Steps To Install A Reverse Gearbox On A Racing Go-Kart

People often overlook one aspect of go-karting: the ability to go in reverse.

It’s easy to take for granted, but you’d get stuck spinning your wheels without a reverse gearbox.

Here we’ll explore a simple 5-step process of installing a reverse gearbox on a go-kart. We should first analyze reverse gearboxes and their workings before we do that.

Can racing go-karts go in reverse?

The first thing you’ll notice is a few things look the same, and a few look different compared to an average car. The go-kart appears to have no reverse option, ostensibly.

You can either use an electric go-kart or a reverse gearbox to reverse your go-kart. There is no reverse capability on a gasoline go-kart. Reverse gearboxes can increase vehicle weight, which can negatively affect their performance.

For your go-kart to be able to reverse, there are two steps you can take. The first is to purchase a different type of go-kart. Alternatively, you can install it on your own.

Go-karts powered by electric motors can reposition themselves if they spin, while you must manually push those powered by gasoline to make a turn.

What is a reverse gearbox for go-karting?

In a go-kart, a reverse gearbox connects the rear axle and transmission. The input shaft of the reverse gearbox attaches to the output shaft of the torque converter, while the output shaft attaches to the rear axle by a chain and a sprocket.

You can drive your kart backward with a reverse gearbox if you install it correctly. A speed controller instead of a gearbox handles the reversing function in electric go-karts.

When should you install a DIY reverse gearbox on a go-kart?

Go-karts with reverse gearboxes are optional, but you may find them convenient and valuable. Racing go-karts are usually lightweight, and therefore do not have reverse gearboxes.

It is easy to move them backward by pushing them in the appropriate direction. Off-road and homemade go-karts, however, often have reverse gearboxes.

Reversible gearboxes allow you to escape sticky situations, such as when you’re stuck in specific terrain or if you need to get out of a tight space.

What is the function of the reverse gearbox in a go-Kart?

There are two shafts in the reverse gearbox. Input shafts can be connected directly to an engine, to a clutch, or torque converters. When you turn the engine crankshaft, you also turn the input shaft on the gearbox.

1. Gearbox Housing
2. Output Shaft (with Sprocket)
3. Input Shaft

Gearboxes contain cogwheels that connect input and output shafts. In reverse gear, the output shaft will rotate counterclockwise, resulting in the rear axle rotating counterclockwise.

Using this method, the go-kart can move backward. Getting back on the road requires disengaging the reverse gear.

6 Easy Steps To Install a Reverse Gearbox on Your Go-Kart

Go-karts with reverse gears can seem daunting to install. Although it is relatively straightforward and does require a little bit of intermediate knowledge about how the various components work, it does require some tools.

Installation of 2-speed go-kart transmission implies that their location on the driving axle should be between the main transmission and traction motor. Several transmissions offer two forward and one reverse gears and a neutral position, and semi-automatic gear shifting.

If you intend to build a go-kart, make sure you understand how it works and has enough space and the appropriate tools for the job.

Create Space For Reverse Gearbox in The Engine Area

If you do not have a torque converter, you can also use a reverse gearbox. Instead of connecting the reverse gearbox with the driven pulley, it would connect to the gearbox’s input shaft. Your go-kart might have a reverse gearbox in place of the jackshaft in some instances.

You must first make sure the engine area has sufficient room to place your reverse gearbox. This step should be done with care so that nothing gets damaged.

Reverse Gearbox Setup:

1. Reverse Gearbox
2. Rear Axle
3. Driven Pulley
4. Engine
5. Driver Pulley

It may be necessary to relocate your go-kart’s engine and the torque converter or centrifugal clutch, depending on the size of the vehicle. As a general rule, the axle should remain in its current position.

Ensure that you know what reverse gearbox you will purchase before moving the engine. Designed for go-karts with engines ranging from 2 HP to 7 HP, Mophorn’s Reverse Gearbox features three gears (forward, reverse, neutral). This gearbox is only compatible with 30 Series torque converters.

Take out the torque converter or clutch, as well as belts or chains. Remove the engine’s bolts and loosen them. You can avoid wearing out the bolts by using the right tools.

You can now adjust the engine once you remove all the fasteners. Move the reverse gearbox around to make room for it.

Mount the Go-Kart Engine & Reinstall the Converter

Having laid out all the components correctly, you can now install the engine to its new position. Depending on the setup of your go-kart, it might be necessary to install brackets to secure the engine.

In addition, a slotted plate can be a great option. It is simple to drill holes into the plate holding the go-kart engine so that you can move and adjust it.

Installing the torque converter follows mounting the engine. Be sure the torque converter and all parts are tight.

Setup the Go-Kart Reverse Gearbox

You must ensure that the gearbox is adequately set up before you mount it. Line up each shaft of the gearbox, add lubricants, as well as install bearings and sprockets.

As a new part of your go-kart setup, there are a few concerns you should know.

• Install the reverse gearbox tightly onto a bracket or plate.
• A driven pulley connects the gearbox input shaft to the torque converter.
• Sprockets connect the gearbox output shaft to the rear axle.
• Put some gearbox lubricant in the gearbox.
• Align and parallel all shafts.
• Install the gearbox chain connecting the rear axle.

Fix the Reverse Gearbox in Place

Install the reverse gearbox once you have set it up correctly. To mount the reverse gearbox, you’ll need a solid and secure base. Either a bracket or slotted plate will work well.

In addition to being easier to adjust, you can always move the gearbox if you need to replace or upgrade specific components.

Go-kart reverse gearbox kits often include mounting plates. In addition, you can optimize chain tension with their gearbox adjustments.

In addition, you should mount your reverse gearbox horizontally on your go-kart. If you don’t, it will prematurely wear out. Using a spirit level or bubble level ruler will allow you to achieve this quickly.

Install All Other Components

It’s time to install the components of your go-kart reverse gearbox kit if you bought it. Gearbox levers, gearshift discs, and transmission lines constitute these components.

You’ll want to run the wires through the frame of your go-kart and install them near the lift lever.

Sit in your seat and locate a suitable mounting position before installing the gear lever and transmission lines. There are typically two places for the gear lever: next to the steering column plus either side of the seat.

Examine the Reverse Gearbox

We only need to test our setup now. There are different gear ratios in each gearbox. Take note of the ratio before purchasing since it depends on the reverse gearbox.

Typical reverse gearbox ratios are:

• Forward Gear Ratio: 1:1.3
• Reverse Gear Ratio: 1:2.6

Thus, your go-kart should not reverse as fast as it goes forward when you test your setup. Your new setup is ready once you’ve tried it!

FAQs

What is a reverse gearbox?

A reverse gearbox connects to the transmission (usually a torque converter) and rear axle in a go-kart. A sprocket and chain attach the reverse gearbox’s input shaft to the pulley of the torque converter and the gearbox’s output shaft to the rear axle.

How does a Go-Kart transmission work?

Go-kart vehicles transfer power from the engine via chain drive or chain transmission. As Go-karts usually don’t have differentials, it’s not an issue. Chain drive transmits the engine’s power to the rear two wheels, which can take shock loads.

Do you need a gearbox for a go-kart?

Typically, racing go-karts don’t have reverse gears since such vehicles are as lightweight as possible. It is easy to move them backward by pushing them in the appropriate direction. Off-road vehicles and homemade go-karts, however, are more likely to have reverse gearboxes.

Final Thoughts

If you plan to drive your go-kart forward, backward, and neutral, then a reverse gearbox is the best option. Installing one requires getting a complete kit almost always.

Go-kart reverse gearbox kits come with all the go-kart parts you need for installation and are a tremendous time-saver compared to buying the parts individually.

Hopefully, you found this guide helpful and full of information that you needed!