Looking for Clone Speed - Ideas?

Bill Snow · Joined: 22 May 2012 Posts: 9

My daughter is new to karting and is racing in a Jr. Clone class and I am only familiar with 2-cycle engines. I am learning as we go.

It seems that her engine is missing power/speed starting off and off the corners. At full throttle it seems to take a while to get up to speed.

Over the past several races I've reduced the axle gear tooth count which has helped a little. We do run a restrictor plate (blue) and I changed the jet to .039 (from .038). I also installed new valve springs this week. Everything else is stock.

I've been thinking of adjusting the clutch or reducing the tooth count on the clutch sprocket (15T today). Other than that I am not sure where to look for improvements. Our class does have tech.

Ideas? Thanks in advance for your replies.

Carl Keese · Joined: 20 Dec 2011 Posts: 49

We're are you running? What size track? How many turns ? These clone are by no means a power house . We run a .21 track with 6 turns and run a 15/65 but that's for a 360lbs class .

John Matthews · Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2012 9:22 am Post subject:

Welcome to restrictor plate racing, now you know why the NASCAR guys love it so much....

You don't say how your daughter is doing against the other karts, if she's anywhere near close work on setup and driving.

Your club does have tech which is good, but there's a big difference between "stock" straight from the box and "stock" from a builder. Not as much with the restrictor but there are quite a few areas to improve if you're running BSP rules. Are the other kids running engines from "builders" or did you all just put them together yourselves? Or, are you running really stock with the governor still in the motor?

At it's core clone racing is "momentum" racing which is great for teaching kids the fast way around the track. Hopefully the parents at your club will let the kids learn without getting into "engine wars" since that can spoil the fun for almost everyone. If you're still looking for power you'll need to give us more info on your specific configuration because "stock clone" can mean a whole lot of different things depending on who you're talking with.

Cheers,
_________________
John Matthews
Heartbeat Power, LLC.

Bill Snow · Joined: 22 May 2012 Posts: 9

Right now we are running a 15/56 on a .80 track. 12 turns (depending on how you count them). 275# class.

We've made some great strides over the past couple of weeks. We made some chassis adjustments (removed seat struts, removed torsion bar, brought the rear wheels in as tight as they could go, and increased tire pressures).

Today she picked up five seconds. Yup 5. The momentum idea is paying off. Today she was much closer to the P1 kart in her class and today finished P2. I think she even surprised herself with her times.

John Matthews · Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 6:08 am Post subject:

Great news Very Happy

Most of the time working with the driver and setup delivers the best results. Once you get to where she's running right with the fast drivers then start looking at the engine.

Cheers,
_________________
John Matthews
Heartbeat Power, LLC.

Noah Stark · Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2012 11:20 pm Post subject:

What track Bill?
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Noah Stark
RIP my friend:Paul Dana you will be missed by many

Bill Snow · Joined: 22 May 2012 Posts: 9

Hi Noah. She runs at Pitt Race (#6 Jr. Clone).

Stop by our garage next weekend if you get the chance.

Noah Stark · Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2012 11:29 pm Post subject:

I'll be there this weekend for the Nat's and also the following weekend for our local race. I sent you a PM with my info and ideas.
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Noah Stark
RIP my friend:Paul Dana you will be missed by many

Darrin Tebbe · Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2012 2:52 pm Post subject:

Bill,
I think you are running a little too much (low) gear.

Assuming you are running 6.0x5 rear tires and WKA engine rules, I would suggest a 17/60 or 18/63.

DT

mike clements · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 2:42 pm Post subject:

If you work on your own engines, I can give you plenty HP advice.
However, you can generally make faster lap times by allowing the driver as many practice days as possible. Having raised my son, by myself, in the sport of karting, I can promise you that talking and working together with your driver in a fun and calm manner will result in much faster lap times and enjoyment for you both.
_________________
Began kart racing 1959. Made many friends along the way.

Michael Pine · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2013 6:33 am Post subject: More Speed

Want more Speed?

Check out the latest line of parts by Raceseng. These guys make clone engine parts designed for a competitive advantage.

You can see all clone parts here:

http://www.kartpartsdepot.com/Kart_Racing_Clone_Engine_Parts_s/1945.htm
_________________
Mike
sales@kartpartsdepot.com

www.kartpartsdepot.com