Thursday, September 16, 2010

And We Have A Winner

The results are in! The AMSOIL Mopar Muscle Engine challenge has come to a close. MRL performance and Promax Performance were the last two contestants on the dyno this afternoon and when the dust settled it looks like last year's winner Shurbon Performance has come out on top. His modified 340 made 511.3 HP which gives it the top honors at 1.504 HP per cubic inch. MRL and Promax put on a great show. Both put up very respectable numbers but just couldn't quite compete with the Schurbon team. Congratulations to all the competitors and thanks to the folks at Mopar Muscle Magazine for once again putting on a great event.
LEADER BOARD TELLS THE FINAL STORY...

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

AMSOIL Mopar Muscle Challenge: Day 2

The engine challenge started day two with another return competitor, David Bruns of Mid-America Racing engines. David always brings a very strong bullet to the challenge, and this year was no exception. His 408 inch small block made an impressive amount of power, and as always, performed flawlessly throughout it’s dyno session.

David even got some help from his wife Diane during some of the tuning performed. At the end of the morning session, David’s engine proved itself a strong contender, but we’ll have to wait until the end of the day tomorrow to know for sure.

The afternoon featured a new comer to the challenge, B&G Machine. Bill Hess and his crew have never attempted participating in a dyno challenge like this, but after a slow start, caught on to how things work, and proved that they could build a good running engine. Their 367-inch small block runs a flat-tappet cam, and made a respectable amount of power after some electrical gremlins were fixed. We suspect Bill and his crew will definitely try to return next year now that they have a taste for the challenge.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

The AMSOIL Mopar Muscle Engine Challenge Is Underway

The engines arrived safe and sound, and the teams were on hand for the AMSOIL Mopar Muscle Engine Challenge yesterday at Comp Cams in Memphis. You can see from the pictures that they are already hard at it.

Up first was Schurbon Engine and Machine, last year’s winner with Scott Schurbon eager to retain his title. According to editor Randy Bolig, "Scott, Bob Seigwarth, and Larry Griffen had a large challenge facing them, as they planned to do a cam and intake swap during their allotted time. With a small block Mopar, that’s a daunting task." After their Third qualifying pull, the thrash was on, and the parts swapping began. They made it with time to spare, but the results weren’t what they expected. Power and torque were down after the swap, but there wasn’t enough time to change it back.

Next on the dyno was the team of Chenoweth Speed & Machine and LaRoy Racing Engines. Right after the engine was fired up, something didn’t sound right. Apparently there was a dead cylinder, and water was running out of the left header. This was definitely not a good sign. After some thought, it was determined that they would not continue on for risk of damaging the engine. Perhaps we will get a full report once the engine has been torn down.

Tuesday will start off with Mid-America Racing Engines in the morning and then MRL Performance. We'll keep you posted.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Next Stop for NSRA Nationals: Burlington, VT

If you are on the East Coast, next weekend is your chance to attend the 17th Annual Northeast Street Rod Nationals Plus event. Over 1,600 vehicles will descend on Burlington, VT, bringing with them a weekend of fun for the entire family.

In addition to the street rods, this year’s event will also include customs, collectors and muscle cars for the public to view up close and personal. Not many events are open to such a wide array of vehicles, which makes the NSRA Northeast Nationals an event not to be missed if you live in the area.

The three day event includes a trade show, swap meet, Women’s World arts & crafts area and more. Daily entertainment will ensure there is never a dull moment, and there is something to do for people of all ages. Make plans now to attend the 17th Annual NSRA Northeast Nationals September 17-19.

What:
17th Annual Street Rod Nationals Northeast Plus

When:
Friday September 17 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
Saturday September 18 8:00 AM -5:00 PM
Sunday September 19 8:30 AM-2:00 PM

Where:
Champlain Valley Exposition, Burlington VT

Cost:
Adult $14.00
Child 6-12 $5.00
5-Under Free
Discounts available to NSRA members, Military personnel, Senior Citizens & UPS workers with valid ID

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Off to Kalamazoo

Autumn is a very special time of the year in the Northern tier states as the robust colors of autumn emerge. No doubt residents from east to west will claim that their neck of the woods is the most beautiful on on a brilliant fall day. This might be one reason the Street Rod Nationals North moves into Kalamazoo each year in early September, this week for its 31st annual gathering.

Kicking off on Friday, September 10, the Street Rod Nationals North features a wide array of street rods, muscle cars, custom cars, trucks & more. NSRA National events always draw a huge crowd of enthusiasts. Over 2,900 vehicles will be on display over the weekend, cumulatively worth an estimated $81 million.

In addition to the miles of cars available to view up close, several activities are scheduled aimed at people of all ages. Special features such as the Streets of Rods, 29 Below Rodders & Pro’s Picks will feature rods in areas unique to each group. Live entertainment, a country cruise and over $78,000 in Super Prize giveaways will round out the festivities, with the Circle of Winners ceremony to close out the weekend on Sunday.

If you're in the area this is a can’t-miss event. The usual swap meet, Women’s World area, and trade show offer a weekend full of something for the entire family. This is an excellent way to usher out the summer with friends, family and some of the most spectacular vehicles you might ever see.

What:
31St Annual Street Rod Nationals North Plus

When:
Friday September 10 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Saturday September 11 8:00 AM -5:00 PM
Sunday September 12 8:30 AM-2:00 PM
Where: Kalamazoo County Expo Center & Fairgrounds- Kalamazoo, MI

Cost:
Adult $14.00
Child 6-12 $5.00
5-Under Free
Discounts available to NSRA members, Military personnel, Senior Citizens & UPS workers with valid ID