THE KART ENGINE PLATE

Gianluca Covini

12 December 2023 • 8 min. read

Do you think it's just the element that allows you to install the engine on the chassis? You're wrong because it also plays a vital role in your engine's performance and longevity. To evaluate its characteristics, you need to consider its design, construction material and compatibility with your engine and chassis. How so? Continue reading

WHAT IS IT?

HOW DOES IT WORK?

IN PRACTICE

The engine plate is the structural element that is interposed between the chassis and the engine and, integral to the latter, allows it to be fixed to the chassis using screws and the so-called "U-bolts" (two brackets that bind the plate to the body tubes). However, its function does not end with the simple task of anchoring the engine to the chassis but must be able to resist the deformations of the body, preventing them from being transmitted to the engine crankcase. In addition, since it is hit by air, its design is important to allow proper flow and adequate removal of the heat generated by combustion. Moreover, in Shifter karts the engine plate performs a "critical" function, because it performs a more "structural" function, stiffening the engine-gearbox crankcase, avoiding dangerous internal twisting of the engine while driving.

This is why plates for Direct Drive karts are mainly found in the aftermarket, while those of Shifter karts are supplied directly by the manufacturers to accompany the engine. The weight of the plate is also important (it usually depends on the processes to which it has been subjected and its construction material) because every single extra gram negatively affects performance on the track, especially when you have to shave off the last hundredth of a second. It is clear, therefore, that at the basis of the evaluation of the characteristics provided by an engine plate it is necessary to analyse:
- Design
- Construction materials
- How to fasten it and how to install it.
To help you find your way around this, we take a closer look at each of these topics.

The Direct Drive engine plate only has fastening holes for the engine, while the one for Shifter engines is longer and also includes gearbox fastening holes.