Rotax 257 q's....

Trevor Johnson · Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2005 9:09 pm Post subject: Rotax 257 q's....

Hey everyone,

I was at the Portland IKF RR on the weekend and I overheard a conversation regarding "hot rods" for the rotax 257. Any idea what part numbers (KTM maybe?) or was it just people yanking my chain. I am looking for any reason why my kart was so damn slow on the straights.

Also is it recommended to use the rotax B/E bearing, or should I be considering something more exotic?

George Sunderland · Joined: 26 Jul 2001 Posts: 2006

"hot rods" is simply the brand name for Wiseco's aftemarket cranksharts and connecting rods. Generally a lot cheaper and better quality than the stock pieces although the crank bearings they provide are suspect. Check with Pro Flo out of Florida or do a web search and look around for best prices. Is your 257 stock? If so of course you're not going to hang with the open motors. Of coruse how many of them finish?

George Sunderland · Joined: 26 Jul 2001 Posts: 2006

Forgot to mention, when checking around on prices and availability, be sure to ask about the ATK 250 engine. Nobody outside the kart world ---where sad to say prices are often higher due to the lack of sales volume and economies of scale ---will know what you're talking about when you say Rotax 257. Prices are all over thep lace. One guy will be a lot cheaper on one particular rod, piston or crank assy and outrageous for the same pieces for other motors. There's a couple of bulletin boards in the bike world where guys continuallyp ost the best parts deals they've found. Also, forget what I said about modifying engines and finishing races. With the trend towards shorter and shorter races, concerns over driver endurance and engine faiolure have greatkly diminshed.

Trevor Johnson · Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 7:13 pm Post subject: Re: Rotax hot rods

OK, Am glad that "hot rods" do exist. Now to determine if it is something worth investigating as a performance gain.

As for my 257 being stock, no it has been worked on a reasonable amount. I am just investigating what the next stage is for performance gains. Cost/durability is not a major concern, I just want to have a very good engine package as I develop my driving skills.

So the ATK 250 is the same engine as the rotax 257?

Will attempt to locate contact with pro flo (will be difficult as I am on the west coast of Canada....)

Thanks for some of the information, at least I know there is something out there, now just to determine WHAT it is!

TJ

Greg Lindstrom · Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 8:14 pm Post subject:

Trevor,

no performance gain in the hot rods, just a reasonably priced replacement part.

Trevor Johnson · Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2005 9:08 pm Post subject:

German Tabor · Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2005 7:59 pm Post subject:

Of course, these hot rods are designed to be stronger and resist more heat, so that you don't bend a stock rod or anything. If the engine is stock there is absolutely no need for it.
_________________