In this edition of Road to Horsepower, we put the Predator 212's Hemi and Non-Hemi heads to the test on a 223cc stroker build. With identical bottom ends and a high-lift cam, we swapped the ported Hemi head for the Wildcat WC946-3 Non-Hemi head to see which flows better, revs cleaner, and makes more usable power. The results show more than just peak gains—valve float, torque curve, and RPM stability all play a role. Dive into the dyno data, component breakdown, and deep technical analysis of why non-hemi heads dominate high-performance small engine builds.

Wildcat 223 Stage 4: A New Benchmark in Budget Performance

This blog revisits the Road to Horsepower journey for the Wildcat 223 engine, introducing the long-anticipated Stage 4 kit—a high-performing, cost-conscious upgrade designed to outpace Stage 3 results without the complexity of advanced valve train builds. Featuring the CNC-ported WC946-3 cylinder head, a newly developed .268 Reaper camshaft, and the high-flow PWK24 flat slide carburetor, the kit delivers a substantial power increase: 18.01 hp at 7700 RPM and 13.9 ft-lbs of torque at 6300 RPM—surpassing Stage 3 by 2.5 hp and offering a broader powerband.

The blog also explores why the Wildcat 223 remains a top choice over the Predator 224 Hemi and explains how EC’s Stage 4 setup rivals more expensive builds in power, while retaining stock-style components for easier assembly and affordability. Engine comparisons, dyno results, and tuning insights round out this deep dive into building a competitive, user-friendly engine for the 223/224 class.

This blog provides an in-depth analysis of the Wildcat 240RS racing engine's performance through dyno testing. Collaborating with Red Beard's Garage, we compare the Wildcat 240RS's power output and torque against other engines in the market, such as the Predator 224 and Ducar 224. We highlight the engine's 240cc displacement and robust components, emphasizing its potential to deliver superior performance in kart racing applications. Additionally, we give a cost analysis, demonstrating the value proposition of the Wildcat 240RS engine relative to its competitors.

Wildcat 223 Stage 2 “Ghostbuster” Upgrade – Red Beard’s Road to Horsepower Continues

In the latest installment of Red Beard’s “Road to Horsepower” series, the Wildcat 223 receives a Stage 2 upgrade—nicknamed the Ghostbuster. This build is designed to match and exceed the performance of the Ghost 212, while maintaining reliability and drivability. Featuring a billet flywheel, forged rod, non-rev limited coil, and a performance camshaft, the Stage 2 Wildcat delivers more torque, a wider powerband, and nearly 2 more horsepower over the Ghost. In this blog, we break down the reasons behind each upgrade, compare dyno results, and show why this budget-friendly beast isn’t afraid of any Ghost.

In the world of performance camshaft selection is often a critical choice in how your engine performs. Small engine racing, unlike the automotive world, there are limited choices in cam builders and cam catalogs. Around the time we had the concept of what would become the Tillotson 225RS we started piecing together what components we needed to achieve a strong power band for a relatively low rpm engine ideally for mini bike engines. 

EC Tech Review: The new Tillotson Racing Blocks designed by EC Carburetors

We have been the primary Tillotson importer and distributor for kart racing for over 35 years. Not only are we master blueprinters that can get the most from a Tillotson carburetor that dominate the limited and open races across the country, but we have also designed many different base models for Tillotson in that time. Tillotson trusts our knowledge and expertise. That's why they came to us to help them develop their engine programs.