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PHDG 18: the new DELLORTO carburetor FIA Karting 2026 approved for the MINI categories
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PHDG 18: the new DELLORTO carburetor FIA Karting 2026 approved for the MINI categories
HOMOLOGATION
The DELLORTO PHDG carburetor is FIA Karting homologated from 2026 in two different configurations: 09854 (054-CA-15 approval) and 09860 (054-CA-25 approval). The body of the carburetor is identical in both configurations, what changes is the type of emulsifier used: in the 09854 version the AU type is used (without radial holes), in the 09860 version the AN type (with radial emulsion holes). If in the races that refer to the international FIA Karting regulations the use of both versions is permitted at the discretion of the mechanic/driver/trainer, in the Italian ACI Championship (and in all those national championships that refer to the regulations of this championship) only the use of the 09854 version is permitted.
TYPE
The DELLORTO PHDG belongs to the float-type ("needle") type, different from the membrane ones for fuel management. The air flow depends on the opening of the gas valve, while the mixture is regulated by the variable position of the conical needle with respect to the atomizer. The flow of fuel is managed by the system formed by the float and the needle valve inside the tank which guarantees a stable supply even in "extreme" dynamic conditions, typical of track use.
PRODUCTION
The body of the PHDG is made of aluminum alloy via die casting process. The blank is subsequently machined with CNC machines in specific areas, such as the threads of the jet and atomizer seats or the coupling surfaces of the bowl. The external part of the carburetor body, however, is not CNC machined, but subjected exclusively to a shot peening process.
For many years, there were no significant developments in float-type carburetors (see "The Float-Type Carburetor") for MINI category engines. Suffice it to say that the design of the best-selling model in this sector until 2025, the DELLORTO PHBG 18 (for more information, read "Under Review | The DELLORTO PHBG 18 carburetor of the MINI"), dates back to the second half of the 1970s. For the 2026-2028 FIA Karting homologation cycle (dedicated to engines, carburetors, intake silencers, and ignitions), the Italian company DELLORTO introduced a major innovation: the new PHDG. This carburetor was created as a direct response to the challenge posed by competitor Tillotson with the FM18 model, which in the three-year period 2023-2025 challenged the sporting leadership of the PHBG 18, especially in multi-brand competitions both nationally and internationally. For this reason, DELLORTO is taking an important step: the release of the PHDG coincides with the definitive exit of the PHBG 18 from competitions requiring FIA Karting-approved components, as its certification has not been renewed (this model, however, continues to be used in several other categories, especially single-make championships). This marks a clear break with the past. The PHDG is designed as a carburetor specifically for racing applications, with compact dimensions and a revised diffuser geometry to improve airflow consistency and increase the effectiveness of the vacuum on the fuel circuit. This is complemented by a lighter body and much more. To learn more about the innovations introduced by DELLORTO, we visited the company's headquarters in Cabiate, Italy, about 30 km north of Milan, where the manufacturer's technicians showed us in detail all the solutions implemented.
The PHDG 18 represents a significant qualitative leap for the DELLORTO range intended for the MINI karting categories. The development of this carburetor was characterized by a particularly rapid design cycle, made possible by the consolidated experience of DELLORTO's Research and Development department. This significantly reduced the number of iterations between design, prototyping, and validation, streamlining work phases that would normally require more time. The result is an extremely efficient development process, based on the company's in-depth expertise and a high ability to anticipate potential critical issues from the early design stages.
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