There are "indicators" that engine builders look for. Valve seat location, slight variations in castings (specifically intake port, bowl, and combustion chamber,) better flowing carbs, max stroke cranks, lighter weight valve train components, and more. Even taking all the best individual parts doesn't guarantee that the engine will outperform all similar builds. A dyno is the best way of comparison. The more engines you have to compare, the better your chances of getting one that stands out from the crowd. Of course, that gets real expensive for the racer wanting the best of the best.So what is the best way to find the faster motors?
Yes, that fighting chance is what we are looking for.There are "indicators" that engine builders look for. Valve seat location, slight variations in castings (specifically intake port, bowl, and combustion chamber,) better flowing carbs, max stroke cranks, lighter weight valve train components, and more. Even taking all the best individual parts doesn't guarantee that the engine will outperform all similar builds. A dyno is the best way of comparison. The more engines you have to compare, the better your chances of getting one that stands out from the crowd. Of course, that gets real expensive for the racer wanting the best of the best.
Some builders sponsor house drivers with their best engines. Some charge a premium for national level engines. Don't be surprised though if the very best engine doesn't help your race program. I know for a fact that some of the very best flathead engines ever to come across our dyno were ran by local Saturday night guys and we had average motors that graced the national stage podiums over the years. Karting is so much more than just motor, BUT it is helpful to know that you've at least got a fighting chance when you shop up to the track.
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Thanks and God bless,
Brian Carlson
Carlson Racing Engines
Vector Cutz
www.CarlsonMotorsports.com
Carlson Motorsports on Facebook
www.youtube.com
34 years of service to the karting industry ~ 1Cor 9:24
Linden, IN
765-339-4407
bcarlson@CarlsonMotorsports.com
Focus your resources and time on tires. They win the race 9 times out of 10.Yes, that fighting chance is what we are looking for.
Tires, tires, tires, and setup. When the tires and setup are right it will seem like you have two motorsFocus your resources and time on tires. They win the race 9 times out of 10.
Yes, we have nailed this a couple times this last year and our Jr. sportsman screamed. In the new class we are moving up to the competition is tougher so I figured why not work on getting every competitive advantage. Running solely on asphalt this year so I was thinking about trying a set of flat cut tires, do you have any thoughts on that?Tires, tires, tires, and setup. When the tires and setup are right it will seem like you have two motors
Who is your engine builder now? Are you not satisfied with what you currently have?Yes, we have nailed this a couple times this last year and our Jr. sportsman screamed. In the new class we are moving up to the competition is tougher so I figured why not work on getting every competitive advantage. Running solely on asphalt this year so I was thinking about trying a set of flat cut tires, do you have any thoughts on that?
Not unsatisfied, just trying to figure out how to improve for better performanceWho is your engine builder now? Are you not satisfied with what you currently have?
I am only a little over a year in to turning a wrench let alone racing, so I must not be able to tell who those people are. Well that or I am just too busy on race day to notice. Either way ignorance in that is bliss, LOLEven sadder to be beat by those people.
Cut and thin.Yes, we have nailed this a couple times this last year and our Jr. sportsman screamed. In the new class we are moving up to the competition is tougher so I figured why not work on getting every competitive advantage. Running solely on asphalt this year so I was thinking about trying a set of flat cut tires, do you have any thoughts on that?
Understood, and that's a great mentality to have. Best advice I can give is find an engine builder you can trust to build you an engine capable of winning and form a relationship with them. Based on your location I'd say give Shane at SDR Racing Engines a call.Not unsatisfied, just trying to figure out how to improve for better performance
I have plenty of thoughts on that, but we would need to know what you are trying to accomplish, first. Are you looking to build heat quicker, dissipate heat quicker, free up the kart, gain some roll speed? Thinner, flatter cuts may be the way to go, especially on bigger momentum ovals. If you are trying to gain sidebite for a slick sealed bull ring track, thin and flat could actually hurt you. We cut Vega Yellows (and other brands) for pavement oval racing for a lot of customers. If you know what you are trying to accomplish with your chassis on your track, we can definitely cut a set of tires that will help you. We also have a pretty good database of tracks to work from if you are unsure where to start.Yes, we have nailed this a couple times this last year and our Jr. sportsman screamed. In the new class we are moving up to the competition is tougher so I figured why not work on getting every competitive advantage. Running solely on asphalt this year so I was thinking about trying a set of flat cut tires, do you have any thoughts on that?
Speaking of cuts. Check your messagesThere are "indicators" that engine builders look for. Valve seat location, slight variations in castings (specifically intake port, bowl, and combustion chamber,) better flowing carbs, max stroke cranks, lighter weight valve train components, and more. Even taking all the best individual parts doesn't guarantee that the engine will outperform all similar builds. A dyno is the best way of comparison. The more engines you have to compare, the better your chances of getting one that stands out from the crowd. Of course, that gets real expensive for the racer wanting the best of the best.
Some builders sponsor house drivers with their best engines. Some charge a premium for national level engines. Don't be surprised though if the very best engine doesn't help your race program. I know for a fact that some of the very best flathead engines ever to come across our dyno were ran by local Saturday night guys and we had average motors that graced the national stage podiums over the years. Karting is so much more than just motor, BUT it is helpful to know that you've at least got a fighting chance when you shop up to the track.
-----
Thanks and God bless,
Brian Carlson
Carlson Racing Engines
Vector Cutz
www.CarlsonMotorsports.com
Carlson Motorsports on Facebook
www.youtube.com
34 years of service to the karting industry ~ 1Cor 9:24
Linden, IN
765-339-4407
bcarlson@CarlsonMotorsports.com
Message back to you - thanks!Speaking of cuts. Check your messages