New Gokart Builder!

[Halozander]

Hi, Im Alex. I have been lurking a few days to get some info. Just recently I purchased a Tecumseh HM100 10hp engine. My plans are to build a "shifter kart" just with a little less kick (unfortunately). I am actually going to a friends shop today to put together a chassis. I had one question about a torque converter however, I have seen the TAV2 30-100 rated from 3-8 and from 8-13hp. http://gokartsusa.com/Comet-TAV2-30-100-Torque-A-Verter-GTC-Replacement-218354A.aspx. This site has them listed, but as they are not manufactured any longer, these seem to be a replica, but it looks legitimate.

Here are a few pictures. Thanks for your help!

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Welcome to the forum! Keep us posted.

 

[Halozander]

is that a good option for a torque converter?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I know nothing about that brand. But the device itself is what you want. So, since Comet is history, I'd have to say yes.

 

[Halozander]

Hmm thanks for the help, any one else out there use one of these knock off comets? I haven't been able to find but 3 reviews of the things, and 2 of them seem suspicious (as in whoever wrote them probably works for the company) but the other seems somewhat more legitimate. Thanks!

 

[Halozander]

hey guys, here with another question, sorry this somewhat out of laziness, but I could use a quick answer. Will a 35 drive chain be ok for an engine putting out ~10 HP, and possibly more in the future? thanks a ton for your help and patience!

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I'd use #40. Others may disagree.

 

[Halozander]

Update:

Got the frame welded together. The more I think about it, the more I want to do a 4 speed trans set up. I would get one off of like an older yz 150 or cr 150. Anyone have any recommendations on dirt bike transmissions? Anyone do it before with great success? I know it could be done, and buying a used bike tranny is going to be way cheaper than a tc anyway. Thanks for all the help in advance! Oh and here is a little picture...

 

[Blazkowiez]

I will tell you off hand we've had people on this forum purchase the 1" clutches from them that copy the series 30, so far I havn't seen one satisfied customer. They are not really rated for anything over 8hp.

Search for series 40 Comet stuff online, I believe MFG Supply still has some.

Oh, and welcome to the forums.

 

[metalthrashinman]

I will tell you off hand we've had people on this forum purchase the 1" clutches from them that copy the series 30, so far I havn't seen one satisfied customer. They are not really rated for anything over 8hp.

Search for series 40 Comet stuff online, I believe MFG Supply still has some.

Oh, and welcome to the forums.

I second that opinion, and I speak from experience with the product. Find a 40 series if you are running a 10hp, or you will be disappointed. I need to find a 40 myself, so I can replace the GTC Tav 2 30-100 with something that can handle my motor's power without smoking belts all the time... What happens is that the TC will refuse to shift into high overdrive unless the belt is brand new (less than 2 hours of use).

I will say that I am doing a gearing ratio change (again) that will hopefully help, but
I know that I cannot use my motor to it's full potential with this wimpy TC.

 

[Halozander]

thanks for the input. about my second question however... would be possible to pull a transmission and clutch off of a dirt bike like a yz 250 and use that instead? if so what would I need to do/ how much fabrication would be involved?

 

[redsox985]

For your frame, your spindle brackets are so close to the frame that your front tires will hit the frame behind the brackets whenever you cut the wheel. Those torque converters really aren't rated for 10+hp but you could get a beefy, high quality, centrifugal clutch and maybe 6:1 ratio assuming you will be using small slicks on the kart. I would also suggest 40 chain, not 41, because 40 is drastically stronger than 41 and 35, especially with that large of a motor.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Redsox makes a good point- you've left no room in the front spindle brackets for steering! And- those wheels ALL appear to have bearings in them, unless I'm seeing it wrong- how do you propose to drive the rear wheels?

For a quick fix suggestion- Cut out the tube I highlited in red, and weld in what I show in green. I know it's a crappy demonstration, but should get the point across.

 

[Halozander]

thanks for the input. about my second question however... would be possible to pull a transmission and clutch off of a dirt bike like a yz 250 and use that instead? if so what would I need to do/ how much fabrication would be involved?

This is my main question ^

however thanks for the input both you guys, I do think I am going to do that actually, even though I have tested the turning radius to be pretty good, but yes, the wheels will rub with a tight enough turn.
I plan fab a hub that will be welded on to the drive axle, I wont really be using the bearings for the rear wheels.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

With regards to your tranny question, that has been addressed here many times, including recently. Feel free to perform a forum search. Short answer is no. Use the whole thing including the engine. Too much fab work otherwise.

 

[Halozander]

thanks, ya I have been doing a lot of searching the last week or so and was afraid that was the case. I think I am going to sell the 10 hp Tecumseh and buy a complete dirt bike engine and lower end. My frame is big enough for it lol.

 

[redsox985]

Well, if you live in western PA, I found quite the DEAL! Also, do not weld the hubs to the axle because if you need to change the brake rotor or sprocket, you won't be able to remove it.

 

[Mr BadWrench]

I hate to come onto a forum and tell someone they are doing something wrong but I can't leave this alone. You are wasting a ton of money and effort.

You really should have copied a functional kart. There is a good chance even with following toystory 4wds suggestions your wheels will not have room to turn in your frame. Its also likely that your you will have to re-engineer 90% of your frame. Without a rear axle installed how did you come up with the height for your front spindle brackets? If you mount your axle under the rear frame your front bumper wont have much clearance. The open ended tubing is a horrible weak point that will fail almost immediately. The ladder frame is used for a reason and not understanding the engineering can lead to a lot of headaches.

Im not trying to be mean, I want to tell you as many problems as I can so you can fix them.

Don

 

[r97]

your cl is just packed isn't it? are those hf wheels? if so replace them with something else considering your trying to go fast.

 

[redsox985]

I so wish that a. I had the money b. Mom would let me get ANOTHER thing that won't see use c. I had a need for it d. I wasn't broke as a joke and e. Black ops wasn't coming out in weeks and I'm job and cashless.