Tue, 11 Jul 2006, 09:45 AM Mopar to Announce 2006 MoPowered Engine Builder Challenge Champion

Courtesy of Misha Geisert During Mopar Mile-High Nationals

CENTER LINE, Mich. -- When Mopar set out to find the baddest Mopar small block engine builder last December, the brand knew it would have some serious competition for the title. Encouraging builders to try their hand at building a high-performance, naturally aspirated Mopar small block rocket that's both streetable and affordable, Mopar selected six tuners to try their luck in the 2006 MoPowered Engine Builder Challenge.

Mopar began accepting entries for the 2006 MoPowered Engine Builder Challenge during the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show in Orlando, Fla., in December of 2005. All entries were reviewed by Mopar personnel, and the eight engine builders selected to participate in the 2006 MoPowered Engine Builder Challenge were announced in April 2006 at Mopars at the Strip in Las Vegas, Nev.

Of the eight entries selected, six have made it to the final proving ground. Indy Cylinder Head and Creative Flow Management of Indiana, Maurer's Performance of Arizona, Shady Dell Speedshop of Pennsylvania, R&S Racing of Minnesota and Shelton Racing Enterprises, Inc., of Georgia will see their work go head-to-head on the dyno later this week at SuperFlow's Colorado Springs, Colo., facility.

Each of the engine builders selected were able to choose between an "A" engine and a Magnum engine small block, and were given one of five sets of ready-to-install Mopar cylinder heads, (which the contestants were permitted to port and/or modify) an "LA" or Magnum-style four-inch crankshaft, and a set of Mopar Performance valve covers. All other components were at the engine builder's discretion.

Completed engines will compete against each other on the SuperFlow SF-902 Engine dynos of SuperFlow in Colorado Springs, Colo. Judging will take place on July 11-12, 2006. VP Race Fuels supplied their 'streetblaze' 100 octane unleaded fuel for this event. The winning engine will be judged based on combined performance in following three categories:

* Highest Horsepower and Torque

* Best Streetability (lowest idle rpm, highest idle vacuum)

* Lowest Cost (based on MSRP of all parts)

The winner will be announced July 13, 2006, at the Mopar Big Block Party in Golden, Colo. The event, which serves as the official Mopar launch of the NHRA Mopar Mile-High Nationals, is attended by thousands of Mopar fans and enthusiasts, as well as DaimlerChrysler executives, professional race car drivers, crew chiefs, team members and celebrities. Details of the shootout and an in-depth analysis of the winning engine will be covered in Mopar Action Magazine. Coverage can also be found at http://www.moparaction.com.

The Mopar Big Block Party will kick off at 6 p.m. MDT in downtown Golden, Colo., on Thursday, July 13. There is no charge for admission.

For more information regarding Mopar, Bandimere Speedway, Maggie Speaks or the SpeedFreaks, log on to http://www.moparspeed.com , http://www.bandimere.com , http://www.maggiespeaks.com or http://www.speedfreaks.tv.

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