Fresh out of the sand casting moulds are these new radial-finned heads for the Casa Performance SS200 and SS225 kits and the forthcoming SSR250 engines.
These heads were developed originally as part of the SSR250 programme but they proved so effective at reducing cylinder head temperatures that versions have been developed to suit the current Lambretta SS performance kits. In the future these sand cast heads will replace the red CNC-produced heads as standard fitment with the SS200 and SS225 kits.
Why radial-pattern?
The Radiale heads serve two purposes. Compared to the CNC heads they increase the ratio of fin area to volume of metal in the head and helping to radiate heat to the passing air.
The second reason is the same as why Richard Taylor uses this layout on the ‘Porcupine’ heads for his GT kits. There is more fin area connected directly to the central combustion chamber where most heat is generated, than on the traditional Lambretta design.
The difference with the Radiale heads is that they self-centralise using a raised combustion chamber that drops into the bore of the barrel on the Casa Performance kits. They also feature 7-point fixings to improve head sealing.
The Radial heads for the SS200 and SS225 are available in 2 versions: side plug and centre plug for racing. All versions retail for 120 Euros. You can buy them now from Rimini Lambretta Centre.
In the future Casa Performance are also planning a version to fit common 225 kits like the TS1.
You mentioned the SSR250…
We did. The latest update on this is that the second prototype casting of the SSR250 has been approved for a limited production run of 30 engines that are due for release around September this year.
Porting on this second version has been revised beyond that of the prototype we rode for the video below. The changes have improved low-rpm performance allowing the kit to now pull from 4,000 to 11,000rpm and be far easier to ride around town.
I wonder what Richard Taylor thinks of these?