Anyone doing Rotax Rebuilds themselves? Don't need the seal

[Scott Lane]

Actually, we all in some sense run in a "spec" class. The problem is that if your track tech is weak, whether its because the lack of clear-cut rules or difficulty in implementing them, then "spec" can become "run what you brung".

WKA and IKF has been down this road before, particularly with the Briggs and Yamaha classes. If you want to have an idea of a spec motor, take a look at the WKA tech manual on the Briggs motor.

Until you have adequate tech oversite at the track, any "unsealed" motor has the potential to be a cheater. In reality, the sealed motor concept allows competitors to eliminate the expense and aggrevation of going through tech teardown. Leaving the track at 3:00AM with your motor in a box meets the intent of being a "spec" motor, but the seal is an easier way to go for the track and the racer.

There are two issues in this deal that can make TAG engine packages unequal. One, if blueprinting occurs (e.g. clearance, alignment, compression, porting, carb, etc..), you WILL make more power than a box stock. So a blueprinted Rotax/Parilla/etc will make more power than an "out of the box" motor. Maybe not a lot, but with equal drivers it will make a difference. The problem with rules stating "No internal modifications are allowed" and leaving it at that won't cut it. Many blueprinting methods are impossible to tech. Remember that blueprinting is simply ensuring that a component is made/fitted within specifications of the design build. Let me ask you this: If you could send your motor off to be rebuilt with the guarantee that 1) your motor will make more power than the other guy, 2) meets design spec as the manufacturer intended, and 3) your sanctioning body cannot find it illegal, what would you do?

Two, the TAG motors do have different characteristics, so if you want to race the class, your going to have to live with the fact that some motors are better (at different tracks and conditions) than others. To me, the Biland is really the wrench in the whole game with its torque curve. The sanctioning bodies can either make the Biland unbeatable or unwinnable depending on how they regulate that package IMO. Adding and subtracting weight is a crutch really; you may be able to put peak HP into some weigh break formula, but its more an issue of acceleration and power curve rather than peak HP.

Scott L.

[Dennis Garwood]

Exactly!

[Jaye Bass]

Very good post, having said that we have just opened the gates for another sealed v unsealed marathon.
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race, tune chassis, change jets, replace nerf bar, race, tune chassis, change jets, get new tires, etc.

[Jim Cassi]

i'm still looking for one spec clutch to be run on all 2 cycle motors..
meaning same stall speed... i think that the Rotax would be more equal to the leapord on tight tracks if they had the same clutch..... just thinking out loud...
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