Making the Engine Masters Challenge Finals

For the last four years, the JEG’S Engine Masters Challenge has invited 40 engine builders to compete in the newest form of motorsports- “Dyno Racing.” The rules for size of engine changes each year to challenge the builder to design and build a combination that makes power from 2500-6500 RPM. The unique scoring system combines the average horsepower and torque of each engine over this range. This year the cubic inch chosen was 434. This allows both big and small blocks to compete heads up.

SAM Instructors and students were excited that the School was selected to compete in the challenge and they immediately started looking at different combinations that fit the rules. After considerable discussion, it was decided that a Cleveland headed small block Ford would fit the rules very well. SAM was proud to use the following contingency sponsors’ products that helped the engine produce the third highest peak number in the finals and sixth overall average as a first-time entrant.

  Contingency Sponsors:

  ARP
  CHI
  Clevite 77
  Comp Cams
  Crane Cams
  Edelbrock
  Federal Mogul
  Fel Pro
  Ferrea Racing Components
  Holley
  Jesel
  Magnaflow
  Manley
  Melling
  Meziere
  Moroso
  MSD Ignition
  Performance Racing Warehouse
  Pure Power
  Royal Purple
  TCI Automotive
  Wilson Manifolds
  World Products

The time it took to get the parts and the racing of the Hot Street Mustang did not allow for much dynoing before it was time to leave for World Products in New York. The first attempt at the challenge went well considering the lack of time. The engine ended up with a good average score that advanced SAM to the finals. After tear down and inspection, the School was excited with a sixth place overall finish.

SAM has been invited back to participate in the 2007 JEG’S Engine Masters Challenge. As SAM Instructors and students contemplated this years rules, a Cleveland headed small block Ford came out on top. However the Chevy students went into an uproar. To keep all of our students happy, the School will now have two entries in 2007, a Ford team and a Chevy team.