How much caster adjustment?

[racerdad]

My sons kart doesn't have any caster adjustment. Has a kingpin and 2 rod ends for camber, but nothing on caster. My thought is to add a slotted plate for this adjustment. My question is how much adjustment can I get doing this?

My plan is to basically try and put the new plate on at the same angle as what is on the kart now. Handles decent now with a rookie driver, but next year we'll need more speed and better handling since we move up to an older class.

 

[flattop1]

A chassis upgrade might be a similar cost /benifit .
Unless you intend to fab and weld it all.
Then theres the chance it may not be faster .

 

[racerdad]

I can get the plates for $24, and would need the same thing in buying a kit. I already have the front setup, but no caster adjustment.

This is my setup if it helps

 

[flattop1]

Ten 4 . Thats the route i would go . Depending on the plate i might cut all or part of whats existing off . Set it up in a middle range of what i want for caster , weld em on.

 

[racerdad]

You wouldn't happen to have an idea of how much of a range I'll have would you?

 

[racerdad]

This is the plate I plan on using if it helps

 

[Skidude]

Buy some L blocks with the slot in the top and loose the bottom heim joint, it will be made into the “L”. Use a bolt in the bottom of the block and heim at the top.

 

[flattop1]

8/10 left and right is pretty common . On a flat kart .
You have front steer and what looks like a roll bar/cage .
Champ , cage or winged outlaw i have little experience with they may need something different . It looks pretty straight up and down now .
With no other input , 8/10 .
8-10 would be my guess for sure you should get 6* .

 

[racerdad]

I haven't measured what I currently have. The kart is a mini wedge. For the youngins to learn on before moving into big cars. We have an AKRA clone, use a lot of parts similar to a flat kart.

I thought about a L bracket setup, but this on a budget for now. Maybe later on. For what I would have in a complete set up, I can get a gauge and try this. But that is not out of the question

 

[flattop1]

You know what they say .
If it ain't broke don't fix it .

 

[racerdad]

I figure its got some built in, how often does one adjust castor. Or is camber and weight percentages more important?

 

[flattop1]

Its not a go to nightly adjustment .

 

[1fasttiller]

A newer model chassis would surely benefit you WAY more than cutting and possibly destroying that antique you have... Castor is not that big of a "Go-To" adjustment. Get camber, toe and weights right and then focus on tires!