hi Danny,
didn't really get into gear boxes on my last post.
heres my thoughts.
they are heavier but that means little when you're not racing.
back before karts had weights added for "fairness" shaving onces meant a better chance to win.
everything was lightened up to the point of being worn out after one race but if you want to win......
anyway today gearboxes have several pluses.
one they are clean, both in looks and in operation.
if you've ever had the pleasure of cleaning chain oil off your brand new gas tank or paint after a five minute run you'd know what i mean.
for me with my as found ratty karts the oil doesn't mean much.
to a guy with 100-150 or more hours in his restoration kart it's ANNOYING.
they were a great design so if your pockets are deep enough to buy all the gears changing ratios at the track is a breeze.
if you're fast it takes less than five minutes.
also theres a uber cool brake set up you can hang right off the gearbox that goes a long way in the hot rod look.
downside: without a doubt you need to take it apart and redo all the bearings.
the bearings are easy to source spare gear parts aren't so it will need to be done to protect the gearbox.
the vka site guys did an article on that in their book.
go over and ask and someone will help you out or maybe here.
if your mechanical skills aren't great i'd start easy with a chain , dry clutch and a mc91.
easy set up and not alot of mechanical skill needed.
also alot cheaper initially.
as you hang out at races pay attention and make friends.
later when you know your kart better you can always swap out the chain for a gear box.
when you do you can call your buddies you have if you get stuck.
or ask on the forum either way i'd wait unless you have good mechanical skills already.
dave
Nice kart too. I look forward to seeing your karts and making some new friends at TBO.