Go Kart gear ratio/other questions!

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Passionfruit1965

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Hi there! I am currently working on my first build so I am quite new to this and have a couple of questions I was hoping to get some help with. I am planning on buying a Predator 6.5hp engine my for go kart. I purchased an axle setup on eBay. The guy was going to build but didn't have the time. Here are my questions...

1.Axle came with 36 tooth #40 sprocket, I was looking at a 10 tooth clutch for the engine. That would put me at a 3:1 gear ratio if I'm correct with my math. I will be riding on grass/some bumpy terrain. Nothing crazy or mountainous. Will that be okay or should I look at a bigger sprocket for the axle?

2. I have been reading a bit about clutch converters. Given the information above, should I invest in one for the predator or is it unneeded? Pros/cons?

3. The axle setup came with locking collars. Even though I have those, should I still weld the sprocket on the axle or is it okay just with the collars?

4. I plan on getting a header pipe for the engine. Are there any other mods for the Predator that anyone would suggest?

Any answers or tips would be appreciated! Thanks!
 
firemanjim

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How tall are the tires? 3.6:1 is not gonna cut it..... Even with a torque converter, you would need 4.6:1-4.8:1 with 12-13" tall tires. I'm running 5.4:1 with a cent clutch on 12.5" tall tires. I got good top end, and my bottom end is not too bad because I'm running a modded gx160.
NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER weld anything to an axle! :thumbsup: That's what the locking collars and sprocket hubs are for..... :thumbsup:
As far as mods, use our search feature and look for "predator mods" ...... We have pages full of the same info. A little searching on our site will get you a long way. We have tons of info, and most times, it's just faster to look it up yourself, than ask and wait for a reply.....
 
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Passionfruit1965

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Thanks for the reply! I forgot to mention that the tires are 15" tall (That's what I was planning unless that height is advised against) What do you suggest I do to get my gear ratio where it needs to be, as in teeth on axle sprocket and clutch or anything else that comes into play? Thanks again.
 
OzFab

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3.6:1 still won't cut it, even with 15" tyres; get a torque converter & head for somewhere around 5:1; 9t on the TC & somewhere in the high 40's to low 50's on the axle...

Welcome to the forum...
 
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Passionfruit1965

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Thank you for the input everyone. It is much appreciated. I'll be selling my 36 tooth and buying a new sprocket and a torque converter. Would a 60 tooth sprocket be too large? Thanks!
 
firemanjim

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What size chain?
EDIT
#40...... Get a 60 axle and a 10tooth on the torque converter...... You'll like it.......:wai:
 
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