Kart Works

The GearCalc program will help you choose the best possible gearing for your driving ability. The best possible gearing will enable you to run average RPM's that will result in your engine producing maximum horsepower and torque for a maximum percentage of each lap. This is achieved by using your engines optimum Target average RPM's in your calculations using GearCalc which in turn will provide you with the best possible gearing choice.

This Target Average RPM's should be available from your engine manufacturer. It is also available from data acquisition devices such as MyChron. As your driving skill improves you will increase your average RPM's thus allowing you to reduce your sprocket size which will yield faster lap times. The GearCalc software will help you choose optimum gearing as your ability and times improve.

It is important that the data used: Lap Times, Actual Average RPM's, Tire Circumference and Track Length be as close to actual as possible. The best aid in getting accurate data is an effective data acquisition device (it will supply Actual Average RPM's, Maximum Horsepower and Torque RPM's (Target RPM's) and Driving Line Track Length).

Kart Works Gear Calculator Pro

$59.95 USD

How It Works (Step By Step)

Step 1 - Download Data

Kart Works Gear Calculator needs a few essential components in order to maximize you gearing or study a components gear ratio.

Using a Mychron, Alfono, Unipro you can determine 3 factors.

-Lap Times

-Track Length

-Average RPM

Now the benefit to the Kart Works Software is if you are unable to collect one of the data points Kart Works software will solve it for you. A quick trick if you cant solve the track length use Google maps to get the distance and draw your racing line.

Example: We will test at CartBC located in Chilliwack British Columbia. The only data we currently have is a suggested track length measured in the centre of the track at 1200 meters.

Step 2 - Open Gear Calculator

Click on the Gear Calculator Software to open it and a Welcome screen will open. Click on Calculations to select the program you would like to use.

Example:In our case we would like to find the gearing for CartBC. I selected Gear from the menu.

Step 3 - Input Track Data / Engine

Kart Works Gearing Calculator has a database for engines and tracks. Whenever you go to a new track create a new profile and all of the data will be stored for the next time you attend that track. Kart Works is also designed for rain weather as well.

Example: Since we are at CartBC’s track we need to input a few essential data points. Using the Mychron GPS I know the track is 1186 meters. For our test I am running a Rotax Sr. package.

Step 4 - Input Lap Times

Since we want to know the gearing we need to input one last data point. Click input Lap times to type in your sessions laps. Double click enter to get to the next screen. Now it is very important to enter in all of your laps from a session. The reason for this is to get the optimum gear based on not your fastest lap, but the average lap times. The only laps you shouldn’t install are your opening laps. Keep it within a +.5 of your fastest lap.

Example: I just came in from my first practice session at CartBC. I entered in my 5 laps.I was fairly consistent once I got up to speed. My average laptime was a 52.98. This is very important not to base it off of one flying lap. Consistency wins and using your average lap times will optimize your gearing choice.

Step 5 - Your Finished. Review Gear Choice

Once you have selected the Track, Engine and input your laptimes Kart Works Software will calculate the rest. As you can see on the left it shows me the target gear ratio and my current options for ratios. The other benefit to the Kart Works Software it shows the theoretical lap time based on your data.

Example: To my surprise I was one tooth higher then the suggested gearing. I was currently on a 12/78 and when I tested the 12/77 as suggested I dropped 1.5 tenths in my lap times. Very impressive in fine tuning and getting the maximum. I achieved my theoretical lap time on a consistent basis.

One suggestion about the theoretical lap time. Most drivers walk around the track to find out what the fast guys are running for laps. If your .5 to 1.5 seconds off the pace the Kart Works Software will tell you that your gearing is incorrect based on the fact you are not achieving the theoretical lap time for that gear ratio you are currently running.

Keep in mind weather you are running a 52.80 or a 53.65 each lap time deserves a different ratio. Trust the Kart Works Software in selecting the gear right for you.