are torque converters worth it?

[NapO]

I am running a modified gx 160 pushing about 8 to 9 hp. i currently have a higher grade comet clutch and i run either 60 tooth or a 100 tooth gear on the axle. I love the torque from the 100 tooth but it maxes out at about 50 km/h. Plus i wanna be able to get that low, kick in the pants torque needed for off roading. Using the 60 tooth gear i get torque in the mid range and can hit about 70 km/h. Will the tav2 give me the torque i need or is it not worth the money? keep in mind im on a tight budget and this would be the last upgrade.

 

[jr dragster T]

Torque Converters give a nice very torquey take off and a OD top end. Its up to you.

 

[oscaryu1]

Torque Converters give a nice very torquey take off and a OD top end. Its up to you.

I'm still suprised that you only hit 60KPH with your stock setup

 

[jr dragster T]

Like I said it was with my dads governed down GX200 clone. I've never clocked my stock clone. I'm sure its well over 60 kmh with my stock clone. Now I wouldnt dought over 110.

 

[modelengineer]

LOL, I'll believe that when I see it.
Acceleration must be s$&% with that a top speed that high.

 

[jetlag]

I just upgraded from a regular clutch to a TAV 2...

W
O
W


I was reluctant to spend the money, but glad I did.
This thing is a monster now, and I'm using a Harbor Freight 6.5hp motor with a header and governor removed.

I am using a 12T TAV with a 72T sprocket.

 

[jr dragster T]

LOL, I'll believe that when I see it.
Acceleration must be s$&% with that a top speed that high.

Its a varable ratio transmission. I have plenty of low end torque and have no dought it can do over 100 KMH. Whats so hard to belive? A stock blockzilla 2 can do around 110-115 KMH so I'm pretty sure a much more modern engine could. It doesnt take alot of HP to hit 100-110. Ask my local machine shop. He'll tell ya. He guess's my kart can run low 11's maybe even a high 10 in the 1/8 mile. Thats pretty good.

 

[Affair_driven]

Continuously Variable Transmission or CVT.

 

[NapO]

Thanks for advice guys. I think i'm gunna get one. I have another quick question. My honda won't idle with the choke off. when i go for a spin, i have to floor the gas with choke on and then take off choke. I have to keep my foot constantly on the gas or else the engine dies. Is this normal for a modified honda? These are mods i have made:

1.2 ratio rocker arms
90 jet
gx 140 pilot jet
cold air intake
bored out carb
g 200 spring
governer removal
8 degrees of advance timing
gx200 head gasket
stainless steel valves and retainers

 

[Affair_driven]

I have to keep my foot constantly on the gas or else the engine dies. Is this normal for a modified honda?

Describes a lean condition and is not normal.
Put back stock carb and key to see if prob still exists.
Process of elimination.
8 degrees is a lot for gas.

 

[NapO]

i tried a stock key and original carb. Problem still persisted. Im guessing 95 or 100 jet will do the trick?

 

[mike75925]

do you have a mix screw?

 

[Affair_driven]

Make sure there are no intake gasket leaks.
What color is spark plug center electrode?

 

[NapO]

the center electrode is a little to light i think and i think i'm gunna replace all the gaskets on the intake cause there getting old. i'll take some pics to show u what i'm working with.

 

[NapO]

before i by the 12 tooth tav2 is there any modifications i need to make to the engine or torque converter for it to fit? i heard that it needs to be machined a bit to clear the oil cap on the gx 160.

 

[jr dragster T]

If mounting the converter verticle there is no troubles at all. If mounting straight back then you will have to do some minor clearencing to the casting ribs on the jackshaft support.

 

[oscaryu1]

Jeez, a 72 tooth rear sprocket to even get a "WOW"?

My e-chopper gave me a "WOW" and almost threw me off... witha 5:1 gear ratio...

Do ya really have to gear THAT low? (Or heck, that big of a sprocket?)

 

[mike75925]

clearance issues can be from the type of kart you are triing to run it on. i have one but can't really run it.

 

[NapO]

mines home made and i plan on modifying the actual go kart in order for it to fit. i just wanted to know about the actual mounting to the engine. It gunna take some surgery to mount it.

 

[NapO]

Also i take that 10 tooth torque converter will give more torque beacuse of the increased ratio and less top end speed? or is it barely noticable between the 2 models (10 tooth vs 12 tooth)?