Tillotson

About Tillotson: A Century of Performance Engineering

Tillotson is one of the most storied names in small engine performance, with roots stretching back more than a century. Founded in 1914 in Toledo, Ohio, the company began life as a manufacturer of float carburetors for the early automotive industry, quickly earning a reputation for precision engineering and reliable fuel delivery. Today, operating out of Tralee, Ireland, Tillotson has evolved into a global force in motorsport and outdoor power equipment — but the commitment to quality fuel systems and engine performance that defined the brand from day one remains unchanged.

From Carburetors to the Race Track

Tillotson's expertise in fuel systems runs deep. For decades, the brand supplied carburetors and fuel pumps to the automotive and small engine markets worldwide. That foundation of fuel system mastery became the springboard for a natural expansion into high-performance racing engines. Tillotson-built carburetor components fueled CIK-FIA World Championship karting winners multiple years running, cementing the brand's credibility at the top levels of motorsport. The transition from component supplier to full engine and kart manufacturer was a logical next step — and the results have been impressive on tracks around the world.

Tillotson Racing Engines

The Tillotson engine lineup covers everything from entry-level recreational use to competitive sprint karting. The 212R platform was purpose-built as a serious alternative to common box-stock engines, featuring a reinforced block, non-hemi head, and a flat-top piston for higher compression. The 225RS is a spec, rev-limited engine designed for organized sprint karting competition, equipped with a billet flywheel and connecting rod, a lightweight 72mm racing piston, and PVL ignition. For racers looking for more displacement, the 236R, 240RX, and 268R variants push performance even further. What sets Tillotson engines apart is that they are specifically designed and produced for racing — not repurposed mass-market engines — with tight component tolerances to ensure consistency from one engine to the next.

The T4 Karting Series

One of Tillotson's most visible achievements is the T4 Series, a global karting program designed to make competitive racing accessible and affordable. The T4 concept bridges the gap between recreational track days and professional-level competition, with a structured championship format that has expanded to multiple countries. It represents Tillotson's broader mission: to grow motorsport participation at the grassroots level while maintaining a technically rigorous and fair racing environment.

Outdoor Power Equipment & Small Engine Parts

Beyond racing, Tillotson's product catalog extends into outdoor power equipment and small engine components. The brand supplies engines and generators for utility use, along with a comprehensive range of replacement and performance parts — including carburetors, fuel pumps, gaskets, cylinder heads, exhaust components, and rotating assemblies — for a wide variety of 196cc to 225cc+ platforms. Whether you are maintaining a mini bike, rebuilding a go-kart engine, or sourcing parts for a generator, Tillotson's parts ecosystem is broad and well-supported through a global dealer network.

Why Choose Tillotson?

• Over 100 years of carburetor and fuel system expertise
• Racing engines purpose-built for karting, not adapted from consumer products
• Tight manufacturing tolerances for consistent, competition-ready performance
• Comprehensive parts support across the full engine range
• Global dealer network and dedicated karting academy resources
• Proven at the highest levels of CIK-FIA international karting competition