The 3 Best Torque Converters For Racing Go-Karts
The fastest, smoothest, and most comfortable ride is all about what’s inside: a torque converter.
Look for an oil-filled torque converter to prevent mud from getting inside the unit.
If you’re going down hills, look for one with a high stall speed and good internal parts.
Regardless of your situation, we’ve done our research to find a suitable one for you.
Below are some great choices from quality companies that we recommend if you want to get the most out of your ride.
Our Top Picks For The Best Go-Kart Torque Converters
Bullet Lines Torque Converter Go Kart
This Comet 30 series torque converter has a long history of dependability with power and versatility. These are compatible with trail bikes, mini bikes, side by sides, golf carts, and various other applications.
This Comet centrifugal torque converter will replace clutches that are less than 8hp.
It fits nicely on any engine with 4 to 5hp and 48″ to 60″ diameter flywheels. The Torque Converter will work on most engines with a vertical shaft, provided they use a standard 3/4″ keyed drive clutch.
You can use it on engines with a vertical shaft whose output shaft is a jackshaft with a set of sprocket teeth at the end of it.
Specifications:
- Driver Unit: 1set
- Driven Unit: 1set
- V-Belt: 1pc
- Driven Shaft & Gear: 1set
- Side Retainer Plate: 1pc
- Torque Converter Cover: 1pc
Mophorn 212CC Torque Converter Kit
This converter kit is best suitable for all engines that use 3/4″ straight crankshaft, such as go-karts, scooters, & other similar-sized vehicles.
This torque converter kit is perfect for a small engine to suit all kart specifications with #40/41 chains. The main feature of this kart torque converter is its 80 rated RPM and high efficiency with low mechanical friction.
It proves to be highly compatible with all models of go-karts or other similar-sized vehicles. Its lightweight iron and aluminum material make it very sturdy and durable as well.
This torque converter clutch kit constitutes high-quality iron and aluminum materials, lightweight, sturdy and durable; it can reduce the engine load and get more power.
Specifications:
- Drive clutch bore: 3/4″
- Driven unit: Diameter 6″
- Sprocket teeth: 10 teeth for #40/41 chain
- Engagement range: 2350±200 RPM
- Recommended engine: 2HP-7HP
212CC Torque Converter
This converter 6.5 HP fits all models and years of the Predator 212 cc go-kart. This kit is for all engines with a 3/4″ shaft.
It comes with a 12 tooth sprocket for the 35 chains and a 10 tooth sprocket for the 40/41 chain. It has a 7″ center to center between driver and driven.
Its 1 x 12 tooth sprocket allows the drive belt to reach maximum RPM. High-performance karts need higher speeds on the driven shaft for maximum horsepower.
This is the perfect kit for the customer looking for both power and high performance. You can also use the 12 tooth sprocket with a #35 chain, a slightly smaller chain that will fit many other manufacturers’ kits.
Specification:
- Engine: 2HP-7HP engine
- Driven unit: 5/8″
- Belt: Asymmetrical type
- Length: 70.5cm / 27.76″
- Outside circumference: 27 23/64″
- Width: 3/4″
How Do I Choose A Good Torque Converter
A torque converter should handle applications, materials, build quality, compatibility, and price. Check out these features when choosing a torque converter.
Material
Designed to handle heavy loads, torque converters are capable of handling heavy loads. As the crankshaft spins, the pulley and belt system will generate a lot of heat.
Thus, parts used to make torque converters should be of high quality and long-lasting.
Its thermal conductivity is among the highest of any material, so aluminum effectively dissipates heat generated during the driving of a go-kart.
Go-Kart Torque Converter Kits
You can easily install torque converters onto your go-kart’s engine with kits that come with the devices. Making sure it has all the parts you need is very important.
The system should have at least two pulleys, a belt, and necessary mounting hardware.
It’s best if the torque converter kit includes extra details such as a belt guard, belt backplate, and two chain sprockets. These are the components you should look for in a go-kart torque converter kit:
- Aluminum Backplate
- Belt Guard
- Drive Belt
- Driver Pulley
- Driven Pulley
- Sprockets (usually 10-tooth & 12-tooth)
- Mounting hardware
Application
Choosing a torque converter based on its application is the first thing you need to think about. To put it differently, you must figure out what kind of go-kart you have or will build.
Torque converters are go-kart transmissions with the capability of going into overdrive. There are usually 2.7 to 1 and up to 0.9 to 1 ratios. The lower torque range makes it excellent for climbing uneven terrain, stop-and-go traffic, and driving in low torque ranges.
Homemade Go-Karts: Go-karts made of custom and homemade parts are excellent for torque converters. It is usually a good idea to choose a smaller or mid-sized torque converter when building your go-kart.
As they’re compatible with almost every type of go-kart engine, any aftermarket TAV2 (30 Series) belt would be a good choice.
Racing Go-Karts: In racing go-karts, they rarely use torque converters since clutches are more appropriate. There are certain circumstances, however, in which torque converters might be a better option.
A torque converter may be more appropriate for a go-kart for kids if they are only going to use it at low speeds or if they anticipate many stops and starts.
Off-Road Go-Karts: The torque converter is a prevalent part of off-road go-karts. Their handling of heavy loads and low speeds makes them superior to other transmissions.
Off-road go-karts with smaller wheels should use a TAV2 (20 Series belts). Their compact size should suffice.
In case you have a larger off-road go-kart, we strongly recommend that you use a torque converter that can handle a 40 Series belt.
Compatibility
In addition, it is essential to check that the torque converter will work with your belt. Our top picks come with a belt (30 or 40 series) that fits your go-kart.
Check that the belt’s measurements are compatible with the torque converter if you intend to use an existing belt.
Adjustable Gear Ratio
The most common torque converter sizes include go-karts for 20 series, 30 series, and 40 series torque converter kits. Make sure the chain size and pitch of your kart’s axle sprocket match your engine’s output shaft diameter.
Usually, the gear ratio of a standard TAV2 torque converter is 2.7: 1, which is compatible with 30 series belts. At higher engine rpm ranges, a torque converter can automatically adjust the gear ratio to 0.9:1 and then go into overdrive.
Price Range
Listed below are torque converters that offer a good cost-to-performance ratio at a reasonable price. Aftermarket torque converters can cost anywhere from $90 to $110, depending on the quality.
Their performance is as good as that of brand-named go-karts and is suitable for off-road racing.
Branded torque converters are usually at least two to three times more expensive than generic ones. To choose a torque converter in your price range, you need to first decide on your budget.
FAQs
What is the stall speed for the torque converter?
If you choose the stall speed suitable for your application, an appropriate stall speed needs to be at a minimum of 500 RPM higher than the starting point of the camshaft’s powerband. There is a recommended RPM range for all aftermarket camshafts.
What is the difference in torque converters?
It is essential to consider your power curve and your torque output. Considering a stall speed of 2,200 – 2,700 rpm, the range will accommodate different engine characteristics and power curves.
It is best if the stall locks up close to the engine’s peak torque. More torque at low speeds typically results in higher stall speeds. With a less Torquay – higher rpm engine, the converter will stall at a lower rpm.
Will a new torque converter give you more power?
By installing the kit, you won’t gain any horsepower, but you will recover the horsepower you would have generally lost if you had left the kit stock.
In addition, TCs with higher speeds will have higher stalling times. It will facilitate the launch process when brake torque is applied or when the TC flashes.
Final Thoughts
The last thing that you need to think about is how much internal clearance your vehicle needs to have for the torque converter to fit in there.
Buying a suitable torque converter for your go-kart can be difficult. But, with the help of our top picks, it will be a seamless process.
Torque converters for go-karts have always been one of the most critical elements when you’re working on your go-kart.
You need to find one that is compatible with the vehicle on which you’re installing it.