Best Torque Converter Top 5 Picks Of 2023

There is nothing more blissful in the driving world than the smooth acceleration of your engine.

Sometimes, the difference between a perfectly working engine and a frustrating engine could be the torque converter.

If you use an automatic automobile, you should be familiar with torque converters as well as their benefits. If not, keep reading.

In this article, we would review some of the best torque converters, especially for small engines. Sometimes, all you need to maximize the potentials of your small engine is the right torque converters.

And guess what? We walk you through how to buy the perfect torque converter for your engine.

We also briefly examine the best way to install a torque converter. Ready to be blown away? Then, dig in!

Benefits of Using Torque Converter?

Unless you drive an automatic car or you are a mechanic, torque converters can sound a little bit strange for you. We get it and that's fine.

You can keep reading to satisfy your curiosity. But, if getting the best torque converter affects you as much as not breathing does, then you're in the right place.

In other words, if you drive a car that has an automatic transmission, your car most likely uses a torque converter.

Hence, it is important that you only use top torque converters in your car. Let's explore some of the benefits attached to getting yourself a high-quality torque converter.

Convenience

Driving a manual car means you, as the driver, are in control. While this has its advantages, there are also a few disadvantages attached to it.

For starters, when transmitting power from the engine of your vehicle to the wheels, in manual transmission, the driver does a lot of gear shifting, clutch pulling, etc.

It feels like a lot goes on. In a manual transmission, if you are trying to pull up at a traffic light without having to turn off your car engine, then you would need to pull the clutch.

This way, you would disconnect the transmission from powering the wheels while your engine is still on. But, it is a lot more convenient and easier in an automatic transmission. It needs no driver intervention.

You just need to leave it to the torque converter to do all the clutch pushing and gear shifting for you. Hence, making the torque converter system of transmission a very convenient process.

Flywheel effect

When your car is manual, you most likely are familiar with this term. Think of them as storage units for energy in your car.

They help you keep your engine running smoothly even when your car is on standstill, possibly because you've stopped by the traffic light. In short, flywheels are only found in manual vehicles. Fun fact: they are heavy.

By contrast, automatic cars do not have flywheels. But, you can still get your automatic car into idling mode- you can still get the flywheel effect but with the torque converter.

The best part is that the torque converter ensures your works smoothly and has better idling when compared to a manual car.

In other words, rather than have a flywheel, the torque converter gives the flywheel effect- also, it is heavy just like the flywheel which further explains why it can give the flywheel effect.

Best Torque Converter Reviews

1. Moosun Go-Kart Torque Converter

If you are looking to buy a torque converter for your mini-bikes and go-kart, Moosun is one of the best brands you can buy from.

Aside from the fact that they offer quality products, their products are budget-friendly. So, if you are on a budget but still want to get the best torque converter for go-karts, Moosun sure has something for you.

For instance, TORQUE CONVERTER CVT CLUTCH from Moosun is one of the best converters on the market. Precisely, if your crankshaft is straight and is about 3/4 in diameter, this Moosun torque converter is perfect for it.

Also, if you are searching for an aftermarket replacement for COMET TAV2, then this converter is perfect for it. It is also suitable for go-karts like Cushman Scooters, Carter Brothers, Yerf Dog, etc.

When it comes to engine compatibility, as long as your engine has a horizontal shaft, you are good to go. But specifically, some of the engine brands that you can use this torque converter with includes the original and clone Honda engines, Kohler, Tecumseh, Briggs & Stratton, Robin, Clinton, and Lifan.

This torque converter is quite versatile as it does not only work with go-kart but also with wake wrenches. But, you have to ensure that the size of the engine of whatever you want to use ranges from 3HP to 7HP.

The good news is that this converter is accompanied by a few other items including a 10 Tooth Sprocket for #40 #41 and another 12 Tooth Sprocket for #35, two driver pulleys - a 3/4" and a 5/8" ( 6" diameter), a 30 series drive belt, an aluminum plate for mounting, a mounting hardware kit and a plastic cover.

The kit ensures that you can conveniently install the torque wrench by yourself.

Highlighted Features:

2. SUNROAD Go Kart Torque Converter

The first captivating feature about this torque converter is the material used to make it. It fuses two metals to produce this torque converter. They are Iron and Aluminum. This SUNROAD torque converter was sure built to last. 

As a result of the iron material used to forge this torque converter, it is a portable and lightweight converter. Thanks to the aluminum, it can prevent heat build-up in the transmission. It is also wear-resistant and durable, sturdy too.

It is a great replacement for Comet Manco. You can only use it with an engine that is about 6.5HP 212CC sizes. Also, this converter is perfect with a 30 series belt and a 3/4 inch straight crankshaft engine.

You can use this SUNROAD Torque converter with small engines. The effect would be a better and smoother engine acceleration. In the process, the engine load is reduced. You would also be able to run your torque at a speed that's higher than usual.

Furthermore, this SUNROAD torque converter for go-karts has two sprockets. The first sprocket is a 10-tooth sprocket, while the second is a 12-tooth sprocket.

These two sprockets are compatible with two different chain dimensions. For instance, use the 10-tooth sprockets with either a #40, #41 or #420 Chain. As for the second sprocket- 12-tooth sprocket, it works with the #35 Chain.

But there is a catch!

Neither the two sprockets nor the chains are included in the kit. In other words, you would have to get them yourself. This torque converter only comes with a single torque converter clutch.

Highlighted Features:

3. MOPHRON Torque Converter Go Kart Clutch Go Kart Clutch

4. 212CC Torque Converter

This is one of the best predator torque converters in the market. It is perfect as an aftermarket replacement.

It comes from one of the best and largest distribution companies of gadgets parts, Iparts Experts. Some of the parts they distribute are cell phones and torque converters. 

First things first, like the other durable torque converter, it is made from a combination of iron and aluminum. These two types of metals are the best materials for torque converters.

Since they would be subjected to harsh conditions, they would wear and tear in no time and even break down.

But, when they are made from strong metals like aluminum and iron, they tend to last longer and ensure the smooth running of your engine. Get your small engine to run at a higher speed.

Aside from the high-quality material, this torque converter makes a good replacement for the popular Comet TAV2 models.

If the engines you want to use this torque with are small and produce 2HP - 7HP, it would still work. Precisely, this torque converter was designed for straight crankshafts with 3/4 inch.

For compatibility, it works well for 30 series asymmetric belt. With a wide engagement RPM range of 2350±200, this torque seems versatile.

You have two sprocket choices with different chains. The first is a 10-tooth sprocket. This sprocket was designed for the #40 and #41 chain. While the 12-tooth sprocket works well with a #35 chain.

It comes in a kit which includes one Full Mounting Hardware, an Aluminum Mounting Plate, two tooth sprocket- 10-tooth sprocket for the chain of #40, #41, and 420 and 12-tooth sprocket suitable with #35 chain.

It also includes a Plastic Assy Cover, a drive belt, and two driver pulley- 3/4 inches and 5/8 inches. Sadly, the chain for the sprockets is not included.

Highlighted Features:

5. New 30 Series 6.5 HP Go Kart/Mini Bike Torque Converter Clutch Driver Pulley Replacement

Still, from Iparts experts, this torque converter is versatile as it can be used on quite a few applications. You can use it with your lawnmower at home or your kid's minibikes. 

This torque converter requires the use of an asymmetric belt that is about 3/4 inches. Sadly, you would have to buy this belt by yourself as it does not come with the kit.

Also, let's not forget that installing this torque converter can be a bit tough and complicated. Hence, it is important that you only install it if you are an expert or professional at it.

If you are a greenhorn, do not attempt to install it. The reason is that it does not come with an instruction manual that can guide you through the installation process. Simply invite or visit a professional mechanic to help you with the installation.

It is made of iron material. As a result, it is considerably lightweight and portable. It is also sturdy and would surely last you for a very long while. It works great for engines of 2hp - 8hp.

Need a replacement for your Go Karts 30 series Engine Comet Manco? You have it right here. Looking for the best torque converter? Here you go.

It has a driver clutch that only works with the driven pulley and the driven belt. Unlike the other torque converter, it only comes with a 3/4 inches Torque Converter Clutch.

Highlighted Features:

Torque Converter's Comparison Chart 

Things to Consider Before Buying Torque Converter

Even though torque converters have a lot of benefits, you have to be careful enough to not just choose any torque converter you can find.

There are certain things you should put into consideration before investing in the best go-kart torque converter. Here is a quick buying guide for you.

Material

Before you invest in torque converters, ensure that it is durable and is made with high-quality material. The reason is quite obvious. Torque converters carry heavy loads.

Also, a lot of heat would certainly be generated while it works. You surely do not want a torque that would cause problems for your engine or car in general.

As a result, the best material that can withstand the heavy load it would take on as well as the heat it would generate, etc, is aluminum. Aluminum is perfect for a lot of good reasons.

For starters, it is durable. In other words, it is weather-proof, protects against UV rays, corrosion-resistant and all these ensure that it lasts you longer than you can imagine.

Remember how we said torque converters generate a lot of heat? Aluminum materials are effective in curbing the heat. This is all thanks to the fact that Aluminium has maximum thermal efficiency.

It is effective in getting rid of the heat as soon as it forms. The accumulation of heat in your torque is toxic to its health. It would only encourage the wear and tear of parts of your torque converter.

Having an Aluminium designed torque converter prevents heat from accumulating. Just ensure that your torque is designed with an Aluminium backplate.

Use/ Application

If you own a go-kart and want to get the perfect torque converter for it, you have to first consider the go-kart you want to use it with.

There are about three different kinds of go-karts. Guess what? These three different go-karts use different sizes of torque converters.

For instance, if you built your go-karts yourself, you certainly won't need to buy a heavy load torque converter.

The best option is to go for a converter that is smaller in size or medium-sized.

However, if your go-kart is the off-road kind, then you would need a smaller or larger torque converter, depending on the size of your go-karts.

In other words, the size of your go-karts (off-road precisely) should choose the best go-karts converter for you. Hence, if your go-karts is an off-road that is small, get a smaller torque converter.

But, if you operate a larger go-kart, then you should merge it with torque converters built for 40 series belt. These converters are usually larger.

When it comes to the racing type of go-karts, most use clutches rather than torque converters. But, this does not mean that you can use torque converters with them.

For instance, if you would consistently use your racing go-karts on low-speed or you'd need to keep "stopping and going" with the car, then get the best brand's torque converter. It would help out a lot.

Package

Torque converters do not come alone. There are quite a few necessary items that would accompany any torque converter you buy.

These items would help you mount the predator torque converter on your vehicle. Some of these items include the mounting hardware, two pulleys, and a drive belt for the torque converter.

Other necessary parts that should come in the torque converter package are the belt guard, aluminum backplate to dissipate heat and sprockets.

Compatibility

When it comes to compatibility, the you buy should be able to work with your drive belt.

Although, a drive belt always comes in the kit of some of the best torque converters for go-karts. So, you might not need to bother about using the belt that you own.

However, if the torque converter you purchase does not come with a belt, then, you have to ensure that it is compatible with your belt size.

Simply measure your belt size and check if the torque converter you want to buy is appropriate for the drive belt you own.

Price

This is another crucial part of buying a torque converter. While certain converters can be a bit pricey, they might not deliver optimum performance.

In the same vein, there are affordable torque converters that will deliver an amazing performance. Either way, just ensure that you do not break the bank to get yourself the best torque converter.

To be safe, you could purchase torque converters from trusted brands at an affordable price. If the torque converter is from a trusted brand, then be rest assured that it would serve you well.

How to Install a Torque Converter

Installing a predator torque converter is easy. Sadly, the kit does not exactly come with an instruction manual that teaches you how to install it.

But, Don't worry, here is a step by step installation method that is also self-explanatory. Regardless of the kind of torque converter, you want to install, and the engine, we've got you covered.

First, you would need to prep your vehicle before moving on to install the torque converter. Ensure that you only attempt to install the converter when your vehicle engine is cold.

Then, you would need to disconnect quite a few things like your battery, the speedometer, vacuum lines, throttle linkage, etc. You would also need to drain the oil in the transmission.

Also, do not forget to take out the torque converter. Once you are through prepping your vehicle, you can now install the torque converter.

Step One: For safety measures, check to see that the input shaft is in a good condition. 

Once the old converter and transmission are out, you should cater to the health of the input shaft. You do not want to install the new converter on a broken or faulty shaft.

So, if the shaft seems broken or faulty, start by fixing it first. But if it is in good condition, proceed to step two.

Step Two: Pour the new fluid into the converter before attempting to install it. For the fluid, you can either use very good mineral oil or a full synthetic oil. Whichever you use, ensure you buy it from a brand. 

Once you've gotten your fluid, pouring it into the converter is not difficult at all. With the converter on the floor or a flat surface, ensure that the input splines face upwards.

Then, gently pour fluids into the torque converter. Add about 1- 1 ½ quarts of fluid into the converter before installing it.

Step Three: Install the converter. First, ensure that you grease the lock-up ring on the input shaft. Also, oil the hub of the torque converter. 

This action is to prevent the seal from ripping off during the installation process. Then, slide the converter into the input shaft.

Step Four: Once it is in the input shaft, begin to rotate the converter back and forth with little pressure until you hear a click sound. 

Keep rotating it until it fits over the pump stator. You would know if you have successfully fitted it over the pump stator once you hear the second click sound.

However, after the second click sound, if you can keep rotating the converter, keep doing so until you hear the third click sound. Then, it has been properly installed.

Step Five: To be sure that you properly installed the converter, measure the seating position with a ruler. 

If the converter is sitting an inch or 3cm in the bell housing, then you have successfully installed the torque converter.

But if the converter is sticking out of the bell housing or is about the same level as the bell housing, you need to reinstall the converter.

Step Six: Install the transmission or save it for later. The ball is in your court. 

Viola! You have successfully installed your new torque converter. A note of warning! If you have had to take out an old torque converter from your vehicle, do not proceed to install the new converter without inspecting the state of your vehicle.

Check to see if anything has been covered in rust or if anything is broken. If you need to fix anything, ensure you fix it before proceeding to install your new torque converter.

Specifically, check your crankshaft, flex plate, oil the hub, etc. Do not forget to do a thorough inspection before you install a new torque converter.

A word of advice: if the installation process seems too complex for you, seek out the help of a professional.

Common Questions and Answers That You Should Know

1. What is the purpose of a Torque Converter?

Think of the torque converter as that convenience factor that ensures you can drive around in your automatic transmission car without worrying about changing gear shifts and do a host of other thousand things to kickstart or bring your car engine to a stop.

The torque converter acts as a motion isolator. It separates your engine rotation from the transmission when you apply the brake to your engine. The reward? Your engine would not stall, unlike your engine was mechanically connected to the transmission. That would be detrimental to your engine.

Generally, the torque converter is what connects the power generated by your engine to the transmission. A torque converter supplies engine torque to the transmission. It also multiplies the engine torque supply to the transmission to improve vehicle performance.

2. What makes up a torque converter?