Vortex engines have been at the forefront for years, competing for the most prestigious titles. Thus, it would be normal to think that they would simply be looking to fine tune a winning engine. Not at all!
The new RKZ engine by Vortex is totally revolutionary compared to its predecessor: the cooling system, the cylinder angle, connecting rod length, flows and transfer ports are completely new, in order to obtain, right now, a faster engine than the ones previously available, and to be able to further improve it in the coming years. This revolution has led to high design and construction costs, it is up to the track (and consumers) to say whether the results make it worthwhile! The part that most revolutionizes the KZ class engines, which has always been a bit static, including the regulations that have not changed for years (which is good), is the free air cooling of the crankcase in the crankshaft area. The flow of air enters a hole positioned in front of the crankcase, under the carburetor, aided by a series made conveyor that is sold together with the engine. The air passes inside the crankcase through a conduit installed in the lower part, then up around the turning crank mechanism and then passing between it and the gear housing. The use of air is aimed at solving a very common problem in water-cooled kart engines: the fact that the temperature of the engines varies in the cooling circuit depending on several factors (running along straight or mixed stretches, having a greater grip, etc.). This oscillation varies the carburetion, with significant changes in performance and reliability risks.