacturers chassis?

-Alex

[Kirt Burcroff]

Some are, but it depends on the part and the chassis. We started on CRG (dealers on Long Island) moved to Top Kart (Dealers at the track in etown) and this year we’re running Swiss Hutless (Dealer in New Jersey). In every case I’ve had someone nearby that I could get parts and support from. If you’ve never worked on a kart before you’re going to need some help learning things like mounting tires, picking and installing gears, maintaining that Yamaha KT100 clutch, getting the kart scaled so the weight is correct and on and on and on. It’s not rocket science but there is a learning curve. With the right support you’ll be having a blast before you know it.

[Walt Gifford]

Alex, that Corsair kart looks like a $1500 kart to me and a deal at $500. These days there are so many after market kart parts you can find replacement parts or parts that can be easily retro fitted for anything. Don’t let that scare you off anyway. I’ve been karting for 41 years and I’ve never needed track side support and very rarely bent anything. It’s all in how you drive.

Let me know if you don’t want it because for $500 I’ll buy it, put an engine on it race it all year then sell it for $1500.

Gif

FAA certified jet engine and aircraft technician,
Nicholson Speedway class champion 2001,
Yamaha KT100 Service Center,
41 years karting experience

[Alex Greco]

I’m definitely going to go for it, can’t beat that price.. On a tight budget. The guy still hasn’t got back to me. I think he has 2 for sale.

-Alex

[Dan Schlosser]

They have at least 2 of those Corsair karts Alex – if you buy one, buy them all and make a great package deal so you have spares. Two of those karts are essentially brand new – they are as clean as they look. If I recall the story correctly Corsair was an Italian brand started by Teo Fabi’s (80’s IndyCar) family. The Fabi family did a lot of a business with a company based out of West Virginia and they sent these karts over for the guys that owned that factory. They used the one for some lapping days at Circleville and Pitt Race but the other two were never completed and used.

The karts have many basic interchangeable components and you can probably find what need from Righetti or Parolin.  That said, I’m in full agreement with David, Walt and the rest that say buy from a local shop if you are new to the sport. You will need help and at the end of the day it comes a lot easier if you’ve established a relationship with a local dealer.

If you do buy one (or all) of these karts I’d suggest taking them to Keith or one of the other local guys and pay them for a few hours of labor to go through and set up the karts for you to start.  The relationship you establish will pay off many times over down the road.

 

[Alex Greco]

I would definitely want to buy both of them, but on my budget I think 1 is all I can do. Thanks for the info. Still waiting for the reply..

-Alex

 

[Kirt Burcroff]

Walt – you’re a machinist that can fashion a spindle out of a coat hanger. We’re not all that talented LOL

My son is a clean racer and a master at avoiding wrecks, due to thousands of hours on IRacing, but I still bought 3 spindles, 2 wheels, 1 kingpin, 3 ties rods, 2 seat struts  and 2 axles, blew up one PRD and had one wiring harness failure this season. That’s not to mention how many metric screws, nuts, bolts, set screws, springs and the like I had to replace in between races. I’ve built up a good stockpile of spares, but because I haven’t been doing it for 41 years I still need that dealer trackside pretty regularly.  :)

 

[Alex Greco]

I know there’s risk in getting this chassis. But I’m just starting out and testing the waters.. I need something cheap, and this is the best deal I think I’m going to find. And worst case scenario if something goes wrong with it, and I really can’t find any solution, hey it was a $500 chassis. And at that point I’ll know if I want to keep karting or not and choose to invest in something with more support.

-Alex

[Dan Schlosser]

Alex – Call Mike or Michael at 724.535.1000

That may have been posted before a change of management at the track so may not be getting your inquiries.

[Brian Mead]

Alex- +1 go pick them up. He’s asking 500. It doesn’t say “firm”. If there are two, offer to take both for 800, get a motor package from Walt, and go have fun. Tags, are fast,fast,fast, and really burn up parts, you, and tires. You’ll like the Yamaha.

[Alex Greco]

That was exactly my plan haha, I sent 2 emails and left 2 messages.. Still waiting for a response..

-Alex

[Anonymous]

Call Richie from Kustom Kart Shop.. At track every Sunday. He may have something at a good price.732-477-6869…Customer since 1979.

[Author]

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