Parts List

• Factory 1970 Chrysler 440 Block
• Indy 440-SR CNC cylinder heads
• Stainless steel valves
• Comp Cams valvesprings
• Harland Sharp roller rocker arms
• Eagle forged crankshaft
• Eagle H-beam connecting rods
• Diamond custom forged pistons
• Comp Cams roller camshaft
• Comp Cams solid roller lifters
• Progear Timing Chain and Gears
• Melling oil pump
• Milodon oil pan
• Edelbrock Super Victor intake manifold
• Holley Dominator carburetor
• MSD Pro-Billet distributor
• Diamond piston rings

The 2009 AMSOIL/Mopar Muscle Engine Challenge took place at Comp Cams from September 14-17. Seven engine builders built their entry and delivered it to the Mopar Natioanls in Columbus. Editor Randy Bolig then brought them to Comp Cams in Memphis, TN to put torture, or simply run, them on Comp's inhouse engine dyno.

To top their 440 short-block, Promax was required to use the same Indy SR cylinder heads as the rest of the competitors. Rather than porting their heads to Max-Wedge port dimensions for maximum flow, Promax opted to keep the same port dimensions as factory 906 heads because too much port volume wouldn't match the rest of their combination. Of course the heads were treated to bowl blending, and ported to the extent possible while retaining the factory port openings, then treated to a multi-angle valve job, stainless steel valves, and new Comp Cams roller valvesprings. Harland Sharp roller rocker arms were employed to actuate the valves. For induction, Promax again would like to thank a generous customer who allowed them to use a Weiand high-flowing Six-Pack intake manifold. While most Six-Pack intake manifolds are limited by their dual-plane design, the Weiand unit has a raised open plenum, making it a better choice for peak power. To mix the air and fuel, a trio of Promax prepped Holley two-barrels were utilized. Having special metering plates allowing jet changes in the outboard carburetors, the Promax Six-Pack carbs pretty much set the standard for three deuce tuning.

The story is a little different from years past; eight cars are selected and one leaves the victor. For safe measure, nine cars were selected this year, all of which were well executed. The most impressive element this go-around was the presence of drag radials. Last year our "street tires only" rule was taken to heart and many of our competitors were rolling on "standard-fare" street radials. For 2009 many elected to use sticky rubber. This made it one of our closest years ever as just a few points separated most of the cars.

Though Scott was a good sport about his mistake, we know that he's actually very serious about his work. Scott is an accomplished and professional engine builder having placed second only to Indy Cylinder Head in last year's competition, and the employees of Schurbon Engine and Machine are equally as dedicated to their profession. This year the 440 they entered in our contest would have certainly been a top contender had it not been damaged during its first pull. While Scott claims there's no excuse for his mistake, to us it serves as a good example of how stress and unfamiliar equipment can cause even a true professional to make an error. As we evaluate the Schurbon Engine and Machine entry in this month's issue, remember that the power numbers don't indicate the true potential of this engine, nor are they indicative of Scott's abilities.

Topping their 440, JMS used the Indy SR aluminum cylinder heads that each builder was required by the rules to utilize. These heads are a great fit to the 440, offering big ports and valves, while rocker gear remains in the stock location. Starting with the CNC ported castings, the ports and chambers of the Indy heads were cleaned up in-house, then the heads were treated to a multi-angle valve job, then assembled with SI stainless steel valves and Isky PN 9375 P105 valvesprings to match the custom roller cam. T & D PN 8215 rocker arms were utilized for their strength and accuracy, and JMS had no valvetrain related issues during their dyno session. To top this combination, JMS used an Indy PN 440-14-12 aluminum single-plane intake manifold with a 4150 style flange, and topped it with a PC Carbs HP 1000 stage III four-barrel.

To top this solid short-block, Cederstrand Racing Engines was required to use the same Indy SR aluminum cylinder heads as the rest of the field. Starting with Indy's CNC ported castings, August installed S.I. Silverline stainless steel racing valves with undercut stems and performed a full-radius valve job before hand-lapping the valves. Isky PN 9357 double valvesprings were used to control the action of the .728-inch lift, 260-degree duration at .050-inch lift, Comp custom ground solid roller camshaft. T&D 1.6 ratio roller rocker arms were used for their durability and ratio accuracy, and the rocker shafts were shimmed .030 inch for perfect valvetrain geometry. Manley 3/8-inch chrome-moly pushrods with a 7.65-inch overall length were used to actuate the rockers. To spin the camshaft, August chose an accurate Milodon gear drive instead of the conventional double-roller timing chain and gears, stating that for valvetrain accuracy and durability, nothing beats a gear drive.

When it came to choosing a camshaft for this engine, Mike and Dale Chenoweth decided to be somewhat conservative. Knowing this engine would run on pump gas and likely end up in a street car, they decided to sacrifice peak numbers slightly to broaden the power and torque curves of their engine. Though not small by any means, the Comp .660-inch lift solid roller cam had 252/263 degrees of intake and exhaust duration respectively. Installed at a 108 centerline and spun by a Pro-Gear double roller timing set, this cam did make peak power right at the contest limit of 7,000 rpm. To finish off their short-block, the Chenoweths used a stock timing cover and ATI balancer. To keep everything lubricated, a Melling standard volume oil pump was combined with a Milodon PN 30931 oil pan, a custom made crank scraper, and a Milodon single-line external pickup and oil pump cover.

This event was huge and we highly suggest you come and check it out in 2010. Here are some additional photos from the weekend.

Anytime you mention the Mopars at the Strip event in Las Vegas to a Mopar enthusiast, the consensus is that it's an event we all want to go to. Those fortunate enough to make it out each year appreciate the collection of rare show cars, brutal racers, and fantastic scenery.

To see video of JD's dyno run click here.

To see video of Indy's dyno run click here.

It's time to announce the rules for the 2009 Amsoil/Mopar Muscle Engine Challenge. The rules are finalized, and ready for your interpretation. If you are an engine shop interested in participating in the 2009 challenge, simply print out the seven rules pages, send the application to us (post marked no later than February 15, 2009) and we will choose eight (8) engine builders to be the focus of the 2009 challenge.

Mopar power made big news at the DynoMax Power to the Wheels Dyno Tour Championship Shootout at Springfield, Missouri, as Hemi and RB-powered Mopars swept the first three positions in the Non-Power-Adder class.

It's been a long time since anyone has been able to utter the words, "You going to the Clinic"? But on day with a chance of rain in December, the town of Clearwater, Florida, was a buzz with enthusiasts uttering those very words. December 6, 2008, saw the opportunity of a lifetime as Legendary Sox & Martin team members Buddy Martin and Herb McCandless got together again to once again hold a gathering of folks, and put on a Sox & Martin Super Clinic at the shop of Todd Werner.

Most of you have at least heard about the YearOne Experience held in Georgia each year. Part of the event is held at Road Atlanta, where you can participate in the car show, the autocross, parade laps around the famed track, and many other activities. If you lean a little more towards going in a straight line really quick, another portion of the event is dedicated to you at Atlanta Dragway. The YearOne Experience is an all-makes event designed to rival that of anything you've ever seen or experienced with more fun than you can ever imagine.

Each year, the Mopar Nationals brings together one of the largest collections of Mopar-only cars and trucks. Dubbed "The Year of the Challenger," 2008 was no different. Even with the threat of high gas prices and an economy that's not doing too hot, Mopar fanatics came out to National Trail Raceway's expansive grounds for this great event. The Mopar Muscle staff was surprised by this fact, fearing that participation would take a major hit.

Well, the days leading up to the Inaugural McCandlees Mopar Classic held at historic Piedmont Dragway had us all on edge as the weather man was threatening us with what he called a "chance of showers". Well, by the end of the day on Saturday, several "chances" occurred, but it didn't put a damper on any of the activities until the end of the day, and the final pairs of racers ended up splitting the pot. We were pleased to hear that even though the weather kept some of the racers away, the Piedmont officials didn't "pro-rate" the pay outs, they offered a payout, and they delivered.

For the past five years, we've been testing out an assortment of Mopars to determine the ultimate street car-with a blend of performance, streetability, comfort, and overall appearance. It's easy to build a car that excels in one or two of these areas, but plenty of people forget about the other stuff. In our test, that won't fly.

Let's say you like to enjoy a car show during a long weekend, but you just don't know where to go for your all-Mopar fix. Well, we're here to help you with that dilemma. Each year, the South Georgia Mopar Association and the Middle Georgia Mopar Club host the All-Mopar Southern Nationals at the South Georgia Motorsports Park--and a better location could not be had. The facility is large enough to host the ever-eminent expansion that is the result of a well-organized event.

It may have started out a little rainy, but the LX and beyond Nationals went off without a hitch. By Saturday afternoon, the rain had passed, and racers and car show participants alike were enjoying the festivities with their LX-platform rides.

"I am 100-percent in favor of it." -- "Big Daddy" Don Garlits

The 18th annual Mopar Alley Rally was once again a complete success. With competition in 37 different classes and nearly 200 trophies, it's the largest one-day, Mopar-only show in California. In spite of $4-per-gallon gas prices, we had nearly 350 cars of every type and description. With newly added categories for modern Mopars and 4x4s, this year there was something for every Mopar fan.

Walking in the scorching temperatures of the Nevada desert can send any person into a delusional state of mind. You begin to see things that aren't really there. Imagine this scenario: You've been walking for hours as the sun continues to beat down on your body. There isn't any sign of civilization, and your mouth is dry. You take what seems to be your last step, but as you lift your head one last time, you see a spring of cool, refreshing water straight ahead. This sight gives you the strength to get back on your feet and run to the edge of the water. As you begin ferociously throwing water into your mouth, you suddenly wake up to find yourself on your hands and knees cupping sand into your mouth.

January 26, Melbourne, FL