Another ShotHindsight is always twenty-twenty. That expression is often philosophical as we look back at our actions and consider how better outcomes could have resulted, or regret those outcomes that turned out contrary to our well-being. Introspection also has a place in the mind of any good engine builder as the ideas, decisions, and selections made are gauged against the results of the finished product. Sometimes we act on a concept or experiment with an idea and only after it is all said and done can we make an assessment on whether the effort was a success.
Nowhere is this truer than in the Engine Masters Challenge. The very nature of the event rewards those whose ideas and execution of those ideas prove to be better than those of fellow competitors. Since the results of a competitive engine building effort are brought to light in the eye of competition for all to see, the scrutiny is both public and private. I would bet that more than one competitor in last year's event has looked back at the details of their build with the benefit of hindsight and thought about what could have been done differently. This year, many of these competitors will get a rare opportunity to take a second shot at it and make good on fresh ideas that come from a meaningful analysis of what they would have changed.
Since the 2008 event is retaining the essential format of last year, one in which any OEM bore and stroke combination of over 300 cubic inches for a given engine type can compete head-to-head, we are sure to see a refinement of ideas. Last year, we heard many competitors discussing aspects of their builds that they would have done differently: Everything from using a smaller camshaft, to adding more rocker ratio, a different displacement, or even regretting their selection of engine type. It all comes out in the wash when the standings are posted through the course of competition. For 2008, you can bet the level of execution will be that much sharper.
The same kind of critical review should be a part of any engine building project. I know that in my own builds, after the dyno test is complete, the learning process is far from over. I can think of a 440 Mopar big-block I've recently built that is a good example. Although the power output was more than respectable, there was no doubt that the compression ratio could have been substantially higher. The lower-than-desired cranking compression seemed to indicate this, as did a shortfall of expected peak torque. This same engine was built with a very aggressive high-lift mechanical flat-tappet cam. With this type of camshaft, there are definite boundaries on valvespring load if any kind of cam and lifter life is to be expected. With the heavy valvetrain and limited spring, the rpm capabilities proved to be short of the engine's true potential. Looking back, a solid roller would have been the better choice, even at a higher cost. I am going to go back and right these wrongs with another two points of compression and the solid roller that should have been there in the first place. Likewise, our returning Engine Masters Challenge competitors will come in for 2008 that much wiser.
EMC To Return To University Of Northwestern OhioA seismic change to the Engine Masters Challenge was to move last year from a traditional machine shop setting to the School of High Performance Motorsports at the University of Northwestern Ohio. Seeking to bring together the nation's premiere engine building competition and one of the finest institutions training our next generation, this combination proved to exceed the expectations of all involved. Ed Zinke, of Source Interlink Media relates: "We are ecstatic with the results of the 6th annual Jeg's Engine Masters hosted by the UNOH, as the school and its students gave the challenge a whole new purpose and perspective-the sharing of engine tech across generations. The level and caliber of the students involved with the competition was unsurpassed.
"We have heard nothing but praise for the UNOH's participation from our staff, the competitors, as well as the event's sponsors and manufactures. We look forward to the ongoing association of the University with our unique engine building competition and the opportunity to place our competitor's expertise in the spotlight at such a setting.