Best Engine?

Jake Daniele · Joined: 04 Oct 2011 Posts: 1

Hi everyone!

I was wondering what the opinion was about the best engines for auto-x? Stock Moto (SKUSA, WKA), Mod Moto, TM, IAME?

I know that there is the weight penalty for the ICC engines but my Dad already has the weight anyway Very Happy

. I am light enough to do a Moto.

Also, do you find that electric start would be beneficial?

Thanks!

Scott Boito · Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 2:38 pm Post subject:

That's a pretty loaded question around these parts, so prepare yourself...

My opinion: for autox it's hard to beat the simplicity of the CR125 for folks under ~180 lbs. Very readily available parts and great reliability. And no weight "penalty" with the stock ignition.

For larger folks, there's programmable ignition on a mod moto and ICC. ICC motors are great since they are designed for the kart application, start easily, etc. But parts availability can be an issue at an event if no one else has the same ICC. Mod moto with PI can be better since other folks (or even the same folks if two of you run) can share spares if something breaks.

If you're good enough to be in the running for contingency money, Honda offers it now for karts, too, at ProSolo events.
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Christian Hubbell · Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 6:07 pm Post subject:

Top four at nationals were mod motos with stock ignitions. Could be more but I know those for sure.
Honda
Yamaha
Honda
Yamaha

ICCs are great though, truly the correct karting setup. They should be faster as most track records are held by them but the weight penalty is fairly steep.

Christian Hubbell · Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 6:09 pm Post subject:

Oh yeah, you don't need electric start either. Just more stuff to break/maintain/slow you down.

Alan Sheidler · Joined: 09 Aug 2001 Posts: 471

Bill Schmidt · Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2011 10:58 pm Post subject:

I thought I was the only one with a "mongrel" engine with my KX125? Who was running a YZ?
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Bill Schmidt

'95 Trackmagic 125 shifter (Kawi)
'88 Red Devil F500 4-link rear (Rotax)

Alan Sheidler · Joined: 09 Aug 2001 Posts: 471

henry phillips · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 8:16 am Post subject:

I also was running a YZ at the nationals but mine is stock and thats me way down in 31st but still had a great time.

Looking ahead to next years nationals and since I have a spare YZ, I was thinking about having it changed from stock to modified. Who is the engine builder for the YZ that was used at the nationals by Mike, JT, and Alan? I would like to get in contact with the builder about my YZ.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Henry

Bill Schmidt · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 8:42 am Post subject:

The YZ was driven on Thursday by Mike McClintock, and on Friday by JT McClintock and me. It runs very well

So, the yz must have been the McClintock's backup kart, since they were both listed as Honda drivers? Hell, thats false advertising Very Happy

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Bill Schmidt

'95 Trackmagic 125 shifter (Kawi)
'88 Red Devil F500 4-link rear (Rotax)

Alan Sheidler · Joined: 09 Aug 2001 Posts: 471

Jason Vehige · Posted: Sun Dec 11, 2011 10:01 am Post subject:

ICCs are so cheap now if you need backup at an event just buy 2 of them... Cool

If you can make 385 weight the modmoto w stock ign is hard to beat. with PI Motos and ICC at the same weight (410) it's a tough call .... I can say for sure that a decently tuned ICC is a whole lot of fun to drive. IMHO PI motos make more torque, pull very well out of slow corners and perhaps recover better from small mistakes, ICCs have less torque but have a broader power band at a higher overall RPM up to about 14k

I like my SGMs just fine Very Happy

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Jason Vehige

08 Gillard Charlotte / SGM sl204
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Robbie Nelson · Joined: 26 May 2008 Posts: 131

Christian Hubbell · Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 7:14 pm Post subject:

Mostly plugged but there are a few. I ran a friends KX125 with them once and thought they were awesome. My guess is that newer karters average lap times would be faster with them in. I would bet that most karters slowest lap times would be with them out too.

Make any mistake and you're gonna pay a high price with them out. Drive like a boss and reap a little benefit from the slightly higher peak HP.

If you've got em, I'd run em at least a season. Then when you're thirsty for more speed (you will be) then take them out.

George Vorrilas · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 8:32 am Post subject: which engine is best ?

Hi Jake, sounds like you are ready to try a shifter ? We have Alex's stock Moto engine on the shelf in the shop and if you want to try it for a weekend we can certainly hook you up.. I am guessing that you will use the Intrepid chassis ? I have all of the required mounts, sprockets, and anything else that you may need. In my eyes, stock moto is the way to go. Parts are both available and reasonable. While not as fast as some of the ICC motors, the Stock moto is a great class and there are generally a number of karts to run with. Regarding starting.... while electric start is nice, it is by no means a deal breaker and very manageable. Give me a call or drop me a note and we can discuss setting you up for testing Alex's motor on your chassis. Thanks
George V. ApexkartSports 978-479-7974

Tim Walsh · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 1:41 pm Post subject:

Umm, ok George, and I'm not sure if you're aware, the but there isn't a "stock moto" class in autocross.. Not sure if Jake also runs sprint races, and but for autocross, a stock moto engine is actually a hindrance. The top autocross run mod moto with the stock ignition, and and the two are very different. This year an Icc might be able to get it done since their minimum weight is down 10 lbs.
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2002 Birel CR32V/ StockMoto w/PI