Newbie Gearing question

John Cobb

New member
If you are wanting to run a specific ratio, say a 4.00, and you can choose either a 14, 15 or 16 front sprocket, is there a better choice as to helping build torque?
 
It's not that simple, in general the smaller driver will pull or at least maintain better in the corner, and the bigger driver same down the straight, don't play the ratio game there's always a BEST and lap times dictate what that ends up being .
 
For a 4 : 1 I'd start with a 17 X 68.
However, if the track has a lot of very tight corners that you need to have more power coming off of you may want to go smaller up front.
You may want to be on the rev limiter longer than expected if coming off the corners (being fast in the tight stuff) helps you beat other racers.
The big gear small gear debate has gone on for decades. You need to work to find out what best for the situation.
 
If you are wanting to run a specific ratio, say a 4.00, and you can choose either a 14, 15 or 16 front sprocket, is there a better choice as to helping build torque?
You say "build torque."
What exactly do you mean by that?
Are you needing better acceleration off the corner, or better pull at the end of the long straights?

Are you oval racing or sprint/road course racing?
Momentum ovals tend to like bigger drivers, while tighter (more technical) sprint tracks like smaller drivers.

If you need to be on a 4:1 ratio, I'd start with 15:60 and experiment from there. For every tooth on the driver, equals (approximately) 4 teeth on rear gear, ie 14:56, 15:60, 16:64, 17:68 all = 4:1

-----
🏁Thanks and God bless,
Brian Carlson
Carlson Racing Engines
Vector Cutz
www.CarlsonMotorsports.com
Carlson Motorsports on Facebook
33 years of service to the karting industry ~ 1Cor 9:24
Linden, IN
765-339-4407
bcarlson@CarlsonMotorsports.com
 
If you are wanting to run a specific ratio, say a 4.00, and you can choose either a 14, 15 or 16 front sprocket, is there a better choice as to helping build torque?
A rear gr that hangs below the frame takes a beat n when u get off track!
 
The sprocket protectors really help with that. So do the frame protectors.
 
Back
Top