So I just upgraded from 13x4 inch rear wheels to 18x8, I have a non-hemi predator 212cc. When testing the go kart, it seemed to have great acceleration (We are running an 11 tooth clutch to a 60 tooth sprocket on a live axle). With these 18 inch wheels, the calculation on top speed goes from 25 mph with the 13 inch wheels to 35 with these 18 inch wheels. Of course this theoretical top speed with these bigger wheels only results in worse acceleration. These 18 inch wheels do keep the sprocket nicely off the ground. Will these wheels greatly hinder our acceleration? If so what are some fixes without buying a cvt/torque converter if any? Thanks
13 to 18 inch wheels
- Thread starter Barîb
- Start date
Denny
Canned Monster
Any time you step up to a 18” wheel a cvt is recommend or you will have to lower your gear ratio to keep acceleration. But you loose your new found top end. Why the aversion to going to a CVT? May I ask?
Bansil
Painter of gnomes....
With creativity, involving grinding, hole drilling and clocking it can fit in very weird places.
I have even seen, where a custom tapered sprocket mount was made going to a jackshaft that had the tc mounted in the rear, while engine was in front, as well as some other wild things.
Gokarts don't have as much room as like the type I'm building....same concept.
Pre ETA....is engine stock rpms? Maybe with a mod 3 engine, creative gearing could still keep the top end and acceleration??
Since tourqe gets you going and the hp helps top end (more hp and 3000 more rpm)
Just throwing out discussion topics for you
I have even seen, where a custom tapered sprocket mount was made going to a jackshaft that had the tc mounted in the rear, while engine was in front, as well as some other wild things.
Gokarts don't have as much room as like the type I'm building....same concept.
Pre ETA....is engine stock rpms? Maybe with a mod 3 engine, creative gearing could still keep the top end and acceleration??
Since tourqe gets you going and the hp helps top end (more hp and 3000 more rpm)
Just throwing out discussion topics for you
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Bansil
Painter of gnomes....
I come from a time when you put a bigger engine in to go faster, then you changed gearing to not blow it up...then you put a bigger engine because the gearing slowed down top end...this was all pre computer, and an $$$ adventure
Smarter folks will chime in....
Will governor removal do anything? Would removing the governor put unnecessary strain on the parts. I could probably do a stage 1 predator 212cc with a mikuni carb or a rejetted carb and a free flowing intake. Anything to get more torque really. Next cheapest option is like an 80 tooth from McMaster Carr, or even slap on a second 212cc. Any thoughts on governor removal? This is going to be more a of a hauling/ work kart. Room for 2 people and tools, thanks.
madprofessor
"Loose Cannon Creations"
Sprockets can be had cheaper at gokart suppliers, BMI, GPS, MFG, etc. For your stated use it doesn't seem you need a lot of top end. I'd gear down the ratio like you said first, cheapest option, then see after if it does what you need. Remember, bigger sprocket requires adding chain links unless you've got a really huge amount of adjustment available.
madprofessor
"Loose Cannon Creations"
CVT's multiply low end torque for certain. Governor deleting does zero for torque for certain.
Governor only keeps you from spinning up the top end beyond the governor's set amount of rpm. Deleting it only lets your top speed increase after you get to where the governor's limiting range used to be, doesn't help you get up to it.
CVT does give slight improvement in top speed also, just not like the torque improvement.
Governor only keeps you from spinning up the top end beyond the governor's set amount of rpm. Deleting it only lets your top speed increase after you get to where the governor's limiting range used to be, doesn't help you get up to it.
CVT does give slight improvement in top speed also, just not like the torque improvement.
Denny
Canned Monster
Just go with the cvt now and save yourself money and headaches in the long run.
IMO....with a gear ratio of 5:1, you are going to have a hard time with acceleration and burning up your clutch. Your clutch will be slipping constantly and its lifespan will be greatly reduced. It is like taking off in 3rd gear in a manual car.
If you get a CVT, I would still try change the gear ratio to about 6-7:1. If you are keeping the CC, then you will in my opinion definitely have to gear lower
Here is some more info to have a look at
If you get a CVT, I would still try change the gear ratio to about 6-7:1. If you are keeping the CC, then you will in my opinion definitely have to gear lower
Here is some more info to have a look at
Suggested Gear Ratios for various setups
So many people on here ask for gearing. So here you go- DISCLAIMER: WARNING This chart was made with 16 INCH TIRES DO NOT USE WITHOUT ADJUSTMENT IF YOUR KART WILL AND/OR DOES HAVE LARGER THAN 16 INCHES! STOCK IS DEFINED AS 200 POUND KART, 150 POUND ME AND 16 INCH TIRES! 5 HP Stock Gearing...
www.diygokarts.com
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