drive train question

[jafet valid]

Hello there,
Sprocket and clutch questions. So im planning on buying a 60 tooth sprocket and a 12 tooth max torque clutch.
With a 6.5- 7 hp engine I want it between the mid 20's
but doesnt a smaller tooth size on the axle/ sprocket make it faster?
Or does it make it weaker? gets confusing

 

[hackintoshMan]

Smaller ratio (5:1) has greater speed but less acceleration. A bigger ratio (8:1) has less speed to much more acceleration.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Bigger rear sprocket= more torque, less speed.
Smaller rear sprocket= More speed, less torque.

 

[jafet valid]

Simple as that
Ill stick to 5:1

 

[jafet valid]

I ask because I see street karts with small sprockets
And they go some what fast

 

[Russ2251]

Think of ratios in the context of a 10 speed bicycle.
It is very difficult to get going if bicycle is in 10th gear from a standing stop, but the potential is there to go 40+ mph.
On the other hand, if you start out in 1st gear it's very easy to get to ~10 mph but won't go much faster than that.

 

[landuse]

5:1 is a little tall for a ratio. What size tyres do you have. If they are tall, them you will have a problem.

 

[jafet valid]

the tires are 12 inches in diameter

 

[Russ2251]

Expect just over 25mph with a governed engine.
21mph with a 72 toother.

 

[hackintoshMan]

The reason those karts can go so fast is because they can go to to 7500 rpm's whereas most engines can only go up to 3600.

 

[jandj]

On the ungoverned clone I use for "hillbilly racing" on a backyard 1/10 mile dirt oval I run 12/72. That gives me the pull off the turn, I run out of rpm's just at the "back off" point. Most racers have assortment of drivers & sprockets to play with ratio, if you can't change drivers on your clutch the sprocket is your adjustment. You just need to decide if you want "off the line" speed or top end.