What is my realistic top speed with my engine?

[Buchenrad]

I am looking to move 400 lbs with a 3.5hp Tecumseh 4 stroke engine from an edger. I know it wont be fast, but what is a realistic top speed? Lets assume the vehicle has ideal gearing that lets the engine produce peak power at top speed.

I ask because I am trying to figure out the right gear ratio to use.

 

[mckutzy]

What's the viehicle in which it will be used in? Tire size?

 

[OzFab]

Quoted from your intro thread...

Unless you're planning on only moving 5-10mph, that little 3.5hp engine won't do much for you, it's all about the power:weight ratio...

 

[itsid]

Lets assume the vehicle has ideal gearing that lets the engine produce peak power at top speed.

Fairly common misconception, peak power at top speedon a single speed vehicle means nearly no power at take off...

and if you cannot get it to move to 5mph,
there's no point in knowing that it theoretically could go 20 mph, is it ??

you need to gear to get it moving first, then you might or might not be able to dial in on speed

'sid

 

[chancer]

I have a 100 pound kart for a 60pound kid. and it has the 79cc 3hp Predator and 13" tires. Geared it 12:1. good take off, "meh" for a little girl. top speed is 10mph.

You need a bigger engine.

 

[Buchenrad]

Thats what I am afraid of. I guess Ill need to find a bigger engine if I want some decent speed.

Is there an inexpensive way to hook a vertical shaft engine up to a chain drive?

 

[landuse]

Thats what I am afraid of. I guess Ill need to find a bigger engine if I want some decent speed.

Is there an inexpensive way to hook a vertical shaft engine up to a chain drive?

Vertical engines are really not ideal for your application. There are ways to do it, like using a right angled gearbox, or with pulleys and twisted belts, but they are generally harder to get right and can be expensive

 

[Mudgutts]

Honda GX200 clone engines are everywhere and at 6.5hp, will get you moving better. plus, Cut Price Racing have heaps of goodies for them, but so does eBay and everywhere else.
I got 2 out of a bin near work. 1 was like new inside, but had a broken decompressor unit on the cam. $40 for a new cam from CPR and it's like new!

check these out.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/6-5HP-PE...25?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item27cf20af75

forget that. just noticed you are in USA. even cheaper for you over there. hunt around. people are throwing stuff out all the time that can be fixed up easy. and a rebuild manual for the 6.5hp clones is available for free online.

 

[Poboy kartman]

forget that. just noticed you are in USA.

It would be nice if you would fill out your profile location.....so we could notice where you are from.....

 

[Mudgutts]

ok. fixed.