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We first introduced you to Vet Kart when its owner, Erich Heinig was deadlifting the car to gain awareness of the car’s purpose. Vet Kart started out as a worn-out 1988 C4 that Erich bought for $500. There was no engine, transmission, interior or suspension. Now, with much higher aspirations of helping veterans all across the nation, Erich plans on crossing the country in the car, raising awareness to the trials that veterans face when back home. Then, sometime in 2020, he plans to sell the car and donate the bulk of the proceeds to various charities that help veterans.
Erich, a veteran of the U.S. Army, wanted to find a way to bring attention to the needs and trials that veterans face once they’ve fulfilled their active duty and seek to find their place back in society. Vet Kart will be a means for Erich to share what he has seen and help those who have seen so much, both overseas and at home.
Erich and team are building an LS-based engine to power Vet Kart with a goal of 500 horsepower at the crank. All that power will be directed through the five-speed overdrive which should make Vet Kart both capable on the track and the street.
What was basically a frame, has since had its body removed and various parts upgraded to build a better kart. The suspension is now completed and rides on a set of QA1 coilover shocks at every corner. All the control arms have been bushed with urethane bushings and the car now rides on a set of C6 wheels.
QA1 coilover shocks now hold the ride height on Vet Kart. Urethane bushings make sure Vet Kart's suspension points exactly where Erich wants it.
The engine is coming together, and while Erich explains that the complete build is still “classified”, he will allow that it will definitely be LSx based. He’s looking for around 500 horsepower, which should be fairly simple to accomplish. The engine will then be nestled in front of a Silver Sport Transmission five-speed overdrive. That’s important because Erich plans on driving the car all over the nation, seeking out folks with fast cars whom he may share a little friendly competition on the quarter-mile.
Of course, drag racing Vet Kart meant that it needed a roll cage. Seems pretty sturdy to us!
With the reduction of weight thanks to removing the entire interior and body, Erich hopes to tip the scales at around 2,000 pounds, which should make for an invigorating ride on the street or strip. Keep your eyes peeled for the blur of Vet Kart soon, as Erich continues to push forward to getting the word out and helping veterans across the nation.
Stay tuned and we’ll continue to follow Erich and Vet Kart on the build and their efforts in the following months ahead.
