clutch vs torque converter

[jestructure]

Hello all; I am a bit new to this kart stuff and could use some advice.

I recently got a kart less engine and clutch. It has 12" wheels on the rear and will be used mostly on offroad conditions (unpaved). Currently I have a solid axle on the rear with no sprokets. I am seeing two setups typically, one with a c. clutch and chain drive to the axle and the other with a torque converter setup.

which is the best setup and why ?? I see the torque converter setup from northern tool is about $175. a bit expensive ??

thanks for you help/

 

[RobertD]

A torque convertor is basically an automatic transmission. it gives you killer power, perfect for offroad applications. A clutch basically doesn't have a "low" gear, it's always in "high".. like when you try to start off on a 10 speed bike in a high gear...

 

[jestructure]

ok, thank you. Would you recommend a particular torque converter ?? I am planning on either a 5 or 6 hp engine. I have been looking at the engines available at Northern Tool. Is there any engine that is more suited to this application ??
I appreciate your assistance. thank you.

 

[RobertD]

I put one this one on my bar stool racer. The relavent things are the chain pitch, and the bore size. the bore for most 5-6 HP's should be 3/4".

I used a honda knockoff engine, but they convertor comes with a bunch of mounting options and should work for all major brands.

 

[biddie_gibbs]

yeah a torque converter is best for off roading. just be ready for spending some money up front. if you take a regular clutch off roading be ready for disappointment. because you probably will burn the clutch out real fast.

 

[ed1380]

a torque converter is a CVT transmission

a clutch is just one speed, be it low or high, it all depends on your geering

 

[rdberg]

similar problem

I think I am having a problem that may sway your opinion of clutch vs torque converter. I have bulit a kart that weighs around 250 pounds. It has a 8 hp tecumseh engine and a live rear axle. I put a 12 tooth extreme duty centrifugal cluth on the engine and 40 tooth sprocket on the axle. I have 18" tires on the rear and the clutch doesnt provide enough "grab" to start the kart from a dead stop. In fact it only works going downhill. When it "grabs" it goes fast but what good it that if you can only go downhill. I am thinking of swithing to a torque converter because I cant find a better clutch that will take my abuse. Hopefully this helps.
Rich

 

[mikeandike]

i think your gear ratio is too high. its only 3.3:1. With 18" tires that aint going very far. Most go karts have a 5:1 or 6:1 ratio. But i think you should still get a torque converter for offroad because cent. clutches arent very good for big tires.

 

[2or3wheels]

Yeah your gearing is way high. I have a mini bike and i have it 72 on axle and 12 i think on clutch and i go 20+ EZ and thats with 10 inch tires. What speed were you looking to get?

 

[funky ole]

stick with a torque convertor. much more torque to get you going,especially with the large tires.comet makes a two speed centrfugal clutch if your heart is set on going that route.will need fabrication to set up on a gokart though.if you go to the comet website they will explain the whole thing to you.i don't know if the two speed setup is there though,was used on old school rupp minibikes.

 

[funky ole]

also stick around 6 to 1 final drive ratio on off road kart. will still be fast enough for most areas,including hills.