Chains - #40 versus upgrading to 520 series

[customfab]

So I'm in the process of putting together my DIY Kart. My past experiences with #35 chains have been less than satisfactory as they were either breaking or coming off track fairly frequently.
I was wondering what the thoughts are on #40 series chains versus the possibility of upgrading to a 520 motorcycle series. I'd love to run a 520 series but can't seem to find keyed sprockets for 1" bore shafts.

Devin

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

#35 works great if its good stuff.

 

[crazycart]

#35 sucks. I don't think you can get clutches for 520 chain, id just go with the biggest you can find for a clutch.

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

#35 sucks.

LOL dont tell Tyler that.

 

[2or3wheels]

40/41 is good.

 

[customfab]

So I'm going away from 520 series but eyeing 50 series as it is the same as a 530 series motorcycle chain.

No need for a stinking centrifigal clutch! Torque converter setup on a 1" keyed shaft so plenty of sprocket options.

 

[I like karts]

you could try #41 chain

 

[2or3wheels]

yeah 41 is big and its rated at wither 500 or 700 pounds, somewhere in there.

 

[jr dragster T]

There is nothing wrong with #35 chain. We run that on our dragster and never have chain failure. We are running gold REGINA chain which is the best chain you can get. It's around $8 a foot. We are going to run that on my go kart after I built up my clone. Even the HEAVY dragster than run around 410 lbs run #35 with no probelems. This is the chain I am talking about.

http://img.thefind.com/images/UgDjF...E9FT9zJLU3GL9oNT0zLxE54zEzDy9rIJ0BgA*?m=1&g=2

 

[Jerryburger]

I've had better luck with the 41 staying put and not climbing off of the sprockets. It's rated for about the same tension as 35, which is kinda surprising. 40 is beefier, but the sprockets GOTTA match. I've messed up a few times trying one on the other! OOOPS!

 

[crazycart]

Bottom line, i trust bigger chain more, and it stays on the sprockets better, allowing for some play.

 

[jr dragster T]

I agree that #40 has a deeper tooth to it. But if properly alighned like ALL chain should be there should not be a problem even with #35. I have used #35 and #41 and have had good luck with both.

 

[Jerryburger]

But if properly alighned like ALL chain should be....

Haha! You talk like I'll do a good enough job Assburgering stuff together the way I do!
Seriously though- have you noticed that a lot of the racing karts (and their equipment) are "geared"....
*BA-DUNK. Keesh!*:biggrin5:
...with #35 stuff? Maybe it's lower weight/friction or something.....?
I dunno. Probably one of those "Tastes Great!?Less Filling!" arguments.

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

Haha! You talk like I'll do a good enough job Assburgering stuff together the way I do!
Seriously though- have you noticed that a lot of the racing karts (and their equipment) are "geared"....
*BA-DUNK. Keesh!*:biggrin5:
...with #35 stuff? Maybe it's lower weight/friction or something.....?
I dunno. Probably one of those "Tastes Great!?Less Filling!" arguments.

A lot of 2 stroke guys run #219 chain, that stuff is SMALL! This sums up why, http://www.tsracing.com/Techtips/TSchain.html My dads minibike from hell runs #219 (take a stereotypical fairly large 60s minbike with a sissy bar and drop a 50s 250cc Hirth in there) that wheelie bar aint for looks!

 

[ryf]

use 40 pitch, then you can get motorcycle chain in 420 or 425(one or the other, can't remember), there are tons of charts with link size comparisons, being able to get good O-ring chains will increase the life and lower stretch, which will pay off when you aren't dealing with issues. I went with 40 because I could get it and its cheap form is better than what I could walk in and get locally in 35, but I live in the sticks. so that may be different for you. my vehicle with a heavy driver runs 750ish lbs, and thats on the light side IMO cheapo 40 has held up well enough, I buy it for mockup cause at $16 for 10ft, I can change things and not cry about getting more chain

if you can, try and get motorcycle style sprockets (so the 420/425 (not sure which) that work for 40) as they are the same pitch and dimensions, but the teeth are longer, so less chain issues usually.

I BELIEVE its 420, about 80%, but there are enough searches you can do on the net to answer that. I would like to warn you to try and avoid half links though, in any size chain they are not designed well from what I've seen. if your vehicle is lighter, your mileage may vary, but they don't work for me.

P.s.> well I was 80% wrong, its 425 that is the same according to http://www.gizmology.net/sprockets.htm

 

[Ibnzmonkey]

where can i get this #35 Regina Chain, on their website they say the smallest they make is 420.


nevermind. i found it.

Cheetah supply. 8.95 a foot. sheez. time to order. lol.

 

[Russ2251]

Regina, as far as I know, doesn't make #35 chain.
Can get it here or thousands of other places.
#35 chain

 

[Russ2251]

Cheetah supply. 8.95 a foot.

Jeeze, what is it? Platinum?

 

[Ibnzmonkey]

Jeeze, what is it? Platinum?

you should see their shipping prices. $50 to ship 5' or chain plus a master link....wtf rofl.

 

[porsche930dude]

go #40 iv had many #41 stretch. never any problem with the 40. plus its more cart freindly with sprocket sizes over bike sizes