Ok, so I was finally able to couth the teeth on all my gears, and here is how everything plays out:
10T Clutch
26T Jack in
10T Jack out
36T Axle
If my calculations are correct that gives me a ratio of 9.36 to 1and a top speed of 18 1/4 mph at 3600 rpms.
I also have a 6 HP Tecumseh Powersport and 16" tires. I also weight about 210 lbs.
What I am faced with is this:
We will be racing on a loose dirt oval with the straightaways being a moderate uphill or downhill grade. I know for a fact that the other guys are running in the 22- 26 MPH range with decent acceleration, but are running on 10" - 13" tires... What do I need to do to my kart to stay competitive with these guys? Change tire size? Increase HP? Change gearing? I want to make sure I have plenty of acceleration, but dont want to run out of speed before I run out of straightaway... If I had to pick, I would lean a little more towards acceleration than top speed... To me, my ideal ratio would be around 6:1 or 6.5:1 but I dont want to sacrifice acceleration for top end (or clutch damage) if I cant top out by the end of the straight anyhow.
10T Clutch
26T Jack in
10T Jack out
36T Axle
If my calculations are correct that gives me a ratio of 9.36 to 1and a top speed of 18 1/4 mph at 3600 rpms.
I also have a 6 HP Tecumseh Powersport and 16" tires. I also weight about 210 lbs.
What I am faced with is this:
We will be racing on a loose dirt oval with the straightaways being a moderate uphill or downhill grade. I know for a fact that the other guys are running in the 22- 26 MPH range with decent acceleration, but are running on 10" - 13" tires... What do I need to do to my kart to stay competitive with these guys? Change tire size? Increase HP? Change gearing? I want to make sure I have plenty of acceleration, but dont want to run out of speed before I run out of straightaway... If I had to pick, I would lean a little more towards acceleration than top speed... To me, my ideal ratio would be around 6:1 or 6.5:1 but I dont want to sacrifice acceleration for top end (or clutch damage) if I cant top out by the end of the straight anyhow.
6:1 or 7:1 should be good. You will have to test it though your weight and other factors will make a difference....it may not be exactly the same as the calculated speeds because of that