BRE Tech Update – Honda 120UT3
The introduction of the Honda engine into QM racing was at the 1988 QMA Western Grands in Pueblo, Colorado. Over the past 31 years, the racers have enjoyed the performance and reliability of the Honda engine platform. However, at the same time as we have enjoyed this engine, it has also created problems and additional expenses for the quarter midget racing community. The Honda engine platform is a worldwide design for commercial use and is controlled by EPA. Because of these strict government EPA regulations the engine design and performance parameters are changing every 3 to 5 years. We have seen this in both the 120 and 160 engine platforms over the years. So again we, the organization, racers and engine builders find us in a position to make the required adjustments for this new Honda 120UT3 engine design useable for QM racing. The directive from USAC is to make the required modifications to this engine so its performance will shadow the current Honda 120 UT2 engine. Based on some of the engine internal design modifications from Honda, increased crankshaft stroke, cylinder head with increased intake airflow and more efficient combustion chamber design this has created a very challenging task and additional time for this engine's performance to shadow the UT2 engine. Many hours of technical discussions, track and dyno testing has taken place and still is today on this new engine program. The plan earlier this year from USAC was to introduce this engine for the 2020 racing season. At this point, I do not know the exact date of its introduction into racing. But probably the USAC Daytona race. So with that being said, we at BRE want to thank everyone for their patience on this program.
Thank you
Steve
