2018 Amsoil Engine Masters Challenge: Turning Ordinary Enthusiasts Into Ace Builders

October 2, 2018April 20, 2022 Mark Williams 0 Comments 2018 Amsoil Engine Masters Challenge, Amsoil Engine Master Challenge, Auto Enthusiasts, Challenge, Competition, Engine Masters Challenge, Hot Rod Network

The time has come! That which the Hot Rod Network describes as “the purest interpretation of a motorsport” currently is upon us. “The AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge presented by JE Pistons is the purest interpretation of a motorsport, where we have literally made a sport out of motors. Now in its 17th year, the EMC has grown to be the largest dyno racing event in the world,” the group posted to its Facebook page.

Yesterday, October 1st, marked the kick off of the 2018 Amsoil Engine Masters Challenge. In the automotive industry, we constantly celebrate fast cars, amazing drivers, and the beauty of finishing touches. But what about what makes us tick? In every car on the drag strip, autocross circuit, or on the dyno you’ll find engines that are fine-tuned for decimating the competition. Many claim that they alone are the master of these beasts, but who really is? That’s what Amsoil and the Hot Rod Network aim to find out.

What exactly is the Amsoil Engine Masters Challenge?

All across the nation are hundreds of shops that can build beautifully performing engines out of almost anything. Many stick to the books, while others dare to think outside the box. The Engine Masters Challenge is based off that very idea. The competition is designed to take engine builders into a world where they are put to the test of taking old school engines and building them into heavy hitters with creative techniques.

“Jon Kaase taught me to never bring a knife to a gun fight. But if you do, make sure that knife has a razor edge to it.”

–Ted Eaton, 2018 Engine Masters Competitor in an interview with JE Pistons Blog

To get a feel for what to expect in the 2018 Amsoil Engine Masters Challenge, you must look at the history of the event. Last year’s champion, Jason Kaase (who also happens to be a seven time winner), is a perfect example. Last year, he whipped up an insane 473 cu in Mercury Edsel Lincoln (MEL) engine. The engine may seem like an odd platform of choice but even within the bounds of the competition’s rulebook, Kaase was able to turn out 630 lb-ft of torque with a slamming 770-hp.

So how does the Engine Masters Challenge work?

Jason Kaase was the winner of the Vintage engine class, which is one of two classes in the challenge. The other class in the event is the Traditional Muscle Class. Each section is subjected to a particular set of rules that really put the builders to the test.

Vintage Class

In the Vintage Class, V8 engines must be produced from the year 1954 or earlier. The rules do allow an exception for a few models produced later, which includes the MEL platform Kaase used last year. Inline 6 cylinder engines used in the competition must be produced 1964 or earlier. The rules do not allow forced induction. All of the engines must be carbureted and any aftermarket parts, including heads, blocks, crankshafts, and other goodies, must be commercially-available parts for the engines today.

The rules also prohibit use of oil additives, fuel injection, and tricks—like opening up the diameter of lifter ports. The engine will be scored according to its power band produced between 3,500 and 6,500 RPM. To win, builders must achieve the highest amount of horsepower and torque relevant to the cubic inch displacement of their engine.

Traditional Muscle Class

The scoring of the Traditional Muscle Class is very similar to the Vintage Class. Builders can use naturally-aspirated, 2-valve V8 engines produced from 1955 and earlier. The engines must have a minimum displacement of 320 cu in and 497 cu in. The engines must use 4150-style carburetors and again, fuel injection and power adders are prohibited.

This class has significantly more rules than the Vintage Class, but the idea remains the same. The rules are designed to limit the resources that builders can use in order to truly see who can master their engine. The RPM range these engines are scored in is 3,500 RPM to 6,300 RPM for big block engines and 3,500 RPM to 6,800 RPM for small blocks.

Who can enlist for the challenge?

So, who contends for the title of champion of the Engine Masters Challenge? Well, applicants must be of 18 years of age or older and agree to follow the rules. And that’s about it—almost anyone can compete for the title of Engine Master. (Although, the rules do state that applicants will be reviewed before they are accepted for the competition.)

In the end, that’s what makes this challenge so unique: it allows the little guys to take a shot at the big title. You don’t have to be heavily sponsored or even highly decorated to win this event. You just have to show that you have what it takes to compete.

Why is this competition important?

Competitions like the Amsoil Engine Masters Challenge are important. These events give us time to reflect upon and respect vintage engines and what they truly had under their belt. They pay homage to historic platforms and highlight just how amazing the tech that goes into the port really is. Not only that, they bring together the community in a healthy competition. This competition is a level proving grounds, with the Average Joe having a podium to show that builders—truly great builders—don’t need much more than their wit and skill to create something amazing. In a world where techs and tradespeople are getting harder and harder to come across, this type of event is the kind of inspiration the industry needs. Tune in to watch and make sure to share your favorite moments with us in the comments section below!