Engine and torque converter questions

[Cartinfun]

I have a kart frame that I bought for cheap years ago. This is my first experience with any of this so I have a lot of questions.

I talked to a guy at go powersports.com and he said with a Predator 212 I would need a series 30 converter but if I go any bigger I would need their Jugg-A-Verter or their Juggernaut Driver. I was thinking about getting the Predator 224, would I really need their Jugg-A-Verter or would I be ok with the Series 30 by itself?

Does the 224 make that much of a difference compared to the 212? I'm about 210lbs and I'd like to be able to take one of my kids with me (it's a bench seat two seater) for reference of my intentions with it.

I realize that Go Powersports is largely considered one of the best for parts, but I see their prices are substantially higher with many things. Especially the torque converter, it looks like their converters are double the prices of what I find on Amazon. Are the Amazon ones really bad?

I do plan on getting a new axle kit and possibly a new complete steering set up from them, but everything else seems overpriced. Especially for stuff available on Amazon.

 

[Denny]

I stopped buying from them when they took away our discount and got to big to need us anymore. The amazon Chinese 30 Series kits are great ALL Comet replacement parts got them and no one here has had a problem with them. Except when they tried to use the belt with the kit. Instead buy a Genuine Comet Belt and use that. The belts with the kits stink. They are made from pvc plastic and boiled yack grease coated. Guys have used the kits on modified Predators with no problems.

 

[Cartinfun]

I stopped buying from them when they took away our discount and got to big to need us anymore. The amazon Chinese 30 Series kits are great ALL Comet replacement parts got them and no one here has had a problem with them. Except when they tried to use the belt with the kit. Instead buy a Genuine Comet Belt and use that. The belts with the kits stink. They are made from pvc plastic and boiled yack grease coated. Guys have used the kits on modified Predators with no problems.

So you think either engine with a series 30 from Amazon? Just to comfirm.....

 

[panchothedog]

The Juggernaut driver clutch only helps if you are turning some serious RPM.
Like 6000 to 7000. At those speeds it will give you a LITTLE more up top. I have
four karts ( I sold one recently ) , two of them have extremely modified 212 cc
Predator engines. The karts aren't the same and neither are the engines, but close. One has the Juggernaut and the other a stock style driver different springs and weights. I'm a side by side drag the stock style will jump out and then after about 100' or so the Juggernaut equipped kart will catchup an pass the other. Both karts are really pretty quick. I like playing with the stock driver because it is so easy to time to your gearing and engine capabilities. I don't see myself spending the money for another juggernaut. The Amazon torque converters work fine. Do as Denny says and get the Comet brand belt, but you might as well wear out the stock one first before throwing it away. All of my karts are large 2 seater and I go with my grandsons at times. 225 lbs plus
165 lbs and no problem what do ever. Even the most docile one, a Yerf-Dog
with a stage one 196 cc will carry 2 full size people just fine. That is the beauty
of the torque converter, they do what they are supposed to do.

 

[Cartinfun]

The Juggernaut driver clutch only helps if you are turning some serious RPM.
Like 6000 to 7000. At those speeds it will give you a LITTLE more up top. I have
four karts ( I sold one recently ) , two of them have extremely modified 212 cc
Predator engines. The karts aren't the same and neither are the engines, but close. One has the Juggernaut and the other a stock style driver different springs and weights. I'm a side by side drag the stock style will jump out and then after about 100' or so the Juggernaut equipped kart will catchup an pass the other. Both karts are really pretty quick. I like playing with the stock driver because it is so easy to time to your gearing and engine capabilities. I don't see myself spending the money for another juggernaut. The Amazon torque converters work fine. Do as Denny says and get the Comet brand belt, but you might as well wear out the stock one first before throwing it away. All of my karts are large 2 seater and I go with my grandsons at times. 225 lbs plus
165 lbs and no problem what do ever. Even the most docile one, a Yerf-Dog
with a stage one 196 cc will carry 2 full size people just fine. That is the beauty
of the torque converter, they do what they are supposed to do.

Awesome. Thanks, that's gonna save me a grip of money. I'm not against buying from Go, but on my first kart I'd like to save a little money, especially since I'm pretty much rebuilding it from the frame.

 

[Denny]

So you think either engine with a series 30 from Amazon? Just to comfirm.....

Yup! Yes! Si! Wi wi! Da! Just add a Genuine Comet belt to the mix and your good to go! One other thing I want to add is to use a 6:1 gear ratio. That is with #40 chain size. That means using a 10 tooth sprocket from the driven and a 60 tooth axle sprocket.

 

[Karttekk]

Madprofessor suggested this vendor so I tried them out. Decent quality products reasonably priced. Another option to consider.

Go Kart Clutches

www.jeremywellindustry.com

Go Kart Chains

www.jeremywellindustry.com

Sprockets

www.jeremywellindustry.com