You’ve chosen Torque converter as your transmission, then you look to buy one and find a million companies trying to sell this thing! Which one will fit your Go-Kart with Predator 212? And which one to then buy? There are a lot of things to take into consideration, and I will try to help you make the best decision.
First things first, you must choose a torque converter that is compatible with the predator 212, you need to buy a 30 series Torque converter for a Predator 212, you do not have the option of a 40 series because the 40 series doesn’t come with a 3/4″ clutch bore.
There is an option to go for Comet-44, but that is if you decide to make some huge changes to your engine and are able to get it past 8500 RPM, and even then, there are better 30 series torque converters made for those higher RPMs.
In this list, I will only be reviewing 30 series Torque converters and will include an option for modified Engines (Stage 2 Predator or higher).
The Top 5 Torque Converters for Predator 212
- IPARTS EXPERT’s 30 Series Torque Converter – Best Value for Money
- Super 30 Series Torque Converter – Best for Modified Engines (4000+ RPM)
- Original Comet 30 – Best Quality (Also the most Expensive)
- Mophorn 212CC Torque Converter – The Cheapest
- IPARTS Clutch + LAFORMO’s Driven Pulley – Best for 7″ Driven
1. IPARTS EXPERT
Features:
- Driver Bore: 3/4″
- DRIVEN Diameter: 6″
- DRIVEN Bore Diameter: 5/8″
- Sprocket teeth: 10 teeth for #40/41/420 chain; 12 tooth for #35 chain
- Recommended HP: 2-8 Hp Engine
- Engagement range: 2350±200 RPM
For a price 3 times less compared to the original Comet-30 and no major difference in quality, IPARTS EXPERT’s 30 series Torque converter is the best Torque Converter for Predator 212 or any other 2-8 hp engine with a 3/4″ driver pulley bore.
Along with the driver and driven pulley, the Set comes with an aluminum backplate, a jackshaft, a cover, and all the nuts and bolts for installation, it is easy to install and remove.
The center to center distance between the pulleys is 6-15/16 to 7″. The belts are asymmetrical and will last for a decent amount of time if properly installed.
They send you multiple sprockets with both 10 teeth and 12 teeth and you can change the sprockets at any time, so gearing won’t be a problem.
Overall, for a stock Predator 212 Engine, you need to look no further than this, this is the best option for the money you pay. You can get 3 of these instead of an Original Comet-30 with no major downsides.
Please note, some of the clones might have the wrong size bolts, but it is really easy and cheap to find the right bolt in a hardware store. Don’t let that discourage you from buying clones.
2. Super 30 Series Torque Converter
Let me tell you right off the bat, this Torque converter is only for people who have modified or will modify their engine to at least stage 2, stage 2 Predator 212 contains billet flywheels, billet rods, Mikuni carbs, heavier Valve Springs, etc. The Predator 212 at stage 2 is like an entirely different engine.
You do not want to put this on to a Stock Predator 212. This Torque converter clutch is made for Engines that can reach as high as 8500 RPM and is a must-have for people who are upgrading their Engines.
A Normal Comet-30 clone will max out at 5500 RPM, but this one right here is tried and tested to 8500 RPM. This is a must-have for anything above stage 1!
They will only send a driver clutch to you, you’ll have to use a regular driven pulley along with it and make sure that the belt you get is of proper sizing. The bore is 3/4″ and will fit perfectly with your Predator 212.
3. Original Comet 30
Features:
- Driver Bore: 3/4″ and 1″
- DRIVEN Diameter: 6″ and 7″
- DRIVEN Bore Diameter: 5/8″ and 3/4″
- Recommended HP: 2-8 Hp Engine
- Engagement range: 1200-3100 RPM
(Not Available on Amazon, but you can buy online from Other websites)
When it comes to quality, the original TAV2 Comet 30 series is the best Torque converter, as is the case with all the originals in comparison to their clones. You pay the premium for better casting and better bearings. But the problem is that it is 3 times the price and frankly there isn’t that huge of a difference.
Both the comet and the clone will last a really good time if maintained properly (5-10 years or even more), you might have a slight performance advantage with a Comet in terms of top speed (1-2 mph more). But is it really worth paying 3 times more?
If you ask me, I would rather buy a clone and make some adjustments to the spring and save myself $150. But if you want the best and price isn’t an issue then sure go for the original.
The comet will come for all different sizes of the driven, bore, etc. The engagement range can also be varied with a new spring-weight assembly. All parts of these torque converters need to be bought seperately.
4. Mophorn 212CC
Features:
- Driver Bore: 3/4″
- DRIVEN Diameter: 6″
- DRIVEN Bore Diameter: 5/8″
- Sprocket teeth: 10 teeth for #40/41 chain
- Recommended HP: 2-7 Hp Engine
- Engagement range: 2350±200 RPM
The cheaper alternative to number 1 in this list. There isn’t much difference from number 1, apart from the sprockets that come with the set, this only comes with 10 teeth sprocket, but you can always get a different sprocket if you’d like to since these sprockets don’t come fixed with the jackshaft.
Installation is very simple and there are tons of guides available for installation. The bolts will fit in well. If there are any problems with belts and bronze bearing, you can always get them separately for cheap.
Overall, there isn’t that big of a difference in any clones so buying this will save you an extra $10. But replacing belts and bearings might add additional costs (some people have reported problems about wrong belt size on this product).
5. IPARTS Clutch + LAFORMO’s Driven
Features:
- Driver Bore: 3/4″
- DRIVEN Diameter: 7″
- DRIVEN Bore Diameter: 5/8″
- Recommended HP: 2-8 Hp Engine
- Engagement range: 2350±200 RPM
7″ Driven are a little rare, so you won’t find any complete set for this combination. You’ll have to get all the parts separately, including a jackshaft and a belt that fits. With the combined cost of buying jackshaft, keyway, etc separately, it’s actually better to consider buying a complete set of 6″ driven and then buying a 7″ pulley for replacement.
Please note, if you get a 7″ pulley, you also have to get a new belt that fits your setup, there are several belt size charts available online, if you get a belt that’s too tight, it will not only wear the belt but the clutch will also suffer.
Alternatives
Centrifugal clutches are the cheaper alternative to torque converters, but they are made for a different purpose, we do have a detailed comparison between clutch and torque converter, but to put it in short, you’ll want a clutch if you’re going to race on a flat track and a torque converter when you need more torque and acceleration (better for off-road Go-karts and mini bikes).
Clutches are definitely worth considering if you want higher speed because they are much more efficient at power transmission to the wheel, you can check our list for the best clutches.
Apart from a regular clutch, you also have options for racing clutches, they are way more expensive but build specially for high gearing race karts, worth considering for racing engines.
FAQs
30 Series vs 40 Series
The 30 series is made for Engines that produce max power up to 8 hp and the 40 series is made for 8-18 hp engines. Other than that, the 30 series comes with a 3/4″ bore and 1″ bore whereas the 40 series comes with a 7/8″ bore and 1″ bore.
So to check compatibility, you need to check your Engine’s Crankshaft size, a Predator 212 has a 3/4″ crankshaft diameter and therefore won’t work with 40 series, similarly Honda GX200 and any other engine that has a 3/4″ crankshaft.
40 series are for bigger block engines such as the 13 hp 420 Predator and GX390 or any other engine with a 1″ shaft and producing more than 8 hp power. But you can still fit a 30 series onto an engine with a 1″ shaft, we made some comparison between 30 and 40 series if you’re looking for more detailed compare but in short, pick 30 series if your engine produces less than 8hp and pick 40 series if it produces more than 8 hp and has a 1″ shaft.
6″ vs 7″ Driven Pulley
At number 5 in our list, we put in an option for a 7″ driven pulley. The 7″ driven pulley will give you more torque to start with and lower top speed. This is because the gearing will be lower than the 6″ pulley6″ Driven 7″ Driven High Speed 0.90 1.12 Low Speed 2.68 3.13
Reduction Ratio is basically the ratio of active diameters between driven pull and the driver pulley, the gearings keep changing when the torque converter works.
Check our article about the gearings of a torque converter for a better understanding.
How much horsepower can a 30 Series torque converter handle?
A 30 series Torque converter can handle up to 8 hp max. A normal 30 series torque converter will limit you to 5500 RPM. If you modify your torque converter look for either a Juggernaut or its clones.
But there is a trick that many people use, they replace the original bronze spacer bushing with thicker steel spacers on a normal 30 series and are able to get to 7500-8000 rpm with a normal Torque converter. It is something worth considering, can save you some extra cost (but do your own research before you try this).
Installation
There are loads of tutorials about correctly installing a torque converter, so even if it’s your first time, you don’t have to worry much about it. Just be prepared to get some new bolts and belts in case the set comes in the wrong sizes (common with clones).
Can You make any upgrades to the 30 series Torque Converter?
Yes! You can change the driven pulley’s spring to get more power out of the engine at any specific gear, and you can change the driver pulley’s weight-spring assembly, and get better take-off. Read this article on Torque converter Adjustments.
All upgrade parts are widely available, but make sure to plan properly before you make any adjustments.
Common Problems and how to avoid them
The most common problem with torque converters is the belt wearing out, and the solution to almost all of your torque converter problems is getting a right-sized belt. There are youtube tutorials on how to maintain a torque converter that you should check.
