Hi Josh, now your bringing back memories, mate. My uncle got into karting back in 1959 in Brisbane at the Boondall Drive-In Theatre, and rallied his nephews to get involved. I was lucky enough to be one of them. Our first kart was a very basic design being made from heavy tubing, scrubber brakes and a Villiers GK 98cc engine....loads of fun, but not very competitive.
Uncle John had the opportunity to travel to USA in 1963 and returned with a purpose built brand new kart designed by Rupp Engineering, called the "Dart Kart", which was manufactured from chrome-molly tubing, aluminium floorpan and spun alloy fuel tank, Airheart disc brakes, fully adjustable front end for camber, toe-in/out etc., live axle, running a brand spanking bright yellow McCulloch MC10. The kart, painted in metallic candy apple red with heaps of chrome, it looked a real picture and quick too!
We were at that stage racing at Golden Valley Go-Kart Club at Sanford in Brisbane, which was a dirt track (clockwise) which was treated with sump oil to hold the surface together, and were running a ratio of 9 neat (81 tooth sprocket on the axle...9 tooth on the MC10). We also had a "maverick" spark unit fitted, which delivered a constant spark to the plug, which you could use for a second or two, to give you a sudden burst of acceleration, particularly as you approached the finish line in a close race. I was very successful in the junior championships in this kart.
It wasn't too long before Uncle wanted to race in "D" class, which was twin engines, so another MC10 was fitted; then twin MC 30's and eventually a single McCulloch MC75 (all chrome cowling) which had 3 carbies fitted. Twin McCulloch reed valve carbies back to back on top and one straight into the crankcase through the stuffer plate, on the bottom.....Super quick!!...a bugger to tune!!
The last engine we used was an Apparilla, which revved at 18,000 RPM....It used to scream!! Great memories.
Josh, I haven't seen a MC10 in years, maybe you could have a look at a karting forum, ask the question, if you're lucky, someone might have one in the shed they wish to part with.
Best of luck and good hunting!
