Gear Ratio Question

[tramont]

Im new to go karts so what is a good gear ratio for some pretty fast speeds? Also I wanted to know what is good hp like is 10hp good i dont want my kart to be slow

 

[fowler]

we need alot more info

size of kart
size of u
wheel dia
what u already have as gear ratio
riding contitions
and so on

 

[Russ2251]

pretty fast speeds?

We need to know what fast is.

 

[nattymichael]

Im mike i need to know what size sprocket to order. i welded a 42 tooth i think mini bike sprocket to the hub and it wont get rolling! i was rushing it thought new 6.5 hp harbor freight preditor would do it but learning hard way. So can some one tell me if i order asplit 52 teeth 6) i have wheel barrow tires and a regular centifigul clutch. this is for my kids 10 and twelve i rather it be a billy goat and carry boyh of them in the wash or up a grade no problem they out grow it this summer but what the hell i can build them something else, cant afford anything else right now.Thanks mike in tucson or any ideas? i very short on money now though

 

[Mrpinhead11]

it was the 6.5 it was the clutch slippin because incorect gear ratio. for max proformance a torque converter is optimal but expensive. i have a tc and run a 9 tooth on the driven a 54 on the rear the the preditor engine on my kart and i pop wheelies. im not to good with gear ratios though.

 

[used2jeep]

I was informed by the TQ guy that a basic ratio would be 6:1. If your driven sprocket is 42 (the one welded onto the axle) then you would need a 7 at the motor.

 

[Russ2251]

If using a straight centrifugal chain clutch, then wheel sprocket should approach diameter of tire. That is roughly 2" smaller than tire diameter. Bigger is better for torque...hill climbing, wheelies, etc.
A ratio pulled out of the hat will not necessarily work.
For example: A 7:1 ratio would be a clutch destroyer with an 18" diameter tire.