IAME Engine Guide: Types, Models, and Specs

Source: IAME Series Australia Facebook Page

Kickstarting the vision of founder Bruno Grana in 1968, Italian American Motor Engineering or IAME has since evolved into being a mainstay in the world of grassroots motorsports. In particular, the brand boasts a diverse lineup of engines that can compete in various categories. Here we will now look at what they have to offer, and in turn reveal the performance associated with the iconic make.

FIA Karting Homologated

GR-3

Source: IAME Engines

Beginning with the smallest of the lot, IAME presents the GR-3 for racers looking to compete in the FIA’s MINI class. Picking inspiration from its more powerful counterpart in the Speedster V, it results in a powerful block that boasts better cooling and improved overall performance.

A major change can be found in its cylinder, now made with a high-strength aluminum alloy. The engine fins are also redesigned, now being much thicker which helps in allowing the heat to be transferred from the cylinder body to the flowing air. Finally, the cylinder is provided with a thick cast iron, manufactured with a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine.

Bearing all this in mind, we now have a high performing engine that is efficient in air cooling whilst guaranteed to withstand intense conditions. A true embodiment of durability and consistency.

REEDSTER V

Source: IAME Engines

Naturally progressing from the REEDSTER IV, its successor improves on the already powerful unit in more ways than one. Three versions of this engine are available, each made for different classes. Namely, the Original Kart (OK), Original Kart - Junior (OK-J), and Original Kart - National (OK-N) categories.

Once again, like the GR-3 the cylinder of this engine has undergone a major overhaul. This time, the part is made by sand casting in high-strength aluminum alloy. Doing so creates an engine that cools better and lessens the thickness of the engine block for a more “elastic” structure.

A good way to distinguish the engines per category is looking at the exhaust that comes with it. By adhering to regulations, it can be observed that the OK engine is paired with a much thicker exhaust. However, the OK-J and OK-N engines go together with a different exhaust that is thinner and longer.

SCREAMER III and IV

Source: IAME Engines

Launched in 2019 and 2023 respectively, the SCREAMER line serves as the KZ/KZ2 engines manufactured by IAME. Despite the four year difference between the time the engines were released, both still provide a much needed spark to your ride.

The initial iteration of this engine presents the SCREAMER III. Similar to the previous engines, the cylinder is made with an aluminum alloy to emphasize cooling, something that is crucial with these more powerful monster machines. However, it goes without saying that the transmission is what sets it apart. The 6-speed gearbox features alongside it a 5-disc dry clutch to maintain consistent power. Furthermore, its gears are supported by needle bearings to reduce friction and unnecessary damage. Finally, the chain line is said to be close to the engine’s core to avoid flexing and complications with the bearings.

Transitioning to the SCREAMER III’s older brother, much of the formula remains consistent, albeit with a few more changes. One of the major points to note is the engine’s tighter and lighter crankcase, resulting in an improved balance and center of gravity. Bearing this in mind, a good rule of thumb is to go for the SCREAMER III should budget be a concern, and only purchase the latest model once shifter karting is something you will pursue full-time.

X30

Source: X30 Senior

Perhaps the most well-known engine of the IAME brand, the X30 is synonymous with speed and success across all levels of competition. The Milan-based company currently has six X30 variants designed for different classes ranging from single-speed to transmission categories. Furthermore, there are two engine displacements for the X30 lineup, namely 125cc and 175cc.

In Touch and Go (TaG) competition, the X30 Junior and Senior are the ones to go for. Aside from being the bestselling engine, they are also known for their ease of use which guarantees nothing but the thrill of speed at the driver’s convenience. Interestingly, despite the absence of a power valve, the engine boasts immense power and torque.

Source: X30 Codasur

With IAME being an international brand, they also know how to cater to specific demographics in various countries. Case in point, the X30 Codasur is an engine designed for South American drivers competing in the senior class. Due to this single-speed unit having 175cc at its disposal, the Codasur has high torque across low to high RPM’s as well as good acceleration. Finally, a decompression valve installed on the cylinder head and the presence of a counterbalance shaft reduces vibrations, ensures reliability, and guarantees great performance.

Source: X30 Super Shifter

Now we transition into the X30 group’s series of “Super Engines”. Beginning with the X30 Super which derives specs from the award-winning Reedster KF engine, the engine is built for the 175cc stock class, which has been used across different IAME Series’ in Europe. However, this engine is not particularly well-known or used due to the amount of power it contains as well as the lack of classes that permit the use of this engine.

Capping off the already illustrious product line is the X30 Super Shifter. Coming in with 175cc and in two different variants, with the second version catered for American karters, this engine is made for the pinnacle of karting. Evolving from the X30 Shifter, expect a newfound aggression from this latest rendition of the unit.

SWIFT

Source: IAME Engines

Sticking with the 60cc beasts, IAME presents the MINI SWIFT engine.

The MINI Swift is a national-level spec engine developed in response to the growing need for parity and performance in cadet karting. It traces its roots to the widely used MINI Swift, which remains a popular choice in both club and regional competition. MINI Swift offers flexibility for tuning and adaptation.

The Mini Swift is commonly used in American racing with its two-stroke configuration, electric start and centrifugal dry clutch. The PRO-M is calibrated with a fixed Tillotson HW-31A carburetor, a narrow performance window, and tightly regulated components, making it ideal for one-make championships or promotional series. Meanwhile, the standard MINI Swift provides more room for adjustment, allowing competitors and tuners to extract every bit of performance within class rules.

REEDJET

Source: IAME Engines

Moving now to IAME’s sole 100cc engine in the lineup, the REEDJET KA100 is growing in popularity in Australia and the USA. Engine parity and cost of use are two areas this engine does well in to reward the consumer. Fields of 60+ are regulars in both the National Series competitions in the USA and Australia.

It is easy to access and tune the carburettor as well as being a very reliable make. Aside from this, it is still a 2-stroke engine and a good stepping stone for drivers moving out of Cadet racing and into Juniors.

CONCLUSION

To elevate your go-kart racing career to the next level, Kart Class has your back! Under the tutelage of a multi-time race winner and Australian kart champion David Sera, a variety of training programs are in store for you.

For beginners and champions alike, and even track guides on the most notorious race tracks out there, Kart Class will be sure to take you from the back of the pack and all the way to the winner’s circle!