Tilton Engineering

Tilton Engineering: Race-Proven Performance Since 1972

Founded in 1972 by McLane and Adelle Tilton in El Segundo, California, Tilton Engineering was built on a straightforward mission: supply innovative, high-quality racing products at fair prices, backed by sound technical advice. More than five decades later, that philosophy still drives every component the company produces from its facility in Buellton, California. What started as a small shop has grown into one of the most respected names in professional motorsport, trusted by top race teams across virtually every form of racing.

Tilton Engineering keeps engineering, manufacturing, and quality control under one roof — a deliberate choice that allows the team to maintain exacting standards at every stage of production. The majority of machined components are produced in-house using advanced CNC equipment, and each part is quality-checked with precision coordinate measuring machines before it ever reaches a customer. This vertically integrated approach is a key reason Tilton products have earned a reputation for consistency and reliability at the highest levels of competition.

A Complete System Built for the Cockpit

Tilton's product catalog covers three core areas: driveline components, brake controls, and starter motors. On the driveline side, Tilton offers metallic, cerametallic, and carbon/carbon racing clutches, hydraulic release bearings, clutch disc packs, lightweight racing flywheels, and bellhousings — available as complete integrated driveline packages for maximum ease of installation. But it's Tilton's brake control lineup that has become especially synonymous with the brand in racing circles.

At the heart of any Tilton brake system is the brake master cylinder. Tilton offers multiple master cylinder series, most available in a wide range of bore sizes, giving drivers and engineers the flexibility to precisely tune hydraulic feel and pedal response to suit their specific application. These units are paired with Tilton's racing pedal assemblies — available in floor-mount, firewall-mount, and overhung configurations — to create a fully optimized braking system from pedal to caliper.

Rounding out the brake controls lineup are Tilton's brake proportioning valves, which give drivers or crew members the ability to make quick, precise adjustments to front-to-rear brake bias. Available in lever and screw configurations, these billet aluminum valves are a straightforward but critical tuning tool for any serious race setup. For throttle control, Tilton also produces throttle bellcranks and linkage systems designed to work seamlessly with their pedal assembly range.

The Super Starter: A Motorsport Icon

Perhaps no Tilton product is more recognizable on pit lane than the Super Starter series. Tilton's starter motors have been providing dependable, high-torque starting for demanding race engines for over 30 years. The 40000-Series Super Starter is engineered specifically for large-displacement, high-compression engines, delivering the cranking power needed where standard starters simply cannot keep up. The XLT-Series offers a compact alternative for tighter packaging requirements without sacrificing reliability.

Why Racers Choose Tilton

What sets Tilton apart isn't just engineering — it's the combination of precision manufacturing and genuine racer support. Experienced Tilton technical staff are available to help customers select the right components and work through installation challenges. That level of hands-on service, rare in any industry, has made Tilton the choice of winning teams from local club events to world-class professional circuits.