Hi Gaz, Ive been karting for a year now so heres a relative newbies view.
For the first year a spare engine is uneccersary. You'll be spending your time practising, getting rid of your novice plates and basically finding your feet. Also, if my experience is anything to go by, then you will also change equipment numerours times in the first year or so as you get to know what suits you as a driver. As far as builds are concerned, there have been two distinct views put to me. As you will no doubt start with an engine that you are unsure of the hours then when to build is a lottery. Do you spend the money up front and be happy to spend the money, or just drive the thing till it blows and then get a full rebuild? I did the latter, and £800 later i had an as new engine, running great and also with at least 9 months warranty on the entire engine.
Now i know the exact hours of my engine then the concensus of opinion on pistons seems to be about 10 hours if you are just a standard clubby(i'm sure others have different timetables depending on where you are on the tree).i'm yet to replace it but i believe its approx £150 + vat (ish).
The great debate about carbs is one that has alluded me i'm afraid. I blast the hell out of mine with carb cleaner after every days driving and make sure that anything i put into it (jets etc) are also clean. As for jetting the carb, i must be honest i find the rotax engine a very forgiving engine. The range at which it works well is suprisingly large, and the final 10% is gained by testing and more importantly getting to know your equipment.
All in all its a mega litttle engine, really easy to keep on top of and more importantly it blows away pretty much anything else on the track.
The most fun you can have with you clothes on!!
One last thing, DONT BUY CRAP!!!, buy the best you can afford and if your not sure then save some more and look again when you have more money. If you bhave any doubts as to what your buying then post some piccies or details on here and some of the more knowledgeable guys will give you an opinion.
Right thats me finished, and corries finished, so time to watch kartmasters (again) and look forward to the weekend!!
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