Old Carter Go Kart engine swap

[GeorgeCF99]

First post for me. I am swapping out the engine in my Super Wheels by Carter (Model 1755) and I would like to swap out the 20 series torque converter for a 30 series.
I will be putting in the Predator 212 cc engine, and was recommended to install a TAV 30-75 Torq-A-Verter, Comet After-Market bolt on kit. However I was told I would need to take the sprocket off the wheel hub and put it closer to the engine like most other karts.
Is there any way I could upgrade to a 30 series torque converter without a bunch of other modifications or should I just stick with the 20 series?
As a side note, I did have problems with the 20 series belts breaking when I braked hard.

Here is a link to the parts break down for my specific kart.

Don't know why this is upside down...

 

[jonboy]

I would stick with the 20 series. It should be more than sufficient. You can tune most of them to respond exactly how you'd like with spring kits. Most likely the issue with the belts on braking would be cause by the driven pulley hanging up due to needing a good cleaning. Taking the time to keep them cleaned and in good working order should keep them lasting a long time.

 

[landuse]

The one thing you didn't take pics of is probably what most of us want to see. We want to see where the sprocket and chain is. You cab just see it in the one pic, but it doesn't help us much.

AFAIK, you shouldn't really need to move it though

 

[Makin' it work...]

I just swapped my engine for the predator 212 as well. I have a 30 series torque converter and it works great. The one thing I see from your pics though is that you might need to remove that spot that looks like it is made for a battery to make room for the engine to fit. Good luck!

 

[itsid]

Paul, the sprocket is where it'd be on a one wheel peeler..

it's the nasty clover hub all the world is looking to find

removing the jackshaft bridge to mount a different TC.. IDK; I think that's utterly stupid!

personally I'd revive the series 20 (since you have it),
then again, you could with a tiny bit of tinkering just replace with a series 30 driver/driven set
(series 30 .. W/O that unneccessary backplate that is!!)

then you could reuse the rest of the jackshaft w/o having to relocate any sprocket or even thinking about it for more than a split second in case it's worn out.


'sid

PS: yes that means you will have to buy a new belt for the TC once you got the CtC distance measured correctly.

 

[FieldstoneDriveKarts]

I have essentially the same kart (slightly different model, but almost exactly the same), with a Predator 212cc and a 20 series Comet. Runs just fine, takes off like a rocket, even with the governor still installed. 20 series is fine. Leave the sprocket, jackshaft, and chain as is, it's a hassle to try and find compatible parts for an older Carter. I have a 2 seater Carter also, putting a Predator 301cc with a 40 series CVT, just because it's a heavier cart + 2 people.

 

[GeorgeCF99]

If I'm replacing the driven unit, is this an inboard or outboard model? I don't know the difference.

 

[itsid]

the series 20 is an INBOARD (cam points toward the engine)
this is what you have.

the series 30 is n OUTBOARD TC (cam points away from the engine)
and it must run outboard.

there are several ways to make that work actually..
you could move the engine over an inch or so to properly align the belts.
Or you could just move the pillow block of the jackshaft over to allow the cam
at least partly fit under the jackshaft mounting plate.

in fact (while looking ridiculous) you could even flip the driven inboard if you flip the driver inboard as well, you would have to mess with the driver bell a bit to make it fit over the crankshaft, but it's not impossible for all I know.

Again IMHO.. your best option is to fix the series 20 you have
(you can fix yours easily with a handfull of spares and elbow grease)
mfgsupply.com should have all the spares you need
OR you could buy a series 20 and repace your set entirely.
without having to deal with realignment issues and repositioning tasks

'sid