Mugello kit with boost port above the bridged i nlet, and 8- point stud head fixing.
Kit name: Mugello 186/198 (small block)
Manufacturer: Tino Sacchi
RRP: £450
Average estimated power output: (186cc) 14bhp, (198cc) 18hp
Bore: (186cc) 64mm, (198cc) 66mm Stroke: 58mm
Capacity: 186cc/198cc
Standard Port timings: (186 v2) Exhaust 168° – Transfer 124° Induction Type: Piston port
Mugello 200/225 (large block) RRP: £450
Average estimated power output: (200cc) 16bhp, (225cc) 19hp
Bore: (200cc) 66mm, (225cc) 70mm
Capacity: 198cc/223cc
Standard Port timings: (225) Exhaust 178° – Transfer 124°
Induction Type: Piston port
Overview: The Mugello range was first launched in 2000 with the introduction of the 186 kit for small-block casings. Made from aluminium with a Nikasil bore, it has proved to be extremely reliable and giving a decent and usable amount of power. More recently added to the range is the 198cc small-block version, with more power giving you two options depending on what type of performance you require. Introduced not long after were the big-block variants, again proving reliable with moderate power output for general road use when using the 200cc option. The 225cc option comes slightly tuned with more power and torque so is the performance version for the big-block casing. No additional tuning work is required to fit them, making them an easy choice if you want a simple but reliable power upgrade. The kit benefits further from its carburettor choice, which can go from 25mm up to 30mm. This means if a smaller size is fitted fuel consumption is greatly improved, making it ideal for long-range and touring use. Unlike a lot of piston-port inlet kits, the Mugello has a cute little boost port at the rear of the cylinder which matches up to a cut-out in the piston skirt, thus giving added performance.
Tuning suggestions: The Mugello range is piston ported and the inlet has a bridge across making it awkward to tune the port, although it’s a good size and shape, in standard trim anyway. A simple trim of the piston skirt can increase inlet timing, if required. The inlet is on the traditional side and allows plenty of space for a reed conversion, if desired. When it comes to the exhaust it will happily run on anything from a big-bore Clubman to a full-blown expansion, allowing the customer to choose how they want the power delivery. The Mugello kit has stood the test of time, and though confusion was often caused by the numerous variants with different tweaks and timings that evolved over time, the overall kit is one of quality.
Kit name: Monza 225 (large block) Manufacturer: Tino Sacchi
RRP: £550
Average estimated power output: 20-21bhp
Bore: 70mm
Stroke: 58mm
Capacity: 223cc
Induction type: Reed-valve
Overview: The Monza is the name given to the big-block version of the Imola and has the same type of configuration in its layout. Originally seen as an alternative to the TS1 when it was launched, this kit would have been far more popular than it was, if supply issues had been streamlined at the beginning. At the time, the TS1 was readily available at practically all scooter outlets in the UK, whereas the Monza was much more ‘exclusive’. In price and performance terms, the
Monza and TS1 were almost indistinguishable.
Tuning suggestions: In its standard form, the kit has fair performance but not as good in comparison (per cc) to the small-block Imola variant. The benefit of nearly all the kits, though, which have large/small-block variants (such as RB, Imola, Monza, Mugello, etc.) is that even if the bigger/large-block cc variant only has the same peak hp as the small-block versions… the larger capacity item nearly always carries a much bigger chunk of torque. This often means that the biggercapacity variant can pull much better through the midrange than the often higher-revving, and less torque-based, small-block versions which can lack midrange power. The Monza 225, like the TS1, is an accomplished kit in standard trim, but tuning of the ports is the best option if you are to gain the full potential. Be prepared to spend on the kit, after buying it, having the extra porting work done and upgrading the accompanying components.
Kit name: Scootopia 185 (small block)
Manufacturer: Scootopia
RRP: £320
Year launched: 2019 Bore: 64mm
Stroke: 58mm
Capacity: 185cc Induction Type: Piston port
Overview: The first venture into the Lambretta tuning market by well-known parts manufacturer Scootopia, with this aluminium kit which is Nikasil lined and has a good port layout in standard trim. Available for the small block only it is designed to improve power and torque without going over the top. Tested by their endurance team before releasing, it has proven to be reliable. With its competitive price, it’s bound to be popular with those looking for a modest upgrade. Comes with alloy head, studs and spacers.
Tuning suggestions:
In a fairly mild state of tune in its standard form, there is no doubt potential to extract more power from it. However, it’s fair to say, often kits of this type (including the CASA 185) are not made to be powerful, they are often produced to try and get smallblock 125/150 engines up to the power of a standard 200cc engine (around 10-11hp) to assist with keeping up with the pace of traffic out on the open road. Any kit can have tweaks done, better exhaust, better carb, porting etc., but if that is the goal then other kits offer better end performance off the bat.