Recent content by LVScottT

So what you're saying is I don't have to be the fastest new member...

And some people take themselves too seriously. Go karting is supposed to be fun. Do you seriously believe only mechanical engineers should ever build them??

LOL. Too true! Yes, I have always swung towards the dark side. Professionally, I am a data analyst and software developer. On the side, I am an amateur wood worker and Halloween prop builder. Somehow, most things I design actually work as planned.

I hear ya. But for me, half the fun is the engineering and designing. This project has evolved greatly over the years and will change even more before I actually start cutting & welding. In fact, until recently, this was a no-weld project! I wanted to design a go kart using only bolts, like...

Yep. That's about what I figured. I was also toying with the idea of throwing in a 40 series FNR for $300 from BlastLED but I'm not sure I'll have room.

Won't know till I build it. Should I skip the 420 setup and go straight to 50?

My bad. Let me fill in a few gaps. I am using MS Visio to design it and Excel to track parts & costs, calc ratios & speeds, etc. I have a stock HF 420 still in the box. I will be attaching GoPowerSports' 40 series TC with a 10-tooth driven. A 420 chain goes to a 60t on a raised jackshaft then...

Guys, it's obviously a grounding issue. The wires from the kill switch are shorting to the back axle. OK, seriously, when lifted & idling, are the back wheels turning? If they are, then your clutch is engaging at too low of rpm. Check for a loose or missing spring.

I believe the driven shaft of the torque converter is referred to as a jackshaft, so I am adding a 2nd jackshaft. And yes, EZ, except you left out the TC. And my engine is 6-sided, not 5.

First, there are two 420 chains from the jack to the axle, so they would both have to break. Plus, there will be a 4.5" band brake (or internal drum, haven't decided) on the live axle with a standard hand brake lever for both parking and emergency secondary brake. And if both of the 420s break...

I'm designing a two-seat offroad kart and have incorporated a few unorthodox features. I'm curious how many others have designed "outside the box"? One of my ideas is for a two-person bench seat. I need it wide enough for one adult and one child, so about 36". I also want it to weather well...

Help! My thread has been hijacked by math-heads! At least they have some teeth left in Mattoon... unlike Decatur, Peoria, Monticello, Clinton, etc

Yes, much better! Now, how would I calculate overall torque for each RPM? The Predator specs say it is a 6.5HP engine with a max speed of 3800 RPM that can produce a Maximum Torque of 8.1 ft.-lbs. @ 2500 RPM. I thought I could use that as a baseline, but when I plugged those values into the...

I think I know what is wrong with my calculations. Nothing! They are correct... but the information I found online to make my calculations is apparently wrong. The gearbox is available from numerous eBay sellers, and almost all of them state that the gearbox has a forward ratio of 1:1.3...

Calculations Table (hopefully). I still need to calculate the foot pounds at each RPM.