http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r614/twelch1993/IMG_0830_zpswjjl7yqi.jpgHello!
this is my first year mower racing and the second year for organized racing in our area. I'm finding it a very addicting sport and the sport is taking off quickly in the area. I'm running the silver craftsman currently with a briggs flathead. after a few races I decided I need a super mod. so I picked up this red craftsman ys4500 with a 20hp intek. our rules currently do not allow engine mods other than exhaust intake and removing the governor. I think this rule will be changing in the coming years but for now ill have to leave it as is. so I've decided to make a build and hopefully get some help and pointers from everyone on here as I go.
started stripping the chassis down and mounted the bloc bearings in the rear and installed a 36" 1" axle
I built my front axle out of stainless 1 1/2x 1 1/2 cut at 10* on each end then built my own spindles using threaded couplings a 1/2" bearing on each end and 5/8 bolt welded on, the turn very smooth im hoping they will hold up.
I just used the stock mower tires for fit up but will be getting hubs rims and 13"s from EC
Next I fabbed up the steering supports and mounted the steering column over the motor style if anyone sees any thing that should be adjusted or changed its only tacked up in case something doesn't work out
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ive used the stock wheel for now but will be getting a better one to bolt on soon.
built my own ty rods by welding nuts to stainless tubing. still need to pick up a couple ends to finish It up
next was custom built nerf bars/foot rests also built of stainless, I hope these will be strong enough as they are small diameter tubing but it was all I was able to bend on my own.
and last night I just finished mounting the seat and gast tank. do you guys think this location will work?
im only 140 lbs, trying to keep it low and a good compromise between front and rear. my only concern is mounting the gearbox I may have to build a frame to raise to seat so I can put gearbox under in closer to the rear axle? or would it be fine just ahead of the seat?
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so that's where im at so far, should have hubs rims and tires soon im thinking 15's on the rear should set me at about 31/2" ground clearance ( we don't have height restrictions yet)
also im curious about turning the motor so the heads face me. what all is involved in doing this? will motor be okay oil wise?
Let me know what you guys think so far,
this is my first build so it wont be perfect any help is appreciated