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Can somebody explain exactly what is in a engine package for the race teams? Like how exactly do they differ and why are factory guys offered 3 or more "engine packages"
Like what changes? Different piston? different metals? pipes internals shaped differently or something?
Are clearances on stuff, that much tighter on a engine package 1 vs a engine package 2?
I'm just trying to figure out what could be that much of difference between the packages.
At a wild guess I expect ECU mapping and exhaust are gonna be the main ones, then cam profiles and porting and maybe even compression and valve sizing in more extreme cases?
I guess using stock engine castings remove any super techy stuff like actual valve angle, though those are probably absolutely dialled from the manufacturer. Though didn't Kawi change their OEM valve angle on the '23 KX 250?
Interested to hear about this also, good thread.
Is there still a lot of scope for changing gearing internally for preference? I remember a few teams having trick gearsets like Pro Circuits using X-Trac produced stuff.
Mostly just settings these days. I don't think they develop a total new engine for each team rider.
Most teams these days just have one engine package. On the 250 side you might see a cam and mapping change between SX and MX season, but the majority of 250 teams have all their guys on the same package. 450s are mostly the same, Lawrence and Sexton are a rare exception to that.
Some teams also have a high-altitude package. Which could be a small change such as a lighter flywheel, different mapping, and fuel. Some teams bump their compression at high altitudes with either a different piston or decking their cylinder/head a bit more.
What could be different in a package?
Exhaust system (head pipe length/taper or can length/core size)
Cam specs (moving the power around)
Clutch (some riders still like slipper clutches or different traditional clutches with different grip levels)
ECU mapping (Tweaking power delivery)
Velocity stack or other airbox changes.
These would be most common for a team that has package options.
On the more extreme side/rare would be different pistons, head specs, rod lengths, and crank weights. Usually, those do not change.
Man thank you so much for the insightful response!
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Do you know who's using slipper clutches ? There seems to be a good few using them in GP s still
Off the top of my head, Jeremy Martin but other guys on the team don't use it.
Did you have any "unusual" requests or set-ups from your riders?
Naw, both of them were too young and green to request anything really specific. One liked to run his suspension too soft though.
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