Engine sprocket to axle sprocket distance

[Varnish]

I am building my first go kart using off the shelf parts for everything but the frame, seat, engine. I'm at the point where I am building some brackets to hold the engine. My first setup has the 10 tooth clutch sprocket 12" away from the 60 tooth axle sprocket. I've got about 1" slot for the motor mounting bolts. The engine is mounted above and just slightly in front of the rear axle but looks a bit too high to me. I've got room to lower it but it looks like there will be less engagement of the chain on the clutch sprocket due to the larger axle sprocket. Is chain slippage ever an issue? Is there a minimum distance that should be kept between the two?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

A pic would be quite valuable. I think you're okay, though. Is the centre of gravity an issue?

 

[dpaxson]

http://www.gizmology.net/sprockets.htm this is an awesome site with a ton of info. it should have what you need

 

[Varnish]

Center distance should not be less than 1.5 times the diameter of the larger sprocket, nor less than 30 times the chain pitch, and should not exceed 60 times the chain pitch. Center distance should be adjustable - one chain pitch is sufficient - and failing this an idler sprocket should be used to adjust tension. A little slack is desirable, preferably on the bottom side of the drive.

The chain should wrap at least 120° around the drive sprocket, which requires a ratio of no more than 3.5 to 1; for greater ratios, an idler sprocket may be required to increase wrap angle.

That nailed my question. I'll compare that against what I have, thanks. Off the top of my head I think my axle sprocket is 10" so at about 13" between my two sprockets I may be too close. Might have to move the rear axle back a few inches.