Supplying racers with big power keeps Muscle Motors busy throughout the year, so when time was short for our contest, engine builder Mike Ware made an executive decision. Instead of building an engine strictly for our competition, Mike got permission to bring an engine that he was already building for a customer. While he knew the small displacement and expensive parts in this motor would likely keep him from a top finish, he says this engine is more representative of what customers want. Rather than purpose-built dyno engines, Mopar customers today demand powerful, reliable engines that will last for many years in a street car, or many passes in a drag car.
Utilizing Brodix aluminum...
Utilizing Brodix aluminum heads, Speed-O-Motive made the second highest power numbers of the competition, landing them in Fifth place overall.
Using timing and jetting changes,...
Using timing and jetting changes, Speed-O-Motive's Tucker Caven tuned his engine to a Fifth Place finish.
Speed-O-Motive used a stock...
Speed-O-Motive used a stock 360 block for their build, but the block was pretty much the only thing stock about this engine.
For durability at a reasonable...
For durability at a reasonable cost, it's hard to beat Scat I-beam connecting rods. CP forged, dished pistons kept compression at a reasonable level.
Along with an extra-capacity...
Along with an extra-capacity oil pan, a Milodon windage tray and Melling pump ensured proper lubrication for this stout small-block.
During the tear-down, there...
During the tear-down, there was no evidence of abnormal wear. True to form, Speed-O-Motive built a powerful, durable engine for our competition.
Starting with a factory block, engine builder Mike Ware performed all the necessary machine work in-house at Muscle Motors. Inside the block, he installed a Callies 3.79-inch, stroke-forged crankshaft, 6.379-inch connecting rods, and Ross 11:1 compression forged pistons for a final displacement of 400 ci. Oiling was handled by a Melling oil pump, Milodon deep pan, and Milodon windage tray. Since roller cams are known for making great power and providing improved reliability, Mike chose a solid roller cam for this engine.
Large valves, relatively small...
Large valves, relatively small combustion chambers, and dual quench areas make the Brodix B1-AMC heads a great choice for serious small-block power.
T & D shaft-mounted rocker...
T & D shaft-mounted rocker arms are some of the best rockers on the market, but they also added to the expense of this engine, perhaps keeping Speed-O-Motive from placing better in our contest.
A Performance Carburetors-prepped...
A Performance Carburetors-prepped Holley and Edelbrock Victor 340 single-plane intake handled the induction duties, providing plenty of fuel and air.
Muscle Motors built one of...
Muscle Motors built one of the smallest engines in our competition, and although limited by their induction setup, made plenty of power for a Sixth Place finish.
The Muscle Motors entry made...
The Muscle Motors entry made more than 450 hp and nearly 460 lb-ft of torque. Impressive numbers for a mere 400 ci of pump-gas small-block.
Engine builder Mike Ware chose...
Engine builder Mike Ware chose a solid roller cam for this engine to improve both power and reliability.
Topping his bulletproof short-block, Mike chose Edelbrock Performer RPM cylinder heads. He stated that the Edelbrock heads have great flow for the money, and since most Mopars are at least slightly front-heavy, aluminum heads are a great way to shave some 40 pounds from the front of the car. The heads were ported in-house at Muscle Motors before being treated to a multi-angle valve job, stainless steel valves, and new roller valvesprings. Since this engine was a customer's and would be installed in a T/A Challenger clone, Six-Pack induction was mandatory. While Mike knew the dual-plane Six-Pack intake would limit peak power numbers, he chose his combination accordingly and made up for the loss of peak power in torque. In fact, this engine made as much torque per cubic inch as the top motors in this year's contest.
We congratulate Mike Ware and Muscle Motors for their Sixth Place finish, and, more importantly, for showing us the potential of a Six-Pack-equipped small-block.
During tear-down, it was apparent...
During tear-down, it was apparent that Muscle Motors had spared no expense on this engine. With a Callies crank, Ross forged pistons, and complete Milodon oiling system, this engine should give many years of great street performance.
Under-driving the water pump...
Under-driving the water pump is just one of the tricks Mike Ware used to tweak every available horsepower from his potent 400ci small-block.
A Six-Pack intake with a trio...
A Six-Pack intake with a trio of Demon two-barrels adorned the Muscle Motors entry. This will make a great engine for the T/A Challenger clone it will power.
Though not purposely built...
Though not purposely built for our dyno challenge, the Muscle Motors entry impressed us with excellent power and enough torque to move a house.
Edelbrock Performer RPM cylinder...
Edelbrock Performer RPM cylinder heads were chosen for their proven power potential as well as their light weight. The heads were ported in-house by Muscle Motors.
Though limited by the single-plane...
Though limited by the single-plane design of the Six-Pack intake, Mike optimized flow by port-matching the intake to the ports of the cylinder heads.