ReGearing the G2?

[joe_avg]

Ok, I want to keep my cart looking stock (relatively), I've done the Plowman's power kit, but am thinking about regearing. How much of a dawg off the line is my cart going to be if I go from stock to 8:1? I can get 22mph now (just before the electronic governor kicks in), as the mechanical governor is removed.

[Mike Mac]

I don't know what I'm talking about here, but your G2 ignition has a rev limiter built into it. So your still going to be governed by that.

[joe_avg]

Right, but by re-gearing it'll serve the same function as putting 22" tires on (give or take). I'm just wondering what the new top end might be, and how much low end will be lost considering I have a performance driven clutch installed.

[joe_avg]

Well, I just had time to sit down and do some math. My new rims and tires (205/50-10's) are 18 inches high and the last time I blew through the neighborhood radar, I was clocked at 22mph (before the electronic limiter kicked in).

Roughly speaking that corresponds to 4900 engine rpm with stock gears (12:1).

That means (in theory) that my max speed with 8:1 gears is 32mph.

Me and my buddy think that with the stiffer Plowmans's clutch, changing the gear ratio to 8:1 would yield no change to low-end torque as compared to the standard clutch and OEM gears.

Are we right or wrong? Anyone care to reply?

[Mike Mac]

I don't get what your point is; you can't drive at 4900 rpm for more than a few seconds. And at those revs, its short lived as well. If you want to go fast continuously, a big motor is the only reliable way.

With tall gears, the motor is not going to be capable of that RPM. so even if the math is correct, you won't make 32 MPH.

But when you get to 32 MPH, you better start thinking about brakes.

[joe_avg]

Mike, if you know what rpm the rev limiter kick's in at, I'd really like to know. All I'm working with is math and assumptions. Is it around 5000rpm or somewhere like 3500?

[Mike Mac]

Joe I don't, but believe the motor is gonna get very inefficient above 32/3500rpm. They red line at 4000 I believe. Don't know what plowmans parts you have, but 49 sounds quite abit to still be alive.

[joe_avg]

My 4900rpm figure was based on the speed, gear ratio and tire size.

I have no idea what the rev limiter rpm cutout is, but I know my speed before it activates. The gas pedal is also 1/2 way down when all this is happening (full speed /straight away). On hills, I have to give a bit more throttle, and the gas is only full open when I come of the line.

[Mike Mac]

Joe, the cam, valve springs, and breathing ability of these motors just are not there to get you to 4900 rpm, unless its down hill.
If you want to know, get a "tiny tach" somewhere around $40.00 from a vender. Call Tom at Cart Parts Plus. He will have the gears, the tach, and know what your car will do with them installed.

If you want to go fast, you need a big motor, is the bottom line!

[joe_avg]

I'm all put back together and got a top speed of 25mph. I'm pretty happy, so I'll leave the project alone for a bit. The new clutch is nice and the muffler is deper, more throaty and a tad louder. What do you think of my new K&N?