Clutch vs torque converter.......

[Dan1117]

I'm totally new to karting, but have done my homework on the differences between the pros and cons on both clutches and torque converters.
I recently picked up a cheap kart frame from Craigslist. Its just a roller with no engine. Looking to pick up a 212cc clone (how original). I'm looking to keep the gearing at 1:5 or 1:6 per the advise I have read on this site. It does have 10 inch rear wheels that appear to be in good shape.
So my question is....with the smaller size of my tires, would a clutch be sufficient, or should I just man up and spent the extra $$$$ on a torque converter? The cart weighs about 50lbs and I'm a hair over 200lbs.
I'm not looking to win any races or see any off-road other than my front yard, just looking for a new toy to have some fun with.
Thank you in advance for any help.

 

[Truax]

I'm new here too, but I'll chime in anyway. It all depends on what you're doing with it. A clutch would probably be sufficient, but from what I've heard if you're doing any climbing or slow speeds the torque converter is the way to go.

 

[karte_m0lim]

check this with mobile http://app.kartcalc.net/#justCalc ..

 

[mindymogul]

CVT Clutch (Converter) is better in every shape, form, and way of than any kinda of C.C. Though depending on the size of the kart you could get by with one. As you'll be told many times after this, pics will do us a lot better than not. There's no able to say without knowing what you're dealing with.

 

[Poboy kartman]

Given what you have provided....a CC is totally feasible, but even though 5:1 is plausible....I'd stick to no less than 6:1...

Folks are running larger tires, with similar hp...and CC's all day long....

Personally, though, I would rather go a little slower....than have my clutch go faster....as in to the grave....so this recommendation...comes with a margin for error built in.

 

[Dan1117]

Thanks to all for all the useful info.
Here's a few pics.......(don't laugh)

 

[mindymogul]

Yeah... C.C will be fine.

 

[landuse]

Thanks to all for all the useful info.
Here's a few pics.......(don't laugh)

Nice kart. Nothing to laugh about tthere

 

[thebroketeenager]

I went from a centrifugal wet clutch to a tc and the acceleration is beyond night and day, its like night and day on different planets. would highly recommend a tc worth the extra price and maintinence

 

[mindymogul]

Only thing is w/a TC brakes need to be upgraded to disk (You're mostly there) and you might wanna check up and/or beef up your frame if necessary. It torque is about a 120% increase from a CC. 1/8" x 2x2" on the section behind the seat will be fine.

 

[landuse]

A properly set up band brake works extremely well on a kart

 

[briggsandstratton123]

Wow that's light (a good thing)