How high can you go? (Gear Ratio)

[ultralight01]

So, I'm getting ready for my next build. It's going to be a race kart.

My best friend got a quality wire feed welder for $50 at a yard sale, and told me I can use it.

My plan is to use either steel conduit or square pipe, and I'll be welding my first frame together, along with steering.

We've all heard of people wanting to "go fast".

I want to go fast. So, I'm going with a 3:1 gear ratio, with a predator and a 12tooth clutch, and an asuza 36 tooth sprocket. Live axle.

I'm going for 15" back wheels.

My question is, will it move? Lol! Also, am I better off getting a 301cc 8hp for more torque?

This will be a light little kart. Should reach about 60mph.

I'm ready.

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

Nope. Won't move. What kind of drivetrain are you considering?

 

[mckutzy]

Should do... But that's if you can get it to move at all..

 

[ultralight01]

Whatever works. TC are expensive, but if need be I'll use one. Don't a lot of racing karts have a 3:1 ratio?

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

I say give it a go and be prepared to play with the ratio a little. Keeping the weight as low as possible is a baseline requirement. And of course post all your progress here.

 

[ultralight01]

Of course. Let me clarify, this is a single seater, that I plan to be super light, and I'm a crazy thin teenager that weighs 115lbs.

Shouldn't have too much trouble.

 

[Poboy kartman]

Of course. Let me clarify, this is a single seater, that I plan to be super light, and I'm a crazy thin teenager that weighs 115lbs.

Shouldn't have too much trouble.

Neither should your pall bearers....

 

[FreeRunner15]

Sounds like you are going to PAFR and try it anyways so:

the highest i've ever been with a clutch was 4.8:1 and it took off like a champ but i didn't chance more than 5 minutes of run time cause it got hot really quick.
But a 3:1? shoot, try it! Just keep an eye on the clutch and dont freakin' touch it lol. If you really want to see how hot it gets put a dab of liquid/saliva on the clutch and watch it steam and boil.

But do you have a video camera? We need a good reference that this ratio will work if the setup is light enough.

---------- Post added at 02:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:07 PM ----------

oh, and i have 15" wheels as well.

 

[ultralight01]

Sheesh, all the parts I need besides the frame and mounting plate, which I'm fabricating myself for cheap or free, for a live axle setup and a predator: $412 shipped. Not a lot, but kind of a lot.

Thanks FreeRunner. I need to mount a can of wd-40 in front of my clutch.

 

[Poboy kartman]

NO WORDS....

 

[mckutzy]

Even the pafr of pafr say your going.... pafr

 

[ultralight01]

Looool

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

Drooling on your clutch is not recommended. Get a room.

 

[ultralight01]

I wasn't serious, but I can see it, a separatecoolant" pedal that sprays wd-40... Let me know if I'm missing anything here:

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

You'll need a cable or rod to actuate the brake. And pedals, unless you fab your own.

 

[FreeRunner15]

Thanks FreeRunner. I need to mount a can of wd-40 in front of my clutch.

Now that would be a nice show. But i don't advise it. fire.

---------- Post added at 04:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:23 PM ----------

hmm? comes with a set of 2 keys but needs a 12volt 18amp battery. i'm afraid to even mention this cause noone knows the quality of these things yet.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PowerLand-G...Electric-Start-Horizontal-Shaft-/282045588913

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

As far as I can tell, you aren't actually afraid to mention anything.

 

[ultralight01]

Now that would be a nice show. But i don't advise it. fire.

---------- Post added at 04:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:23 PM ----------

hmm? comes with a set of 2 keys but needs a 12volt 18amp battery. i'm afraid to even mention this cause noone knows the quality of these things yet.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PowerLand-G...Electric-Start-Horizontal-Shaft-/282045588913

Wait, Is there any advantage to this engine over a Predator Besides Electric start

 

[ultralight01]

Now this frame, I like. A few angles, but I have tools and a brain

This isn't a plan. I'll just replicate-ish it by sight



Went ahead and added two SOLID steel spindle brackets to the cart. 4.95 each, but I'd rather buy then weld what holds my wheels in place, ESPECIALLY if I want to go over 50mph.

 

[ultralight01]

You'll need a cable or rod to actuate the brake. And pedals, unless you fab your own.

Fabricating both
I think a drill and some steel plate will do for mounting the engine. That or I'll mount the engine right onto the frame, drilling a succession of holes through the tubing.