Motorsports
Motorsports Programs
Katech partners with existing and emerging race series to develop complete competition programs, including vehicle packages, spec engines, conformance testing, engine control software, team training, trackside support, and operational process development.
With decades of professional motorsports experience, Katech provides the engineering, technical resources, and program management required to support reliable, competitive racing at every level.
When required, Katech can also manage ongoing series operations, including inventory control, technical support, testing coordination, technician staffing, and race weekend support to help ensure consistent performance and smooth execution throughout the season.
Engine Development
Since 1977, Katech has developed race engines engineered to meet demanding performance targets, durability standards, and series regulations. From clean-sheet development programs to spec-engine validation and refinement, every project is backed by extensive testing, precision machining, and real-world competition experience.
Katech operates a full-service CNC machining facility and multiple engine test laboratories dedicated to engine development, calibration, durability validation, and performance verification. These capabilities allow Katech to modify, optimize, and validate engines for a wide range of professional racing applications.
Katech played a critical role in the development of the legendary Corvette Racing engine programs, contributing to some of the most successful endurance racing efforts in modern motorsports. That same engineering expertise continues to support race teams, manufacturers, and sanctioning bodies around the world today.
Engine Build
If you need an engine built, Katech has the master engine builders to meet your needs and surpass your expectations. Katech engines are assembled using a rigorous 48-step process that is documented and kept on file at Katech for the life of the engine.
To meet the most demanding performance requirements, Katech performance testing labs are available, as required, to provide valvetrain dynamics testing; cylinder head flow testing; dynamometer durability testing and track simulation; engine calibration (MEFI4); and much more.
The Katech engine build lab is further supported by a complete machine shop.
Click here to see all the Katech build steps
- Disassemble, wash and inspect parts
- Crack check using Magnaflux (ferrous metals) or Zyglo (non-ferrous metals) if necessary
- Chase all threads in cylinder case and clean
- Measure main bores, line hone if necessary
- Measure lifter bore clearance
- Measure cylinder bore
- Hone cylinder bores using deck plates
- Measure bore finish with profilometer
- Weigh pistons, connecting rods, rod bearings, pins, locks and rings to determine crankshaft bobweight
- Balance crankshaft
- Polish crankshaft journals
- Tack weld crankshaft trigger wheel
- Hone piston pin bores and connecting rod small end
- Polish piston pins (excl. DLC-coated pins)
- Deburr piston round wire locks
- Measure ring lands for back clearance
- Deburr piston ring ends
- Gap piston rings
- Measure main journals with air gauge
- Measure big end of connecting rods with air gauge, hone if necessary
- Size main bearings with air gauge
- Measure connecting rod bolt stretch
- Size rod bearings with air gauge
- Measure crankshaft endplay
- Measure piston pin endplay
- Measure connecting rod side clearance
- Check piston to deck height
- Deck block if necessary
- CC piston dome volume
- CC cylinder head chamber volume
- Deck heads if necessary
- CC intake port volume
- CC exhaust port volume
- Measure valve guide clearance
- Measure valve spring pressure and coil bind
- Check valve spring retainer to seal clearance
- Polish camshaft
- Measure camshaft specs with EZ Cam
- Degree camshaft
- Measure piston-to-valve clearance
- Measure valve radial clearance
- Measure vertical valve drop
- Measure camshaft endplay
- Measure lifter preload to determine pushrod length
- Calculate compression ratio
- Torque all fasteners to spec
- Document all measurements and torques in engine build book
- Perform engine dynamometer validation
- Hot hone (cylinder bore honing at operating temperature)
- Piston ring land flatness measurement to the millionth of an inch
- Hardness testing
- Bore cylindricity measurement using PAT Incometer
- Valvetrain dynamics testing
- Cylinder head flow testing
- Dynamometer durability testing and track simulation
- Engine calibration (MEFI4)
Track Support
Katech track support ensures that everything for the team and/or the series is running properly, with services from problem solving to engine tuning to ideas for continuous improvement.
A key part of Katech track support is race data acquisition and analysis, and calibration support for several data acquisition systems:
- Motec (M130, M150, M142)
- Bosch
- HP Tuners (GM Late Model ECUs)
- AEM Infinity
- Magneti Marelli
- OBR
- ECUMaster
- Link
In addition, the Katech WHISTLER is a proprietary electronic device that instantly determines the compression ratio of virtually any engine. Whistler is used by NASCAR and SCCA.
Katech provides professional trackside and remote technical support for a wide range of professional and amateur motorsports programs. From race weekends and endurance events to testing and calibration support, our engineering team delivers real-world experience developed through decades of competition at the highest levels of motorsports.
Current support programs include:
- Trans Am TA2 Series
- IMSA LMP3
- HSR Prototype Challenge
- SCCA GT2
- SVRA Group 10
- Jet and Offshore Powerboat Racing
Whether supporting teams at the track or providing remote engineering assistance, Katech delivers the technical knowledge, calibration support, and problem-solving required in competitive racing environments.
