For regular PHR readers, the annual Engine Masters Challenge needs no introduction. For the last nine years, our yearly dyno duel for pump-gas engines has been a staple for our readers and vendors. Although the rules have changed and evolved over the years, the concept is a simple one: find the engine with the most power and torque over a useable rpm range.
The idea began as a way to bring the best that race engine builders had to offer, to the world of street engines—the same street engines that our readers own, or would like to own. And while the smaller details have varied, the one thing that has remained a constant is that all engines are run on 91-octane pump gas, and are evaluated in street oriented rpm range—most often 2,500 – 6,500 rpm.
The competition currently takes place over a five-day period at the University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima, OH. Their two DTS dynos are calibrated, then run back-to-back for four days of qualifying, followed by a finals round on the fifth day. The ten months leading up to the challenge, our competitors are examining the rules, selecting their combinations, and building them in conjunction with a rigorous testing program. By the time the September EMC competition rolls around, they are chomping at the bit to open those throttles wide!
The rules traditionally vary each year, in an attempt to keep the competition fresh, and to bring forth new technology our readers may be interested in. During the brief period when the rules are being formulated for the following year’s competition, the PHR staff weighs the options for maximum benefit, giving consideration to our engine builders, readers, and vendors. The ultimate goal is to push the technology and performance of street-oriented engines to new levels, all while using commonly available components.
Competitors are chosen for each year’s competition by the PHR staff, and their selections take into consideration the competitor’s prior performance in the competition, the degree to which we feel that entry would interest readers, and the novelty or variety of the planned builds. Competitors may be professional engine builders or amateurs. In many instances, a competitor’s combination may be chosen with the intent to feature those engines with a full story write-up.
If you’re wondering how we level the playing field when engines of different displacements are competing, the answer is simple: our scores are derived from the average horsepower and torque from three consecutive dyno pulls. The averages are added together, multiplied by 1,000, then divided by the claimed cubic inches. This evaluates the engine’s output per cubic inch within the test range of the competition (usually 2,500 – 6,500 rpm).
At the end of the four-day qualifying session, the top six qualifiers are run in a final competition under the same criteria—all on the same dyno. The excitement for the engine builders culminates in the final run of the day, after which the six finalists’ scores are flashed up on the screen for all to see. The engine builder with the top score is declared the Engine Master, and wears that crown until the next year’s competition!