CC Corsa Crankshaft – manufactured by Falc Racing
Vespa Wideframe 1952–1959, including VM, VN, VL, VB1T, VGL1T, and corresponding ACMA models
The CC Corsa crankshaft is part of Gabriele Cagni’s high-performance Wideframe engine concept and is manufactured by Falc Racing in Italy. It is available with a 57 mm stroke for the CC Corsa 160-cm³ cylinder kit and with a 60 mm stroke for the CC Corsa 175-cm³ cylinder kit.
Both versions are designed to withstand the significantly higher loads of modern wideframe engines. Common features include a Primatist connecting rod, a heavy-duty press fit at the crankpin, special shaft seals, and a reinforced M12 thread for the pole wheel nut.
Falc Racing
Made in Italy
57 or 60 mm stroke
Primatist connecting rod
M12 pole plate thread
Check the pole wheel
Important Installation Note Regarding the M12 Pole Plate Thread
Both crankshafts feature a reinforced M12 thread on the alternator side. Original Wideframe crankshafts typically use a smaller M10 thread here.
Due to the larger thread diameter, the inner edge of the pole wheel bore may come into contact with the thread before the pole wheel is fully seated on the crankshaft taper. This occurs particularly frequently with VAPE pole wheels, but can also affect other pole wheel designs.
In this case, the entrance to the tapered bore must be chamfered slightly more deeply over the first millimeter. The adjustment can be made easily:
by hand with a suitable countersink or deburrer
with a Dremel or straight grinder
machined on a lathe
Only the front edge at the entrance to the pole wheel bore should be machined. The load-bearing conical surface must not be altered.
Before finally tightening the pole wheel nut, check that the pole wheel is seated fully on the cone and is not abutting the M12 thread.
For CC Corsa 160 and 175
Gabriele Cagni, founder of CC Corsa from Emilia-Romagna, has fundamentally refined the classic wide-frame engine concept in collaboration with Falc Racing. The cylinder, exhaust, and crankshaft are designed as an integrated system so that the significantly increased engine power can be utilized over the long term.
With the appropriate engine setup, the CC Corsa cylinder kits enable rear-wheel power outputs of more than 20 PS. This allows a Vespa Wideframe to achieve a performance level that was not intended with the original engine components. The crankshaft, in particular, must reliably handle the higher torque, increased RPM, and severe load fluctuations.
A Comparison of the Two Versions
| Version |
Stroke |
Connecting rod |
Intended Use |
| CC Corsa 160 |
57 mm |
Primatist |
CC Corsa 160-cm³ cylinder kit and correspondingly tuned engines |
| CC Corsa 175 |
60 mm |
Primatist, 110 mm long |
CC Corsa 175-cm³ cylinder kit and correspondingly tuned long-stroke engines |
When ordering, you must select the stroke variant that matches the cylinder kit and engine configuration being used.
The Achilles’ heel of the wide-frame engine
The original Wideframe crankshaft is relatively slender in design. The narrow crank arms provide very little material around the crankpin. With significantly increased torque, it is therefore particularly challenging to achieve a sufficiently high press fit between the crankpin and the crank arms.
If this connection is not strong enough, the crank arms can twist relative to one another under load. As a result, the crankshaft no longer runs true, placing additional stress on the bearings, shaft seals, pistons, and cylinders.
Falc Racing addresses this design limitation through careful material selection, precise machining, and a robust press fit. The quality of the base material is particularly crucial for the narrow Wideframe crankshaft webs.
Advantages of the CC Corsa Crankshaft
Specially developed for high-performance Vespa wide-frame engines
Manufactured by Falc Racing in Italy
57-mm version compatible with the CC Corsa 160-cm³ kit
60-mm version compatible with the CC Corsa 175-cm³ kit
High-strength press-fit joint between the crankpin and crankcase
Primatist connecting rod for high load cycles and RPMs
Reinforced M12 thread for the flywheel nut
Special shaft seals to prevent unnecessary bearing preload
High-strength nuts and disc spring included
57 mm stroke for the CC Corsa 160-cm³ cylinder kit
The crankshaft with a 57 mm stroke is designed for the CC Corsa 160-cm³ cylinder kit. It provides the stroke specified for this engine design and combines it with the stability required for increased power.
The 160-cm³ kit uses a comparatively heavy Polini or Rotax piston. The crankshaft is tuned to this engine design and accounts for the resulting higher inertial forces.
It can also be used in other wide-frame engines, provided that the cylinder, piston position, valve timing, connecting rod length, and crankcase clearance are designed for a 57 mm stroke.
60 mm stroke for the CC Corsa 175-cm³ cylinder kit
The version with a 60 mm stroke and 110 mm connecting rod length was developed for the CC Corsa 175-cm³ cylinder kit. The longer stroke increases the displacement and enhances the high-torque character of the 175-cm³ design.
The 110-mm-long connecting rod improves the stroke-to-crank ratio. As a result, the piston is subjected to less lateral pressure against the cylinder bore. This reduces the load on the compression side of the piston and promotes smoother engine operation.
The Malossi piston used in the 175-cm³ kit is lighter than the piston in the 160-cm³ kit. As a result, no additional heavy-metal weights are required to balance the 175-cm³ crankshaft.
Primatist Connecting Rod
Both crankshafts are equipped with a Primatist connecting rod. The connecting rod is designed for the power and RPM levels of CC Corsa engines and withstands the high tensile, compressive, and cyclic loads of a high-performance two-stroke engine.
In the 60-mm version, the connecting rod length is 110 mm. The stroke, connecting rod length, cylinder height, and piston of the CC Corsa 175 are coordinated with one another within the engine design.
Reinforced M12 thread on the alternator side
The larger M12 thread has a greater load-bearing cross-section than the original M10 thread. This is a significant design advantage, particularly for high-performance engines, high RPMs, and lightweight sport pole wheels.
The larger thread diameter is also the reason why the bore of some pole wheels must be slightly reworked at the entrance. This is not a defect in the pole wheel or the crankshaft, but rather an adjustment to accommodate the reinforced pole wheel mounting.
Be sure to test-fit the pole wheel before installation
Place the pole wheel without the disc spring onto the clean crankshaft cone to test the fit
Check whether the pole wheel is in contact with the M12 thread
If there is contact, only slightly chamfer the leading edge of the pole wheel bore
Do not grind down or alter the tapered surface inside the pole wheel
After machining, completely remove all chips and grinding residue
Before final assembly, check again to ensure a complete fit on the cone
Special shaft seals
The scope of delivery includes special shaft seals measuring 22 x 40 x 7 mm. They do not have a conventional outer metal jacket but are inserted directly into the designated bore in the motor housing.
Due to the thickness of their metal jacket, conventional shaft seals can cause lateral stress on the crankshaft bearings when the motor housing is bolted together. Such preload increases friction and can lead to overheating and premature bearing failure.
The included sealing rings eliminate this additional material thickness. This allows the crankshaft bearings to be installed without unnecessary lateral stress.
Technical Data
| Manufacturer |
CC Corsa |
| Manufacturer |
Falc Racing, Italy |
| Stroke Options |
57 mm and 60 mm |
| Application 57 mm |
CC Corsa 160-cm³ cylinder kit |
| Application 60 mm |
CC Corsa 175-cm³ cylinder kit |
| Connecting Rod |
Primatist |
| Connecting rod length of the 60-mm version |
110 mm |
| Flywheel thread |
M12, reinforced version replacing the original M10 thread |
| Shaft seals |
22 x 40 x 7 mm, special design without an outer metal jacket |
| Vehicle range |
Vespa Wideframe, circa 1952–1959 |
| Models |
including VM, VN, VL, VB1T, VGL1T, and corresponding ACMA models |
Proven CC-Corsa engine design
CC-Corsa engines with displacements of 160 and 175 cm³ have already been used over distances exceeding 10,000 km in road and touring applications. Even multi-day events with long daily stages demonstrate that the design is not solely geared toward short-term peak performance.
At the Rallye des 3 Massifs, specially prepared vehicles covered more than 1,000 km in four days and secured podium finishes. The crankshaft manufactured by Falc Racing is an essential component of this robust overall design.
Scope of Delivery
1x CC Corsa crankshaft in the selected stroke variant
Primatist connecting rods
Special shaft seals 22 x 40 x 7 mm
High-strength nut for the clutch side
High-strength M12 nut for the alternator side
Disc spring for the pole wheel cone
Installation Instructions
Select the appropriate stroke variant for the cylinder kit: 57 or 60 mm
Inspect the crankshaft bearings and bearing seats before installation
Install the included shaft seals straight and without tension
Check that the crankshaft journals move freely in the engine block
Fit the pole piece onto the cylinder for a test fit before final assembly
If there is contact with the M12 thread, lightly chamfer the entrance to the pole wheel bore
Do not machine the load-bearing tapered surfaces of the crankshaft and pole wheel
Install the tapered surfaces clean, dry, and free of grease
Tighten the pole wheel nut to the torque specified for the respective assembly
Check for axial play and smooth operation after assembly
Use in Other Engine Configurations
CC-Corsa crankshafts can also be used outside of the complete 160- or 175-cm³ kits. This requires that the cylinder, piston, connecting rod length, valve timing, and engine case match the respective stroke.
For custom engine builds, particular attention must be paid to checking piston position, compression edge, exhaust and intake valve timing, as well as the crankshaft’s free rotation.
Conclusion
The CC Corsa crankshaft is designed for wide-frame engines whose power output is significantly higher than the original production level. The 57-mm version complements the CC Corsa 160-cm³ kit, while the 60-mm version with 110-mm connecting rods is tailored to the 175-cm³ configuration.
Common to both variants are the Primatist connecting rod, the special shaft seals, the high-strength press fit, and the reinforced M12 thread for the pole wheel nut. For some flywheels, particularly VAPE models, the leading edge of the tapered bore must therefore be slightly chamfered. This minor adjustment can be done by hand, with a Dremel, or on a lathe.
FAQ
The CC Corsa 160-cm³ cylinder kit is designed for a crankshaft with a 57 mm stroke.
The CC Corsa 175-cm³ cylinder kit is designed for a crankshaft with a 60-mm stroke and a 110-mm connecting rod length.
The M12 thread offers a larger load-bearing cross-section compared to the original M10 thread. This makes the magneto mounting better suited to the stresses of high-performance engines and high RPMs.
Not necessarily. However, on some pole wheels, the leading edge of the tapered bore abuts the larger M12 thread. In this case, the bore must be slightly chamfered over the first millimeter. This is particularly common with VAPE pole wheels.
The adjustment can be made carefully by hand with a suitable countersink, using a Dremel, or on a lathe. Only the entrance edge of the bore should be machined. The load-bearing conical surface must not be altered.
Before final assembly, place the pole wheel on the clean cone to test the fit. It must sit completely on the conical surface. If there is a gap between the conical surfaces or if the pole wheel bore is visibly touching the thread, the leading edge must be reworked.
Yes. The scope of delivery includes special shaft seals measuring 22 x 40 x 7 mm. They are inserted directly into the designated housing bore without an additional outer metal sleeve.
Yes. The prerequisite is that the cylinder used and the entire engine configuration match the respective stroke, connecting rod length, and piston position. Timing, compression edge, and free play must be checked for individual combinations.
The crankshaft was developed for the CC Corsa Wideframe concept and is manufactured by Falc Racing in Italy.
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