Does a TC change recommended gearing?

[doesgo]

I understand how to calculate gear ratios and how they affect a kart, but how does a torque converter play into the effective gearing? Also, would a Comet 40-series TC be a good choice for my setup?

My kart's specs:
550 lb with driver
13 hp Grayhound (Honda clone)
Live axle
17.5" diameter rear tires
54-tooth axle sprocket
Undecided jackshaft gear

 

[landuse]

A 40 series TC is the ONLY good choice for your setup. When you change from a centrifugal clutch to a TC, you can generally go slightly higher in gear ratio because of the variable transmission. Not a lot, but you can gear slightly higher

 

[KartFab]

9t jackshaft

 

[doesgo]

Thanks, I'll go with the 40-series. I just saw the 44-series Magnum and wondered.

As for gearing, a 9t jackshaft gear would get me the magical 6:1 overall ratio, but would cap me at about 31 mph. Do you think with 13 hp and a TC it could handle something in the 5.4:1 range (10t) or is my rig just too heavy and my acceleration will be poor?

 

[Half-breeder]

IMO, Should work... but id get a 9T also... JIC

 

[doesgo]

Good call; jackshaft gears are cheap. Thanks.

 

[landuse]

IMO, Should work... but id get a 9T also... JIC

Yeah, you could try both and see which is better. The 10T will cause belts to wear slightly faster than the lower gear ratio with the 9T though