4 tools (+1 exclusive component!) by Machac Motors to prepare kart engines

Matteo Zamboni

08 May 2026 • 12 min. read

A key part of the work that allows drivers to battle for top positions in races takes place away from the track: on the engine tuners bench. Among the leading names in engine development at international level is undoubtedly Machac Motors. The Czech company, led by Jiri Machac, specializes in developing racing engines for the main single-speed karting categories. Machac Motors engines are used by teams and drivers and have won major international titles over time, including the FIA Karting World Championship OKJ (see "Must Have | The accessories of Forza Racing's Exprit Noesis RR, winner of the 2023 FIA Karting OKJ World Championship, in Franciacorta"). The Czech company also follows several technical programs for the development of TM Kart engines in WSK Promotion and FIA Karting competitions. Over the years, Machac Motors has developed several exclusive technical tools, initially designed solely for in-house use during preparation, overhaul, and trackside service. Word of mouth and growing demand from industry professionals have prompted Machac Motors to market some of these "tools of the trade." We've selected four "mobile workshop" tools—along with an exclusive engine component—that will allow even novice kart drivers to learn some of the secrets of this professional tuner. These highly technical tools demonstrate the level of precision with which the world's top tuners operate.

Lapping Machine

Lapping is essential in blue printing a kart engine (see "How To | All you need to know... on lapping a cylinder "). This operation allows the cylinder's internal surface to be worked using honing stones (sometimes combined with cleaning brushes) and serves two fundamental functions. The first is to create the characteristic micro-groove pattern on the cylinder liner, which allows the oil in the mixture to adhere to the surface of the liner, creating the necessary film of lubricant between the piston and the cylinder. The second is to restore and correct any ovality of the cylinder. The geometry of the liner, the angle of the cross-groove pattern, and the pressure applied during the lapping operation directly influence the piston's smoothness, the ring's seal, and, consequently, the engine's performance. Therefore, restoring the cylinder's surface cannot be done with generic tools or sloppy work. For this reason, Machac Motors wanted to develop its own "travel" lapping machine that aims to ensure maximum stability and precision during machining. The machine's structure allows the cylinder to be held in the optimal position and the movement of the honing head (not included, see the following slides for pricing) to be accurately controlled, allowing for precise and repeatable machining. Its low weight (25 kg) and compact size (50 × 35 × 30 cm) allow the lapping machine to be transported directly to the circuit in even a small van.

Indicative price

Approximately 1,595 euros (VAT excluded)

To buy: kartengineshop.com
Photo credit Machac Motors