so im looking to get some new tires and rims for my gokart but im stuck. i want something decently sized like an atv tire but i would need rims that only takes one lug instead of multiple in a circle but i cant find any larger rims like that. does anyone have a url where i can find rims like this? or maybe some sort of adapter?
tires
- Thread starter jmess1910
- Start date
- Status
metalthrashinman
New member
Those look like 18" rears. You say you want larger? Keep in mind that larger rear tires will decrease your low end torque, but increase top speed (will also put an added load on your TC). Looks like the rear tires are still good in that pic, but you need fronts...
Bluethunder3320
New member
- Messages
- 5,677
- Reaction score
- 38
i agree once you get dramatically bigger tires it screws up your gear ratio and then you will need different sprockets.
that is an older pic. the rear are still good but have a little more wear than pictured. i have since bought new front tires in the same size as the old ones so the ones pictured are gone. i would really like more ground clearance mainly in the back because the sprocket bottoms out A LOT and i end up needing to get out and move the kart. i ride mainly on very tough terrain and in mud and water. also i do plan on getting a new torque converter anyway so i can have more low end poer in this situations so would you recommend any in particular to get that would work with the larger tires?
which sprockets would i need to change? just the one on the axle right?
metalthrashinman
New member
To make up for the gearing ratio change with larger rear tires, you can either get a larger rear sprocket(which if you are bottoming out, I would not recommend), or a SMALLER front sprocket. Go down in the front at least 2 teeth.
Which TC do you have now? With Comet out of business, it is very difficult to find anything better than a 30 series from GTC...
Also, I think that you may need to remove your rear fenders with larger rear tires. Hard to be sure with only that picture, but...
Which TC do you have now? With Comet out of business, it is very difficult to find anything better than a 30 series from GTC...
Also, I think that you may need to remove your rear fenders with larger rear tires. Hard to be sure with only that picture, but...
im not sure what i have now. it came on the motor when i bought the kart. the motor is a 6 hp tecumseh. and i removed the fenders a while ago. they were constantly being banged around so i just took them off. i think it looks better that way too. and by front sprocket you mean the one on the clutch correct?
to get better ground clearance
metalthrashinman
New member
Yes, the one on the clutch/TC is considered the front sprocket. It is always the smaller of the two.
Take a picture of what you have, and we will identify it for you. Unless you can answer these questions:
1. Does the kart have a belt with 2 pulleys, and the front sprocket mounted on the second pulley (not the one attached to the motor)? -- If so it is a torque converter, and you are in luck. If not, you have a centrifugal clutch, and changing the sprocket will be very difficult if not impossible depending on which one you have.
2. If there is a belt, is the belt asymmetrical or symmetrical (meaning is it curved on only one side, or curved on both)?
If you have a TC (torque converter), it is probably a 20 or 30 series...
Take a picture of what you have, and we will identify it for you. Unless you can answer these questions:
1. Does the kart have a belt with 2 pulleys, and the front sprocket mounted on the second pulley (not the one attached to the motor)? -- If so it is a torque converter, and you are in luck. If not, you have a centrifugal clutch, and changing the sprocket will be very difficult if not impossible depending on which one you have.
2. If there is a belt, is the belt asymmetrical or symmetrical (meaning is it curved on only one side, or curved on both)?
If you have a TC (torque converter), it is probably a 20 or 30 series...
Could you install an inboard jackshaft to do the gear reduction so that you have like 10 on the TC, to a 50-60 tooth on a jackshaft and on the other end say 10 down to 10 on the axle. Or mount the sprocket close to a tire so that the tire lifts the sprocket when you go over a bump.
it does have a belt with two pullys ant the front sproket is mounted to the second pulley. im not sure about the second question. the kart isnt at home with me so i cant really look at the moment
metalthrashinman
New member
So you have a TC. It's probably a 30 series, judging by the size of the kart, but to be sure we still need to know about the belt as in question #2 above. You will need to count the teeth on both sprockets, tell us what size the jackshaft(shaft that the driven(second pulley with the sprocket on it)) is -probably 5/8", and that will tell us what to recommend. I understand that the kart is not at home, so unless you get someone to help you; you will have to wait. How about having a buddy e-mail you a picture of the TC assembly so you can post it here?
modelengineer
Lord of the noise
If you convert to a bike engine you will be able to run a smaller sprocket on the rear, as well as having all the advantages of the bike engine. It's not an expensive or difficult exercise and the extra power is unbelievable, AND you get to shift!
You just need to find a crashed bike with a running engine going cheap.
You just need to find a crashed bike with a running engine going cheap.
metalthrashinman
New member
That is a Comet 30 series. You can get larger tires in the rear, and change the sprocket on the driven pulley to compensate. Azusa makes an 8 tooth that is 5/8" (you probably have a 10 tooth now). You will need to adjust or shorten your chain, though. I can tell you where to get one of those sprockets if you desire.
what would the effects of changing that sproket? would it run like it does now if i did that except just with bigger tires? will i lose any low end power? will my top speed be less?
metalthrashinman
New member
You never did specify what size those rear tires are... Assuming that they are 18", you could change to 20" or even 22" rear tires with the sprocket that I advised. The result would be the raising of the height of the rear sprocket as you desire (thereby eliminating or lessening the bottoming out), and little to no noticeable change in acceleration or top speed. If you go to the 20" or 22" rear tires without the sprocket change, you will see a slower acceleration and less torque, but higher top speed.
You stated earlier that you may want a new TC -- you do not need one.
GreyhoundOfYerfDogs
New member
Wait a sec...
the flat side of the belt belongs toward the engine, the angled side away, to conform to the sheaves. Maybe look again, cause the TC would work poorly if it was how you described. Many of the belts have THIS SIDE TO ENGINE printed on them.
- Status