The Briggs Animal: The Newest Engine from Briggs and Stratton
Technical Stuff:
The Briggs Animal was designed in 2005 because of the limit racers reached with the previous Raptor Engine.
It's design is based off Briggs and Stratton generator engines. It is a single cylinder, four cycle overhead valve engine built stock at a base 6.5 horsepower.
It is used in many kart racing series like the IKF(International Karting Federation) and WKA(World Karting Association)
Once it is "blueprinted" (term for being tuned and modified by Race Engine Builders to the most the rules allow) they can put out 12-14 HP.
What does it look like?
Image Coming Soon..
Unlike the raptor, the head of the engine is on an angle pointing to the rear of the kart. Also the fuel tank is seperate from the engine, and usually placed between the drivers legs underneath the steering wheel.
Most run a curved pipe to help with performance and are required to run a muffler on the end of the pipe to keep sound down.
What does this thing run off of?
The Animal Engine runs on Methanol, like most other Race Kart Engines. It's a safer fuel to use than gasoline, it doesn't "explode" when caught on fire like gasoline.
They use synthetic oil that comes in various colors. Usually the colors dictate what type of oil it is. Your engine builder will recommend the best oil for you to use.
Maintenance:
Kid Classes (Jr.)
Jr. classes run the animal too.
The difference is the color coded plate between the carburetor and the engine.
These plates, purple(smallest), blue, and black(biggest) restrict fuel into the engine, thereby slowing the engine down to different degrees.
- Change the oil at least once each day you race, sometimes more in that day if you race more classes with the same engine.
- Always keep everything clean, and try not to run it completely dry from fuel, in case some dirt got in the tank.
- Always use paper filters to put oil or fuel in.
- Listen to your engine builder, he will know what's best for your engine - He built it after all!
Briggs was smart with the Animal. They made it more efficient, and more reliable. Now instead of engine rebuilds (getting it freshened up by your engine guy) 4-5 times a year, the Animal will last you a whole year if you take care of it.
"Run the motor hard at the race track, but treat it good at home."
- Art Londaner, 2009
The fastest Briggs Animal is the Modified class. It's basically like an "open" class. (very few rules, basically modify the motor to your hearts extent but keeping everything intact) These have been shown to put out 22-24 HP rebuilt in this fashion. If your a need for speed type of person you would want to race this class.
