Topic: Best Mower to use....

[GrassRunner5]

I am new to Mower racing. And i wanna run either the f/x class or the b/p class.  Which would be the best mower to build into my monster? I do have a craftsman 2 that i stripped down last night. I was wondering if it would be easier to build a different make of mower. Any information will be great. My mower don't have to be ready till april of next year. But wanna Git-r-done.

[mowdak1]

Welcome to MowBetter!

Given options offered above, probably the BP, the mower you have there is going to be a bit large and heavy for FX. If you want to go FX look for something smaller and lighter, typically read 60's or earlier vintage, not much more than hood, floorpan, and a seat in configuration.

You are aware however that BP engines do get rather spendy? You might want to consider starting with an SP, where this chass would fit right in. And... if you're lucky and have a 12 hp, rather than the usual 11 hp craftsman setup, you could also use this engine as the basis for your racing engine. 




 

[GrassRunner5]

Thanks for the info. mowdak.  the bp class, is that a twin cylinder motor?  if so  what is the best mowtor to get my hands on? It can be just a stock motor.(Father inlaw owns a Lawn mower engine repair shop). He has the things to build my mowtor. 

[GrassRunner5]

is there any place that i can get some pics of how to mount the rear end?  i was looking at the front axle. are they a solid mount peice(welded onto frame)  or does the bolt from the factory hold it in? I am still a little confused on the belt drive system from the motor to the peerless trans.

[mowdak1]

Yep BP would be twin cylinder engine, rated 20 hp or less. Guaranteed to get your attention when you crack the throttle.

Not to be disrectful or anything, but... Father-in-Law may have the things to build your motor; does he however, have the knowledge and experience to build it to turn 6500 - 7000 RPMs. Because that's where it's got to go, and we're talking way outside the parameters most small engine guys are accustomed to working with, and there are a few interesting little twists involved in making it turn that fast.

Pictures of mounting rear end and belt to Peerless Trans...see the G-Team Chassis Slideshows and go down to the Racing Mower Build board and check out a few of the threads there. 

Front axle is welded solid... no center pivot bolt when racing. 

[Squidd]

I would suggest starting out in the "Build Section" of the forums here..

Lots of pics and they are generally worth a thousand words...

Once you get the basics down you can refine your search to specific areas of building...

Lots of different options and opinions on the "proper" or "best" way to build...

Not sure where your located, but even better than pics would be to go to a race and see what the guys are actually running...Most will be happy to "show and tell" the various aspects of their rides...

[GrassRunner5]

Id like to thank you all for your great imput. As i am a rookie at this stuff. any ideas on a good motor combination for the f/x class since i might lean to running that class, there was 9 of them at our local track this past saturday. they were running a 5hp go kart racing engine.

[birdman_express]

The biggest one you can run in FX is 465cc 28 cubic inches.
Flathead or OHV, they both scoot.... with the right massaging.

[mowdak1]

If they're all running 5 hp and you plan on running local track, you may want to look into their rules. Under USLMRA rules, you can as Birdman points out above run up up to 465 cc OHV in this class, but that doesn't make it legal where you're at. And, not having anyone to run with at home makes for a lot of driving, or sitting on the sidelines!

No one in the USLMRA would even remotely consider a 5 hp go kart engine... you're gonna get lapped several times if you do! Has to be a reason if they're all running them.

[Gearstix]

No one in the USLMRA would even remotely consider a 5 hp go kart engine... you're gonna get lapped several times if you do! Has to be a reason if they're all running them.

I know... thats why im trying to push mine

[GrassRunner5]

well there rules they go by are from the same book you guys follow, just no one wants to try the other motor. so i figured id be the 1st