Motorsports

Programs

Katech works with management of an existing or new race series to develop vehicle packages, series spec engines, conformance testing, engine control software, team training, track support, and overall process improvements.

On demand, Katech can then follow through with program management for the series, ensuring that inventory, testing, technicians, and other resources are in place to keep the series running smoothly.

Installation

Engine Development

Katech draws on its 40 years of racing to develop engines that meet exacting performance requirements and regulations. We maintain a full-service CNC laboratory and six test laboratories to modify existing engines to series spec, and to validate performance.

GM built its legendary Corvette Racing Program on the insight and technical innovation of Katech engine developers and builders. That same expertise continues to be sought today by race series throughout the world.

Race Car Prep

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.

    1. Disassemble, wash and inspect parts
    2. Crack check using Magnaflux (ferrous metals) or Zyglo (non-ferrous metals) if necessary
    3. Chase all threads in cylinder case and clean
    4. Measure main bores, line hone if necessary
    5. Measure lifter bore clearance
    6. Measure cylinder bore
    7. Hone cylinder bores using deck plates
    8. Measure bore finish with profilometer
    9. Weigh pistons, connecting rods, rod bearings, pins, locks and rings to determine crankshaft bobweight
    10. Balance crankshaft
    11. Polish crankshaft journals
    12. Tack weld crankshaft trigger wheel
    13. Hone piston pin bores and connecting rod small end
    14. Polish piston pins (excl. DLC-coated pins)
    15. Deburr piston round wire locks
    16. Measure ring lands for back clearance
    17. Deburr piston ring ends
    18. Gap piston rings
    19. Measure main journals with air gauge
    20. Measure big end of connecting rods with air gauge, hone if necessary
    21. Size main bearings with air gauge
    22. Measure connecting rod bolt stretch
    23. Size rod bearings with air gauge
    24. Measure crankshaft endplay
    25. Measure piston pin endplay
    26. Measure connecting rod side clearance
    27. Check piston to deck height
    28. Deck block if necessary
    29. CC piston dome volume
    30. CC cylinder head chamber volume
    31. Deck heads if necessary
    32. CC intake port volume
    33. CC exhaust port volume
    34. Measure valve guide clearance
    35. Measure valve spring pressure and coil bind
    36. Check valve spring retainer to seal clearance
    37. Polish camshaft
    38. Measure camshaft specs with EZ Cam
    39. Degree camshaft
    40. Measure piston-to-valve clearance
    41. Measure valve radial clearance
    42. Measure vertical valve drop
    43. Measure camshaft endplay
    44. Measure lifter preload to determine pushrod length
    45. Calculate compression ratio
    46. Torque all fasteners to spec
    47. Document all measurements and torques in engine build book
    48. Perform engine dynamometer validation
Other capabilities as needed:
  1. Hot hone (cylinder bore honing at operating temperature)
  2. Piston ring land flatness measurement to the millionth of an inch
  3. Hardness testing
  4. Bore cylindricity measurement using PAT Incometer
  5. Valvetrain dynamics testing
  6. Cylinder head flow testing
  7. Dynamometer durability testing and track simulation
  8. Engine calibration (MEFI4)
Installation

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:

  • AIM Sports
  • MEFI 4
  • Magneti Marelli
  • Bosch MS

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.