| When we ask drive train questions we usually get the | | | | A rule of thumb for horsepower matching is that the |
| following answer: | | | | force required to push the equals the go kart weight |
| "The interplay between rear sprocket and the clutch | | | | multiplied times .175. This number represents the force |
| can be a confusing combination, if you don't | | | | required to push the go kart up a hill. |
| understand the dynamics of the situation." | | | | For most go karts this will be the equalization point, or |
| Thanks for that non-answer! That's how most of us | | | | the point where the go kart will just stop climbing the |
| feel after scratching our heads and getting ready to | | | | hill. If you have some speed it will keep going. |
| toss in the towel for the whole go kart project. | | | | This rule of thumb gives you good overall dart around |
| For all of the time and effort thrown into making this | | | | performance and top end speed. If you decide you |
| go kart, when push comes to shove it doesn't move. | | | | need more hill climbing capabilities then the system |
| The clutch smokes and it can't climb hills worth a pile | | | | requires either more horsepower, or a steeper ratio. |
| of beans. | | | | The rear wheel typically is the limiting factor, in that you |
| Why is it that we can't wrap our heads around the | | | | can only make a sprocket so large to get the ratio |
| drive line system? | | | | that you want. But again, as another rule of thumb, |
| The reason comes in two forms: | | | | making the sprocket nearly as large as the rear tire |
| 1. All we have are certain parts and we want those | | | | gives you good, and I mean good, acceleration and |
| parts to work | | | | overall performance. |
| 2. The alternative would be to make parts, or find | | | | If you need the sprocket larger than the wheel, well |
| parts that are extremely hard to find | | | | that kind of defeats the purpose doesn't it? So other |
| Quite honestly those are lame reasons to pursue a | | | | methods of reduction will be required. |
| drive line that you are guessing is going to work. | | | | So to recap, if you have a large tire and a small rear |
| The first rule to drive systems layout is matching | | | | sprocket, you had better do a rethink and evaluate |
| horsepower to the requirements of the system. | | | | your overall ratio. |