I agree Phil, did say 'not always' ref. S9 or P9 barrels, we had a S9 that was nothing special or we couldn't get anything out of it. But have used a P9 that was an awesome bottom end engine. Also an L9 which was an awesome top end engine. With Rotax go for 09 onwards, you might have more chance of a decent Barrel going for S9 or P9 and or early 09. We became disillusioned with Rotax and the lack of parity, OK if you are lucky enough to land on something special without pouring money into it, but making anything but the best worthless. Same goes for ancillaries, why do top teams test 50 air boxes, 50 coils, loads of carbs, because parity isn't there. Have seen a big box of airbox trumpets - probably 50 trumpets for sale at a pound each at kart mania on a team stand; obviously those were the 49 out of 50 that didn't excel on the dyno or track testing!! So money gets you the top kit. Top engine with top ancillaries can be half a second on lap time. So what's the point. Not sure X30 will be much different. Lets give it a chance, but proof will be in the eating. I hope it is, karting needs a formula with parity. TKM seems to be the closest to it, which is shown in the prices of the engines; no engine commands much more than £1000 even with pedigree, This is because no TKM engine is miles better than your average engine. Also seen in the closeness of lap times. But no significant grids in the North which is a shame. We'll see how the new Northern TKM championship goes!
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