Shifter engine: spark plug, pistons, piston rings, carburettor… Galiffa Kart’s expert tricks

In Shifter engines, performance doesn’t come from secrets but from attention to detail: only regular and precise checks ensure consistent performance and a reliable engine

Founded in 1994 by Gianfranco Galiffa, Galiffa Kart is internationally recognised as one of the main points of reference in the preparation of Shifter engines for Racing Karts. The headquarters of Galiffa Kart are located in Italy, in Abruzzo, in the municipality of Sant’Egidio alla Vibrata. In the image, from left to right, all members of the Galiffa Kart team: Letizia and Rossella Galiffa, Elvezio Mercolini, Bruno Mercolini, Emanuela Galiffa, Dorin Iordake and Gianfranco Galiffa. We would like to thank Elvezio and Gianfranco in particular for sharing all the information gathered for the writing of this article.

When it comes to Shifter engines for Racing Karts, people are used to thinking that the only way to get the best performance out of these power units is by working on the optimal carburetion or by choosing the right gear ratio. Thanks to a visit by our editorial team to Galiffa Kart (to learn more, read “Once in a lifetime | Visit Gianfranco Galiffa's Galiffa Kart: where karting is a family affair”), Instead, we discovered that the performance – and above all the reliability – of a Shifter engine also depend on a number of technical details and precision checks that are often overlooked. For example, using long spark plugs (such as the BRISK L10S model, editor’s note) instead of short ones ensures better performance, especially at high revs, with a gain of up to 100 rpm in top speed. Likewise, the appearance of dotted or sandy marks on the piston crown clearly indicates that it must be replaced. Why? Take ten minutes of your time and read the following slides to uncover all the tricks – and precautions – of a true pro.

SHIFTER ENGINE: SPARK PLUG, PISTONS, PISTON RINGS, CARBURETTOR… GALIFFA KART’S EXPERT TRICKS