go kart gear ratio

[Nic]

hey guys,

i am currently building a go kart. it has an 11hp B&S vertical shaft engine. we managed to scavenge the diff that came with it. it has a pretty high ratio (something like 15:60, and it is only one speed). the axles extending out of the diff housing arent long enough to mount the wheels strait onto so i am putting sprockets on the diff and using a chain to drive the rear axle (much like ryf's go kart). see pic of ryf's car below.(btw ryf it is awsum)
What do you guys think a good ratio would be?

thanks,
Nic

 

[bobkart]

I would try for a 6:1 ratio, that seems like most other people a using.

 

[jrjulien1]

ya somewheres betweed 6:1 and 7:1 is what most people use it just depends on what the application is

 

[2or3wheels]

Depends on terrain.

 

[Nic]

we would be mosty using it on flat ground eg grass or tarmac, or we have a dirt track that is reasonable flat and solid.

 

[Nic]

...so you are saying 6 or 7 on the diff and the 1 on the axle or the other way around?
BTW i am relatively new to this so please forgive me.