Crate Engines - Leveling The Playing Field

The Dodge Test After the proper headers were located and the dyno time was arranged, the Dodge (PN P5249499) was a 360 V-8 crate Magnum that advertised 380 hp on the four-barrel carburetor. It is a 9:1 compression engine that features a cam profile very similar to the competitors.

As the test was underway, it was obvious there was something amiss. This particular engine had some internal problems and would not be a good representation. The powerplant soldiered along to produce the numbers seen in Figure 7, but those figures have to be taken with a grain of salt, considering the condition of the engine.

Another Dodge was rounded up some time later, but the carburetor that had been used on the other tests was not available. A Scotty McLendon-prepared Holley 4412 was used to get some idea about the Dodge performance (Figure 8). While this is not exactly comparing apples to apples, it does give a basic understanding.

Conclusion In a year that features elections, it's not unusual to reach the conclusion that there is no conclusion. In this case, the engines were tested to determine the possible next step or steps that the sanction must take. There are a number of routes that can be taken, ranging from weight placement, mandating a particular sleeve, or changing components. It has been suggested that the GM crate engine numbers could be improved with a single plane manifold, used by the others. In order for this to be accomplished, that option would have to be available at the factory; otherwise, competitors are changing the product and the intent of the experiment.

Crate engines are expected to be mandated in 2005 for this series. In the meantime, officials will look at the numbers and make their decisions. If your series is going to offer options on the engine package, you can learn from others to see if this is a workable option in your neck of the woods.

Figure 1Chevy 24502609, Silver sleeves, Corrected torque and power