Which TC for dirt road

[XJRanger]

I was given a go kart that was not running. The previous owner had run the engine without oil. It has been sitting outside for ~3 years. I had to knock the steering loose with a hammer after soaking in PB Blaster. I was hoping to salvage the clutch but it is stuck engaged even after a mild sanding of the outer part.

I live on a dirt road and the only people it will fit is kids. I want them (7 - 12) to be able to control it which means being able to go slow. What torque converter would be best?

 

[anickode]

Assuming you're planning a predator 212 on it, the $52 eBay China clone TAV2/30 series is just fine.

 

[XJRanger]

I guess I should have included that! I already put a 212 on it and swapped the clutch. That's how I found it was always engaged. When I pull the starter cord, the kart moves forward. I can even push start the cart with enough kids pushing and me in the drivers seat!

It is a single wheel drive kart...

The chain is a 40 if it matters.

The below is my tooth count and results of gokartsupply calculator.

Clutch Sprocket 10 teeth
Big Drive Sprocket 48 teeth
The Gear Ratio = 4.8 to 1
Rear Tire Height 11
24.5 mph

I eventually want to use bigger tires for the cart as our dirt road is rough and the tires need to be changed anyways. I am guessing that my drive sprocket would need to be bigger (more teeth). Or with the torque converter, will it make much of a difference to change the tooth count?

Here's one that I think would work if there is no difference when using a TC:

eBay TC

 

[landuse]

The chain is a 40 if it matters.

The below is my tooth count and results of gokartsupply calculator.

Clutch Sprocket 10 teeth
Big Drive Sprocket 48 teeth
The Gear Ratio = 4.8 to 1
Rear Tire Height 11
24.5 mph

I eventually want to use bigger tires for the cart as our dirt road is rough and the tires need to be changed anyways. I am guessing that my drive sprocket would need to be bigger (more teeth). Or with the torque converter, will it make much of a difference to change the tooth count?

Here's one that I think would work if there is no difference when using a TC:

eBay TC

As it sits at the monent, that gear ratio of 4.8 is pretty tall. You are probably pushing the limits there. You will NOT be able to get bigger tyres with that gear ratio. You will have to move to a 60T sprocket at least. I would go to a 60 or 72 anyway, even if you don't get bigger tyres. This will give you more torque and slow the kart down a bit.

The link you gave looks fine. Just make sure that the sprocket pitch on the TC is the same as your chain (I didn't check).

 

[bob58o]

I've not heard too much about people using TC's on single wheel drive karts and dirt roads.
Will it break traction very easily? Maybe? I don't know. Maybe not with the gear ratio you have. But maybe with the smallish tires. I guess this post is useless as all it does it say you may or may not have traction issues. LOL

48 :10 with 30 series TC and 6" driven unit (4.32 :1 in Overdrive)
11" Tires (2.88' per revolution)
3600 RPM = 27 mph (10% increase - thank you overdrive)
5000 RPM = 38 mph (thank you governor adjustment)

If it were a live axle kart, I'd say it is geared great and would be awesome with the TC. I don't know much about the one wheel peel stuff.

 

[anickode]

The problem with doing a torque converter on a one wheel peel Kart is that the engine has to be mounted High Enough that the entire torque converter can be above the drive-wheel in order for the sprocket to line up.

You may end up having to raise your engine significantly in order to achieve that.

 

[XJRanger]

I'm finding it hard to get a larger sprocket as well. The current sprocket is 48 teeth with a 4x4 bolt pattern and a 2" hub. The closest I found is a weld on sprocket that has the 2" center. I could drill the bolt pattern myself using the old one as a pattern. The problem comes is the size of the sprocket.

60 tooth = 9.84
72 tooth = 11.75

The current tires are only 11"! I guess I would need to change the tires ASAP! LOL. I'm guessing the best thing to do would be convert the cart to a live axle and get bigger tires at the same time. This would give me the clearance for the TC and the change in gearing. I guess a change to a disc brake would be best at that point.

I'm tempted to just order a new clutch and let this cart ride while I build one that I can enjoy! That would have to wait as I need to finish my boat build first.

 

[anickode]

You'll be fine with the 48 tooth and a torque converter.

You could probably get away with a 40 tooth with those tiny tires.

 

[XJRanger]

Do you still think I would have to raise the engine? If so, what is the best way?

 

[XJRanger]

So I do indeed have to raise the engine. I am guessing that 2" would do it but I am going to go with 4" to ensure I've got it right. I also plan to attempt to set it back an inch or two so I can move the seat back to fit me. The seat has a lot of adjustment in it that is currently limited by the engine.

I'm visiting a welding shop tomorrow to see if he has a 12" length of 4x4 square tube laying around. I only need 7" but then I can angle the ends like:

. ___
/___/

 

[Kansaskart]

The proof is in the pudding. Here is my kart. It has a live axle and 48 tooth rear with 40 chain. It has no governor. Only a jetted carb and header. I weight 250lbs. I live on gravel. This kart spins moderately easy and tops out at 42mph. I can stop on steep hills, stomp it and throw rocks everywhere. This setup on 1 wheel drive you can spin in dirt as far as you want lol. It's always harder to get an idea on paper so I just did it and those are the legit results.

 

[Kansaskart]

To top it all off, I'm using 16" tall turf savers in both front and rear. Also using the cheap tc. I can literally drive thru fields with 4 foot tall grass easily. The tc makes all the difference.

Also, if you have fab skills it's time to do some hacking and get a live axle in that thing. Honestly, if it's just for young kids all you really need is another clutch like the one on it. A tc is WAY OVERKILL for one wheel drive. Find another kart with a live axle for yourself.

 

[XJRanger]

I think I'll throw a live axle and bigger tires on this one. I'll do it after they've gotten use to it and I get through with some other projects. I really need to finish one of my boats I'm working on. I've got a fishing trip scheduled.

 

[Kansaskart]

You can get nice Wanda turf savers with rims for around $80 with shipping from surpluscenter. You would need 4 bolt hubs. Here's another kart of mine with them they look great. Don't recall size, I think 18 maybe 20. I would probably go with 60 tooth though. This kart is 60tooth but it's also a 420cc.

 

[Kansaskart]

Not trying to dis anyone's opinion, I still don't know how to factor in the calcs using a tc. I just did it lol and got lucky I guess but it's working and I run it often, the black one that is. I'm still working on the blue one I gotta get the engine locked down better and remounted I'm having tc issues.