RAG Questions

[TheMancoMonkey]

Hey Guys,
Summer has started and im looking to put a 12 hp briggs in my go kart. The problem that i have is that the engine is a vertical shaft and my go kart has a live axel. Can someone tell me what type of right angle gearbox i should buy. I would like to have above three forward speeds, a neutral, and a reverse.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Based on your criteria, I would shop for a Tecumseh-Peerless 700 mower transmission, and then study up on how to race-prep one so that it will tolerate the abuse well. Please note the following- you want a transmission, not a transaxle. And- some mower trannies are more suited to kart/race duty than others. The Peerless 700 is one such example, there are others too. Do some 'web searching on lawn mower racing to get the full scoop on this. Attached is a few pics of a Peerless 700 for reference.

 

[TheMancoMonkey]

I want a transmission which will give me that range of gears, then i want this transmission to be connected to a chain driven rear live axel, however i would like a second- hand one (just like the one in the pics) because as far as the new ones go i think that they are extremley expensive. I would pay up to 100$ for a working one with a sprocket that is attached.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

700's are available with different available ratios and numbers of gears. Mine is a 3-speed, for example. One thing worth noting is the output sproket. Mine is an 8-Tooth, which will probably be too small for my application. You can order different output sprockets from various vendors, or do what I will do. The brake rotor fits the same splines as the output sprocket, so I will just weld a new sprocket to a spare brake rotor. Another thing worth noting on the 700- the two "output" sides of the 'case are completely identical. This means that you can switch sides between the output sprocket and brake rotor. Since the brakes are absolutely useless for anything other than a lawn tractor, this allows you to put your sprocket where you like AND use that useless rotor as a sprocket hub. Or rig a parking brake. Or use it to signal a speedo. Or whatever you like. Quite versatile.

 

[TheMancoMonkey]

Well then i quess the peerless 700 is the best choice. Now where to get one. Is there a website where i can choose the number of gears and the setup or do i have to buy one and then modify it to my liking??

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I think your best bet is to locate one for sale, and then modify the ratios if necessary. I got mine in a rear-engine lawnmower. Like I said, there may be other tranny models out there that could also suit your needs, but I know nothing about them. I am just starting to learn about them, and slowly working on my first racing mower.