Torque converter vs max torque clutch

[jayden727]

With my torque converter I take off pretty fast but only do about 31mph.
With the max torque clutch ( the one that uses chain only) I have no take off but it does about 45mph.

Why??????? Heres a picture of the kart.

 

[anderkart]

When your running your clutch, you must have been running a (numerically) lower gear ratio. They should both be capable of simalar top speeds but the torque converter should always offer better acceleration in your kart.
I'm not sure what model converter you have but I've heard some of the higher priced/premium Comet converters offer an overdrive feature that should result in an even higher top speed potental.

Heres a couple Jackshaft gearing calculators you could use to reconfigure your (clutch-equiped) final drive ratio to be closer to a 31mph top speed (or even lower...) to offer better acceleration:
http://www.compgoparts.com/TechnicalResources/JackshaftRatioCalculator.asp (this one gives top speed)
http://www.fasttrackraceway.com/calc/index.php (this one doesnt)

If you dont use a jackshaft when running your clutch, here's a couple more you could use to calculate its final drive, gear ratio and expected top speed:
http://www.diygokarts.com/speed-calculator.html
http://www.gokartracing.org/Calculate.htm

If you need some help figuring out how to use these calculators just ask

 

[jayden727]

I've got the 30 series.

 

[anderkart]

I dont think the 30-series has an overdrive feature.

 

[r_chez_08]

im pretty sure 30 and 40 series has a 10% overdrive.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

30 has 10% O/D. 40 series tops out at 1:1

 

[mike75925]

the 30 series is only an overdrive if using the assym setup, so i read. what is your driven set to? there are three settings.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Assymetrical, period. You cannot change that. You can only modify the "shift" timing.

 

[jayden727]

Mine is on #2.

 

[bajagokart]

what i would do if you want more top speed is change the sprocket on the axel to less teeth! this will give you the better top speed your looking for!

 

[mike75925]

switch it to 3 and see how she does. if worse, go to 1.

 

[dcook3333]

Yes, count the teeth on your clutch. Then count the teeth on the sprocket you're using with your torque converter. Does the torque converter sprocket have less teeth? Then there's your answer.

 

[jayden727]

What do you guys think about the kart? This was the one that caught fire about 4 months ago!! Took a while but its getting back in shape.

 

[anderkart]

Looks like a pretty cool kart to me jayden
I dig that shade of Blue, my karts the same color.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Looks pretty cool to me, or should I say hot (fire!). Can we see a pic from the side?

 

[jayden727]

I dont have one from the side but i'll take one!!!

 

[bajagokart]

I still strongly recommend you go with a torque converter and then just change your gear ratio!