A torque converter is arguably one of the most important components in a small engine. In a manual transmission vehicle, a clutch disk connects the transmission to the engine. Without it, it would be impossible to bring the vehicle to a complete halt without killing the engine.
On the other hand, vehicles with automatic transmissions do not have a drive clutch connecting the transmission to the engine. They have a torque converter instead, which uses fluid for power transmission. This allows for transmission change without stalling the engine in the process. In a Go Kart, this piece of hardware is directly responsible for its performance on the track.
We’ve tested the best-selling kits on the market to bring you our top picks for the best torque converter for Predator 212 engines.
| Bravex Torque Converter | Moosun Torque Converter | Bullet Lines Torque Converter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Best Value | Best for 5.5HP-9HP Engines | |
Number of Sprocket Teeth | 10, 12 | 10, 12 | 10, 12 |
Chain type | #35, #40/41 chain | #35, #40/41, #420 chain | #35, #40/41 chain |
Belt type | Asymmetrical | Asymmetrical | Asymmetrical |
Engine compatibility | ¾ in. horizontal crankshaft engine | ¾ in. straight crankshaft engine | ¾ in. straight crankshaft engine with flat key |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
How We Tested and Compared These Products
When comparing the different brands of torque converters on the market, there are specific things we were looking for. First, we only tested kits made by top manufacturers with a track record for performance-driven excellence. We’re talking – Bravex, Moosun, Bullet Lines, and Blast LED.
Next, we wanted torque converters that came as a complete kit. We eliminated any unit that did not come with 10 and 12-tooth sprockets that could fit #40/41 and #35 chain types, respectively. Bonus points if it had an anti-vibration pilot washer. This important piece of equipment was conspicuously missing from several of the torque converter kits we tested.
Finally, we were interested in their performance on the track. Converters that generated visible improvements in takeoff power, acceleration quality, and top speeds compared to the OEM output ranked higher on our list.
Our Pick: Bravex Predator 212 Engine Go Kart Torque Converter – Best Overall
Features:
- Sprocket teeth: 10, 12
- Chain: #40/41 for the 10-tooth sprocket, #35 for 12 tooth-sprocket
- Belt type: Asymmetrical
- Compatibility: ¾ in. horizontal crankshaft engine
Top on our list is the Predator 212 Bravex Go Kart torque converter from Megaflint. Right off the bat, it feels quite sturdy and surprisingly lightweight for an item made of iron and aluminum.
We were happy to find that the torque converter kit came complete with all the mounting hardware, set screw, sprockets with built-in jackshafts, engine mount plate, belt, and both the driven and drive centrifugal clutch pulleys. If your Go Kart runs on a Manco TAV2 30-75 203814A, 217610A, 219456A, 219552A, or 218353A Comet engine, this unit replaces the torque converter it came with.
We set it up and tested it to find out how well our GO Kart would hold up in racing conditions. The performance was nothing short of phenomenal. The takeoff power was significantly higher than what we recorded previously, and the acceleration was smooth and seamless. This can be attributed to the Bravex pulley clutch kit in the small engine belt drive.
The climbing power we got was also outstanding. The engine had more torque overall, and we could feel it rearing to go once we got over the upward incline. On flat surfaces, we recorded higher top speeds overall compared to the OEM that came with the engine.
All in all, we were quite happy with this torque converter. It did everything we needed it to do and gave us the best possible performance in our Go Kart test races. You can also install the Bravex in your motorcycle, ATV, mini chopper, mini bike, small tractor, or riding lawnmower. It should work just fine if it has an engine with a 3/4” bore horizontal crankshaft.
- It comes as a complete torque converter kit with mounting hardware as well
- Made of high-quality iron and aluminum components
- Replaces a wide range of OEM torque converters in 3/4” bore crankshaft engines
- Provides higher torque during takeoff and climbing
- Smooth acceleration and higher top speeds
- The design could have been better to prevent contact between the stock mount plate and motor plate
- Driver clutch bore: 3/4"(19mm),Driven unit: Overall Diameter 6" (5/8"...
- Made of high quality iron and aluminum material, which is sturdy,...
- Unit replaces:Comet 218353A, 219552A, 219456A, 217610A, and 203814A...
Best Alternatives
Moosun Predator 212 Engine Go Kart Torque Converter – Best Value Option
Features:
- Sprocket teeth: 10, 12
- Chain: #40/41/420 for the 10-tooth sprocket, #35 for 12 tooth-sprocket
- Belt type: Asymmetrical
- Compatibility: ¾ in. straight crankshaft engine
Moosun is no stranger to the world of aftermarket small engine parts and components. The company has earned a sterling reputation for using the latest detection technology, high-precision machinery, and sophisticated project engineering processes over the last decade to manufacture high-quality engine components built to stand the test of time.
Based on our tests, we can safely say that Moosun’s line of 30 series torque converter kits for Predator cc 212 engines outperformed several others we tested, ranking second overall. For starters, we like that it replaces all Torq-A-verters for Comet TAV 2 217610A, 219456A, 219552A, and 218353A models. If you have a Manco Go Kart, this converter will fit the engine as well.
We also liked that it came as a complete torque converter kit with a 10-tooth drive sprocket if your 3/4” crankshaft runs on 40, 41, or 420 chain types and a 12-tooth driven sprocket for a 35 chain. It is compatible with 2-8 horsepower engine size capacities. That’s a range of versatility that’s hard to come by. The pack also included full mounting hardware, an aluminum mounting plate, a plastic assy cover, and a 3/4” and 5/8” bore driver pulley and driven pulley.
The asymmetrical belt is 27.76 in. long with a 64-inch outer circumference. The center-to-center distances for the driven and the driver clutch pulleys are 7-16 and 6-15 inches, respectively.
With those impressive specs, we were ready to put this bad boy to the test. We installed it in our Predator 212 engine and hit the tracks. From the moment we took off, the power output became immediately apparent. The load on the engine felt considerably less despite recording higher overall top speeds. In many ways, the higher torque and smoother acceleration were quite similar to what you would expect from a transmission.
All in all, we were quite happy with the Moosun torque converter’s performance. It’s definitely worth checking out.
- It fits a wide range of Manco Go Karts
- This 30 series torque converter is compatible with 2HP-8HP engines
- Reduces engine load to drive more power out
- It offers a smoother acceleration overall
- It comes as a complete clutch kit with full mounting hardware
- You might need to use Loctite to ensure the jackshaft sprocket nut doesn’t come apart
- 【30 Series Torque Converter Clutch Kit】 This 3/4" Torque Converter...
- 【For your convenience this kit comes with both sprockets】This...
- 【The Belt Feature】 Length: 70.5cm / 27.76", Outside circumference:...
Bullet Lines Predator 212 Engine Go Kart Torque Converter – Best for 5.5HP-9HP Engines
Features:
- Sprocket teeth: 10, 12
- Chain: #40/41 for the 10-tooth sprocket, #35 for 12 tooth-sprocket
- Belt type: Asymmetrical
- Compatibility: ¾ in. crankshaft engine with flat key
The Go Kart torque converter for 212 cc Predator engines from Bullet Lines is another top performer. The kit comes complete with all the necessary mounting hardware, including the right anti-vibration pilot washer.
If you know a thing or two about a Predator engine, then you know all about that annoying little protrusion at the crank that causes friction between the backplate and the driver and the belt misalignment. We often have a hard time finding the correct washer for replacement torque converters to fix this issue.
More often than not, the generic ones never seem to fit. This was one headache we didn’t have to deal with this time, so bonus points for that. We haven’t come across any other replacement 212 cc torque converter that includes this small but essential piece of hardware.
This asymmetrical inline torque converter for small engine driver and driven clutches is almost identical to a 30 75 Comet TAV2 Torq-A-Verter. The only difference is – it reduces the engine load producing higher overall power output from the twin engine.
We also noticed that its mechanism of operation is quite similar to a transmission. When we took our Go Kart out on the tracks, it delivered smoother acceleration, and we recorded higher top speeds when we pushed the engine to maximum capacity. Granted, they weren’t as high as what we recorded with the Bravex and Moosun torque converter assemblies, but they were still pretty impressive nonetheless.
According to the product description, the Bullet Lines kit comes with a 10-tooth and 12-tooth sprocket that fit 40/41 and 35 chain types, respectively. It is compatible with all 3/4” bore flat key shafts common in 5.5HP to 9HP engines. We can confirm this to be true.
All in all, we were quite happy with the performance of this unit. It is definitely worth checking out.
- It comes with all the required mounting hardware
- A compatible anti-vibration pilot washer is included in the kit
- Works with all 3/4” flat key shafts in 5.5P-9HP engines
- Generates smoother acceleration and higher speed
- It works with drive clutches in Go Karts, motorcycles, mini bikes, ATVs, dune buggies, small tractors, and lawnmowers
- It doesn’t include an instruction manual on how to assemble it
- unique engine bolt kit for predator engines and the correct anti...
- 10 tooth sprocket for a 40/41 chain and a 12 tooth sprocket for a 35...
- small engine clutch that is nearly the same as a Comet TAV2 30 75 Torq...
Blast LED Predator 212 Engine Go Kart Torque Converter – Best Premium Option
Features:
- Sprocket teeth: 10, 12
- Chain: #40/41/420 for the 10-tooth sprocket, #35 for 12 tooth-sprocket
- Belt type: Asymmetrical
- Compatibility: ¾ in. straight horizontal crankshaft engine
Last but not least of our top picks for the best torque converter for Predator 212 engines is the clutch kit from Blast LED. This is one of our favorite brands when it comes to high-quality components and accessories for small engines.
The Blast LED torque converter is configured to fit 6.5HP Predator horizontal door shaft engines, although, based on our experience, it will fit any engine with a horizontal shaft. If your Go Kart is powered by a Clinton, Kohler Lifan, Briggs, and Straton, Techumesh, or Honda GX horizontal shaft engine, this clutch will fit.
Each unit comes with a 35 12-tooth front and rear sprocket, a 40/41 10-tooth sprocket, a bolt-and-lock crankshaft washer, four bolt-and-lock mounting washers, a 3/4” driver pulley, a 5/8” driven pulley, an aluminum mounting plate, and all the necessary mounting hardware.
As far as technical performance goes, the Blast LED is pretty impressive. We experienced phenomenal takeoff power, smooth acceleration, and an impressive amount of torque, especially when we got to the hilly zones.
All in all, if you’re unable to get your hands on the Bravex, Moosun, or Bullet Lines torque converters, this is the next best option on the market. We would give it a solid 8.5/10 on performance and durability.
- It is compatible with 6.5HP 212 cc Predator engines
- It fits most horizontal shaft engines such as Clinton, Kohler Lifan, Briggs and Straton, and Techumesh
- It comes with all the necessary mounting hardware
- It is a replacement kit for Manco and Comet Go Kart parts
- High takeoff power, high top speeds, and smoother acceleration compared to OEM converters
- No instruction manual included in the kit
- Complete 3/4" Torque Converter Set
- High Quality Kit Includes: 1 x Drive Belt, 1 x Plastic Cover, 1 x 3/4"...
- Professional Installation recommended - Terrain/Sand usage might...
How to Choose the Best Torque Converter for Predator 212 – Buying Guide
With so many torque converters on the market right now, how do you choose the best one? Here’s everything you need to know.
Contents of the Kit
The first thing you need to think about when buying a torque converter is whether or not it comes as a complete kit. There’s no point in getting the converter itself without the constituent performance parts that go with it.
Ensure the converter you buy comes with a 10-tooth and 12-tooth sprocket to fit #40/41 and #35 chain types, a driver and driven pulley, a drive belt and belt guard, an aluminum backplate, and all the necessary mounting hardware. If you can get a Go Kart torque converter like the one from Bullet Lines that comes with an anti-vibration pilot washer as well, even better.
Compatibility
You need to make sure that the convert kit you get is compatible with your existing belt. The torque converters we reviewed in this list all come with belts that are compatible with 30 series Predator 212 cc engines. If you want to use an existing belt with your new hardware, you need to ensure the measurements are consistent with what would work on your Go Kart torque converter.
Performance
You are, after all, looking for a torque converter for your Go Kart’s Predator cc engine. The three things you need to keep in mind when it comes to performance are – takeoff power, acceleration quality, and top speeds.
In our experience, the Bravex and the Moosun torque converters are the best performing kits on the market right now. They both generate an outstanding amount of takeoff torque on the rear wheel, their acceleration is smooth uphill, and they both record exceptional high speeds.
Material
A torque converter is designed to take on heavy loads. As the crankshaft spins, the belt and pulley system generates a lot of heat. This is why you need to get a kit that’s made of durable, high-quality components that can withstand the constant abuse they’re exposed to on the track. Always go for torque converters with aluminum backplates. Aluminum has excellent thermal conductivity making it ultra-efficient in dissipating the heat generated by your Go Kart.
FAQ
What is a good torque converter brand?
For a Predator 212 cc engine, you can’t go wrong with a Bravex, Moosun, Bullet Lines, or Blast LED torque converter. Many Go-Kart enthusiasts have relied on these kits for several years without any issue. They can take whatever you throw at them. Mophorn torque converter is another solid option as well.
How do I choose the right torque converter?
It depends on your intended use for it. A torque converter for your Predator 212 cc Go Kart has higher performance-based specifications compared to one for, say, your lawnmower. Always ensure the torque converter you pick comes as a complete kit. This includes a 10-tooth and 12-tooth sprocket to fit #40/41 and #35 chain types, a driver pulley and driven pulley, a drive belt and belt guard, an aluminum backplate, and all the necessary mounting hardware.
What engine is a torque converter compatible with?
Torque converters work with any engine that has a horizontal shaft. If your Go Kart is powered by a Clinton, Kohler Lifan, Briggs, and Straton, or Techumesh horizontal shaft engine, a torque converter will work just fine with it.
Conclusion
There you have it – our top picks for the best torque converter for Predator 212 cc engines. While any of the kits we’ve reviewed in this guide would be a solid choice for your Go Kart, if we had to pick one winner, it would no doubt be the Bravex torque converter. Its variable gear ratio makes the on and off-road performance outstanding in every regard.
