Race Engine Challenge--North Carolina, April 17-18 2026

[B3422w5]

Gotcha, no worries, I read up on his build, that was a excellent build

As he is a friend, we talked a good bit about that competition. Because of some concerns with noise, competitors had to run muffs, also the dyno was open to the outside. All of which affected the numbers compared to where he had run the thing before.
That said, everybody else dealt with those same issues as well, so no advantage to anybody.

 

[NC Engine Builder]

As he is a friend, we talked a good bit about that competition. Because of some concerns with noise, competitors had to run muffs, also the dyno was open to the outside. All of which affected the numbers compared to where he had run the thing before.
That said, everybody else dealt with those same issues as well, so no advantage to anybody.

My concern is how much the rules have changed since then, I want to participate, but it definitely seems like I'd be bringing a knife to a gun fight.

 

[B3422w5]

My concern is how much the rules have changed since then, I want to participate, but it definitely seems like I'd be bringing a knife to a gun fight.

I agree. That Victor head is a head that evens the playing field with the Gen 3 stuff and others he competed with
The rules as they seem to be now indeed leaves you with a knife as you said

 

[NC Engine Builder]

Part of the problem is I dont really know what the ford and chevy combos will be, so i really dont have a benchmark to compare to. I do know the ford that ran last year wasn't legal, but i believe it was allowed to run because it's the only ford that showed up. It failed on the dyno however, dnf

 

[PRH]

If the w2 and Indy heads were deemed not legal, I don’t know what else is out there that could really compete.

The wording on the epoxy rule in the ports is interesting. It says “inside” the ports.
Does that mean blowing out the pushrod pinch, and having the epoxy being visible on the outside of that area of the port isn’t legal?

 

[TT5.9mag]

If the w2 and Indy heads were deemed not legal, I don’t know what else is out there that could really compete.

An aluminum head that you carve out to look and work just like a W2 or an Indy.

 

[NC Engine Builder]

If the w2 and Indy heads were deemed not legal, I don’t know what else is out there that could really compete.

The wording on the epoxy rule in the ports is interesting. It says “inside” the ports.
Does that mean blowing out the pushrod pinch, and having the epoxy being visible on the outside of that area of the port isn’t legal?

Indy and W2 are both LEGAL

 

[B3422w5]

Indy and W2 are both LEGAL

I would run the 245cc Indy head then.
It’s far superior to a W2.

 

[NC Engine Builder]

I feel like I'm hijacking RAMMs thread, so I'll start one of my own if I decide to enter this contest personally. Carry on!

 

[Newbomb Turk]

I'm pretty sure W2s are legal. The fuel and oil are stipulated however

I need to read them again. I was on my phone lol.

 

[Newbomb Turk]

I would run the 245cc Indy head then.
It’s far superior to a W2.

lol

 

[Newbomb Turk]

I'm pretty sure W2s are legal. The fuel and oil are stipulated however

It says standard port height and location. I don’t consider W head that configuration. And not the Indy head either.

 

[PRH]

It states any head must be submitted for approval…….so they’ll either get the nod……or not.
If that’s what someone decides they want to use.

 

[junkyardhero]

That’s the problem with rules. They bend.

i prefer the term: open to interpretation. at least from my side...

 

[Newbomb Turk]

i prefer the term: open to interpretation. at least from my side...

lol yup

 

[Newbomb Turk]

It states any head must be submitted for approval…….so they’ll either get the nod……or not.
If that’s what someone decides they want to use.

I read that too. That falls under the “open to interpretation” rule.

 

[RAMM]

If the w2 and Indy heads were deemed not legal, I don’t know what else is out there that could really compete.

The wording on the epoxy rule in the ports is interesting. It says “inside” the ports.
Does that mean blowing out the pushrod pinch, and having the epoxy being visible on the outside of that area of the port isn’t legal?

Naww, its still under a valve cover. External means outer surfaces. Inside the engine is still internal. J.Rob

 

[PRH]

Jesse, you’re well versed in the engine dyno competitions…….do you have a sense on what kind of power the better combos will make with this rule set?

 

[RAMM]

Jesse, you’re well versed in the engine dyno competitions…….do you have a sense on what kind of power the better combos will make with this rule set?

The rules are pretty liberal which is why Greg is cool in my books, he wants to see big power from creativity. Im thinking 1.56-1.6 hp/ci peak should net and average of 500ish hp from 3500-7000 if my EMC trending still holds up. Obviously more is better but the rules......I can't see anyone reaching 700hp peak if the dyno is honest...and I do think it is. I do hope Greg displays the load cell co-efficient before every competitor test session. J.Rob

 

[408 swinger]

@RAMM, what is your opinion on the fuel? Has anyone researched it? I'm slightly familiar with it. I have opinions, but, want to hear from someone more well versed.

 

[Brian Hafliger]

Easy route would be the BPE heads...harder route would be the raised port Indy head with epoxy...;-)

 

[360notch]

Peak was 650ish, dont know the actual numbers

I believe Williams Performance Engines has gotten over 700 HP with similarly spec'd Chevy small blocks (billet block). I would call Williams and tell them what you are trying to do, and ask them for suggestions. They are pretty cool, if they have the time to talk.

 

[ValiantRacing]

This will be interesting to see what heads will be chosen