Vortex Identification help

Charles Frerking · Joined: 15 Aug 2012 Posts: 20

First post, we'll see how this goes!

Quick background: Live in Northern California, have been riding dirt bikes my entire life, with some brief stints in sport bikes. This is my first kart, and I know it's going to be a STEEP learning curve, but I was looking for a challenge...

I just picked up a 2008 MBA Las Vegas with a Vortex ICC 125cc shifter, trying to get ahead of the game and identify the motor BEFORE the day comes that I need to buy parts for it.

This is pretty much the only stamping I could find on the crankcase during my very brief inspection of the motor before I came into work this evening:

I'll take a closer look at it when I get some time off, but I was hoping this would maybe get some of you on the scent!

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Cliff Kujala · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 12:17 pm Post subject:

Hi,

If it is a reed valve engine, then it is most likely a Vortex VL125.

Can you take some photos of the intake area, and the cylinder/cylinder head.

Also, there should be a homologation number etched on the exhaust pipe.
_________________
Cliff Kujala
www.PureKarting.com - Online Store
facebook.com/PureKarting

Jim McMahon · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 12:23 pm Post subject:

Did Vortex ever made a rotary 125 gearbox? 100c direct lots of but not sure about 125cc shifter.
Good news is that the motor internals across the Vortex homologations are very similar.

Hard to tell from that pic, but I would guess its either a VL-125 as cliff said (first gen) or RVX (Third gen). RVXX is the most current model.
_________________
GPI Racing | WildKart | Maxter | Hoosier
Karting Festival @ Blackhawk Farms June 1st-2nd.

Cliff Kujala · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 12:44 pm Post subject:

Hi,

Yes Vortex made VR125, which was a rotary Formula C engine.

It is definately not RVX or RVXX, the case on those was different and they have a distinct marking on the cylinder. Mostly likely not RVS either (model before RVX) because RVS had a 4 bolt exhaust flange, and this one appears to have a 3 bolt flange, with a 10mm spacer. This is how VL125 came from the factory. RVS would also have the homologation number etched onto the case halves, as the CIK started to require that marking during the RVS era. The other identifier that we need to see to determine if it is an early or late model VL, will be the head stud size. If it is 6mm then it is early model, and 8mm it would be a late model VL.
_________________
Cliff Kujala
www.PureKarting.com - Online Store
facebook.com/PureKarting

Jim McMahon · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2012 12:47 pm Post subject:

I bow to your superior Vortex knowledge!
_________________
GPI Racing | WildKart | Maxter | Hoosier
Karting Festival @ Blackhawk Farms June 1st-2nd.

Charles Frerking · Joined: 15 Aug 2012 Posts: 20

From what I can tell, it's a reed engine (I'm a thumper guy, this is my first 2-stroke) and this looks like the right shape for a reed cage. I'm assuming the "06" on the homologation etching is the year? I'll have to check the head studs.

Thanks for all the help!

Charles Frerking · Joined: 15 Aug 2012 Posts: 20

Jim McMahon · Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2012 9:12 am Post subject:

04-06 RVS? I'd wait to hear confirmation from Cliff.
If it is an RVS, heres a gear calc sheet for it (make sure to enter correct tire circumference first): http://www.overt.ie/files/racing/technical/motor/gearcalc/Vortex-RVS.xls
Homologtion paper: http://www.kartingzone.com/docs/homologations/engines/VORTEX_125_RVS.pdf
_________________
GPI Racing | WildKart | Maxter | Hoosier
Karting Festival @ Blackhawk Farms June 1st-2nd.

Charles Frerking · Joined: 15 Aug 2012 Posts: 20

Oscar Biondi · Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2013 11:20 am Post subject:

If you look at the homologation form for the RVS the number is 30/M/09. Your motor must be a VL. J3 has parts for VLs.