This year Schurbon Engine and Machine teamed up the Mo-par City, building a powerful and economical stroker big-block to win the 2009 Amsoil/Mopar Muscle Engine Challenge.

If it's been a while since you've heard from me, it's because I've been busy crunching numbers to determine a winner of our annual dyno competition. Since we factor the cost of the major components of the engine into the combined peak power and torque, I've spent a lot of time lately looking up engine parts and how much they cost. Nearly every competitor this year utilized some type of used parts in their engines, making cost determination even more difficult.

With everything priced, the smaller, less expensive engines that utilized factory crankshafts had a cost advantage this year that power and torque just wouldn't overcome. The results weren't cheapest to most expensive, as LaRoy, JD, and Mid-America all improved their positions by making killer power, but the top two positions went to the least expensive engines in the contest.

Coming in first this year, Schurbon Engine and Machine worked with Mo-par City to build a very inexpensive combination. Using a stock crank and rods, flat-tappet camshaft, and cast pistons, the Schurbon entry made nearly 600 horsepower which was enough for the win once cost was factored.

Chenoweth Speed and Machine placed second this year, and JD Engine and Machine had the highest combined horsepower and torque score of the competition. LaRoy Engines also impressed everyone when their big-block came within one horsepower of JD's larger engine's peak number.

I'd like to thank all the competitors in this year's contest, and our sponsors as well. You've all given me some great subject material and our readers will certainly enjoy learning about the engine's in this year's dyno challenge. Thanks also to Amsoil, Comp Cams, Rockett Brand, Clevite, Cometic gaskets, and all the individuals who make the contest possible. Be sure to see us at PRI for a press conference announcing next year's rules, and check out this year's results below.

1. Schurbon Engine and Machine/Mo-par City

2. Chenoweth Speed and Machine

3. LaRoy Engines

4. ProMax Performance

5. Mid America Racing Engines

6. J D Engine and Machine

7. R M Competition