Clutch, torque converter, Tav Which one?

[rmkrider1]

In case you couldn't tell I'm new at this. Building my first kart (bar stool actually) And I'm lost on which clutch to get.
I have the 6.5 hp clone that I've already removed the governor and put in an 18# valve spring and plan on doing intake/exhaust work as well. I'm not too worried about top speed but what I want is to be able to ride wheelies and burn a few tires when the need arises.
So what would you pros recommend to me?

Maybe a dumb question but whats the difference between a torque converter and a tav?

 

[Jerryburger]

NEVER a dumb question, and no pro here.
Man, on a bar-stool, a clone could probably get a few wheelies with just a clutch and a 5>1 ratio... (We had one on minibike that used to constantly get out from underneath us when the throttle was twisted.)....but who knows? Your big determiner is how much $ do you want to spend (TCs aren't cheap) and what diameter of rear wheels are you running?

A TAV is a Comet Torque Converter that has both the primary and secondary pulleys mounted to the engine by using a big aluminum plate to support the secondary from the engine. A regular torque converter has a separate secondary with it's own jackshaft and bearing blocks. It's pretty much a matter of convenience and packaging.

 

[rmkrider1]

Thanks for the reply!
So with a regular clutch a 5:1 would be good?
I'm thinking I'll probably end up getting a tav so would I still go with the 5:1 gear ratio?
Where's the best place to buy a tav?

The rear wheels will be 11.5x7.10

I've looked around and the tav2 are about $170.00. Would you recommend 35 or 40/41 chain?

 

[Stonecutter]

For a 6.5hp a #35 should be fine for a barstool racer. A lot depends on your weight and the weight of the machine. Chains will stretch or go bad if they aren't lubricated properly, so don't overlook proper chain lubrication. You might also want to consider going with a tensioner pulley as you won't need to keep doing chain tension maintenance.

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

A TAV on a bar stool would be uncontrollable. Also it is(in my opinion) incredibly unwise to upgrade the valve springs on a clone without replacing the conrod and flywheel with racing grade parts.

 

[Jerryburger]

A TAV will give you about 2.5 times the starting torque of a clutch setup, if the final (chain) ratio is the same. A 5>1 ratio with TAV and 11.5" tires will definitely try to get out from underneath you or spin tires, and your top speed would be about 33 mph @ 4500 rpm..... pretty quick!
Do a search on this forum for TAVs... someone is selling them for a pretty good price. I'm a fan of the 40/41 chain, but to each their own.

 

[LordCinderbottom]

Clarification

So, the TAV is easier to install than the torque converter? Is that the only difference or is there a difference performance wise? I have the same question as the OP pretty much, but for a chopper.