Go cart "torque converters"

[kevm14]

Tim is rich and might use a new predator motor for $120 instead of lawn equipment drive trains.

On sale for 3 days:
http://www.harborfreight.com/65-HP-212c ... MCJ9%0D%0A

6.5 hp OHV horizontal shaft for $99 w/ coupon. That is hard to beat.

Lots of reviews are of these engines breaking I haven't noticed anyone point out the large aftermarket for it I use these on mini bikes and gokarts and if anything breaks the parts are dirt cheap online and make it more durable than stock. Love these engines have about 4 of them

Even better.

Plus after market parts are available to push the HP up to about 12 if needed

O rly??

[kevm14]

Wow they weren't kidding.

http://gokartsusa.com/Predator-212-Engi ... Parts.aspx

Cams!

Some kind of upgrade video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoWzVHI58QQ

[Fast_Ed]

Plus after market parts are available to push the HP up to about 12 if needed

O rly??

What do you mean "If needed?!" Of course it's needed!

Needs tires to be a rolling chassis. I guess I'll have to do some measuring... But these are cool.
http://www.amazon.com/WANDA-Kart-Tires- ... cart+tires

Set of 4!
http://www.amazon.com/145-70-6-Go-Kart- ... cart+tires

When I search amazon for go cart tires, 145/70-6 is a size that comes up very frequently. Hopefully that is the size I have.

Centrifugal clutch:
http://www.amazon.com/GoPowerSports-Kar ... gal+clutch

10t for torque/offroading... vice 12t for top speed runs...

Need to figure out if I have a #35 or #41 sprocket... Those numbers are chain types... I believe it was like a 70t axle sprocket.

Now I just need to have the time and money to build it. Looks like chain/tires/sprocket will be about $150. Plus it would need tubes. I wonder if the tires from my snowblower will fit one end of the cart.

[kevm14]

I don't know if I'd spring for this before the thing runs and drives, but...I think I would spring for it soon after that.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZYTU354?psc=1

Maybe not this exact one but a CVT nonetheless.

Used it w/ a Predator 212cc motor from harbor freight. This made a world of difference from just a cent clutch, super fast, quick take off, lots of power, no problem turning the 18" rear wheels on the cart. Small investment, huge return!

I think the difference is significant enough to justify the extra ~$90. Maybe I can find a before/after video or one directly comparing two of the same cart. I think it may afford better takeoff AND better top speed. The centrifugal clutches can also overheat if they are run in slip mode too much (like when trying get moving on rough terrain, go up a hill or whatever).

Or this one for $110: http://www.bmikarts.com/Torque-Converte ... _1029.html

[kevm14]

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[Fast_Ed]

Yeah, having gearing would make a big difference. But I'm thinking if kids will ride it, it probably wont immediately need that type of performance.

My uncle gave me the manual for my engine. I believe it is a Honda G200. Brief incomplete research indicates that this may be what the predator is cloned from? I'll have to look more into it.

Manual:

honda motor pamphlet.pdf

[kevm14]

Yeah, having gearing would make a big difference. But I'm thinking if kids will ride it, it probably wont immediately need that type of performance.

Bryan said something similar.

I did read something very intriguing online. One guy said the CVT offers some traction control functionality. Basically as you get wheel spin, the effective gear ratio increases with wheel speed. But as that happens, torque multiplication goes down, which will limit the maximum wheel speed. If the surface is ice, and you have an 8 hp cart, it probably doesn't help much. But if it was dirt and you had halfway decent tires, it may provide the effect. That is, if wheel spin is a problem at all. It is a fun problem to have.

I mean, transmissions in general offer this functionality. But the CVT offers it smoothly and continuously. Smooth changes in wheel torque are ideal for traction.

[bill25]

What do you mean "If needed?!" Of course it's needed!

Couldn't have said it better myself.