Clutch Verses Torque Converter
Posted on | May 1, 2010 | No Comments
You can build your own go cart (also spelled “go kart“) pretty easily as long as you can weld. You can buy tons of different go cart blueprints off the Internet. If you do buy a set of plans off the Internet they may not have all the go cart parts or features you want. Well how can you be sure what you want. To help get the information to those who want it, I will try to explain what I know about the advantages and disadvantages of both the Clutch and the torque converter.
The centrifugal clutch is usually chain driven which means it will not slip if you go through water or it starts raining heavily. They are also much cheaper than a torque converter and mount much easier. The disadvantages with a centrifugal clutch are that they only have one speed, and the chain may snap depending on the size of the motor. So, it is a good idea to carry tools and spare links.
The torque converter is always belt driven and has an expanding pulley at the drive shaft. So, the bigger it gets the faster the go cart will move. Try to think of a ten speed bike, when you shift up the gear on the wheel gets smaller as the wheel on the pedal drive gets bigger. This is called a gear ratio and the torque converter does that through centrifugal force. So, it acts like an automatic transmission. The disadvantages are that they are more expensive than the centrifugal clutch. Also, since the torque converter uses a belt it may or may not slip during the rain but if you run through a deep puddle and then try to go up a hill it will definitely start slipping.
As always be safe and have fun!!!
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