Plans for new build . . advice needed

[mspaceman21]

i know basics. but i also landed an almost brand new engine. It is a double edged sword though, becuase is awesome huge. but this is bad because i dont know how big i"m going to have to go with everything to make it work.

Its a Kohler Command 27 hp twin.

I was thinking of doing a buggy, 2 seater. i have a cage and frame plan started, but need to figure out sizes for axle, sprockets, and brakes. I figure twin atv disks in the front, and a central disk in rear? also with the 42 lbs of torque this thing can lay down, how can i size my sprockets to get maximum takeoff power, but still reach a good bit of speed if i need to?

any input is appreciated in my planning stages.

 

[jrmints1415]

a few things are needed to determine a good ratio such as tire diameter and an overall weight of the buggy. I am VERY excited to see this project take off. please make a project log!

 

[OzFab]

First question: Is the engine horizontal or vertical shaft?

IMO:
Start planning your frame around the engine & move out from there.

Most guys will tell you that a 5:1 gear ratio is just about perfect; good take off & good top speed. With 42lbs of torque I don't think you'll have any problems with take off With that much you may be able to stretch it to 6:1 (back me up here guys). Sprocket size is obviously determined by clutch size.

It would also be nice to see some pics of your plans if possible.

Apart from that, do what everyone else does & check out other build logs etc for ideas.

Question: Being a buggy can we assume this thing will have suspension?

 

[jrmints1415]

5:1 might be a little high i would say 6:1 or higher. with a buggy i would much rather have extreme torque then high speeds IMO

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Most guys will tell you that a 5:1 gear ratio is just about perfect; good take off & good top speed. With that much you may be able to stretch it to 6:1 (back me up here guys).

Actually, I think you're a bit backwards with that. "ideal" is typically in the 6:1 range. Gearing higher (toward 5:1) would be "stretching" things.

To the OP: One of the larger (or more expensive) problems you face is sourcing a clutch or CVT capable of handling that much power.

 

[OzFab]

Fair points, I'll cop that (I never was any good with gear ratios), you guys obviously have more experience at this than I do

 

[landuse]

Fair points, I'll cop that (I never was any good with gear ratios), you guys obviously have more experience at this than I do

No problem. I was clueles before I joined this forum. Now I am just a little less clueless.....