Torque converter help

[TJ Salyers]

What series torque converter does this Carter go kart take had a 8hp tecumseh but I'm putting a predator 212 on it and it has a smaller shaft size so I'm trying to figure out what torque converter to get

 

[Denny]

Honestly with those big tires I wouldn’t put a 212 on that. It won’t have enough torque and the 30 series you’d have to use won’t hold up.

 

[panchothedog]

How tall are your rear tires? The Predator 212 cc have more guts then Denny
likes to give them credit for. Three of my karts are powered by 196 cc and 212cc engines. They have 18", 19", and 20" rear tires . They all use 30 series torque converters. 10 tooth sprocket on the clutch and 60 tooth sprocket on the axle. They are fast, accelerate strong, climb steep hills. Just about go anywhere. I think your kart will do fine with a 212 and a 30 series. Worst case
put a 9 tooth sprocket on the clutch for a little lower gear ratio.

 

[Denny]

Those rear tires he has on that kart measure almost 23” tall when new. I used to put them on my lifted golfkarts.

 

[BrownStainRacing]

I agree with denny and Pancho both.

But, in the long run, the pred 301 would be the better choice. It's the cheapest of the big blocks.

The reason being, I see a 40 series driver and driven, so that's money saved.

Also with the small block 212 and a 30 series, you could run into engine mounting and belt alignment issues. You might need to fab, replace, or move the engine plate, might need a different length jackshaft???
That's gonna add more cost to the project.
It's jus not gonna be a bolt on and go kinda deal with the 212 and 30 series.

The stock pred 212 makes around 9-9.5 ft/lbs torq outta the box. The stock 301 makes 14 ft/lbs outta the box.
As you can see, it's gonna take some money, sense, and time to make the 212 come close to pull like the 301.

BTW, that belt is totally wrong, so dont use it as a reference when ordering a new 1.

Good luck, and very nice project you have as a starter.

 

[panchothedog]

Denny, at 23" tall he is going to need some really steep gearing regardless of which engine. A 9 x 60, or even a 10 x 72. Didn't realize those suckers were quite that tall. For sure that the 301 is the cheapest of the big blocks, but All of the aftermarket ( hop up ) parts are the same price as the parts for the 420. Ask me how I know.