Can you build a small-block V8 faster than a high school kid?

[Shel_B]

The fastest time for disassembling and rebuilding a V8 engine was clocked at barely over 17 minutes during the 2023 PRI Hot Rodders of Tomorrow competition. I was surprised that no power tools were used.

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2023-pri-show-hot-rodders-of-tomorrow/?

 

[StumblingElk]

17 minutes is impressive and not that I'm trying to take anything away from the kid but this seems more like a parlor trick than anything else.

Pretty neat though.

 

[Ed_Flecko]

I think before any awards are given, someone should require the students to prove the motor will actually start and run!



Ed

 

[Boomer]

Maybe he is the one who runs after taking your engine apart in 8-1/2 minutes!!!

 

[JavierH19]

It's pretty neat, though we should see it run.

 

[Kira]

No coolant..no oil. It's like the video of the Army guys disassembling then reassembling a Jeep. A presentation.

 

[tnt_motorsports]

folks, let's not rain on this parade. It is cool that some kids even want to do this. Truth is, it is a fading bread that wants to turn wrenches for pleasure or income.

This reminds me of the NASCAR engine builder competition I saw years ago on tv, or the weekly routine of the NHRA faithful!!!

Just my $0.02

 

[bdcardinal]

I think before any awards are given, someone should require the students to prove the motor will actually start and run!



Ed

Hendrick Motorsports has an engine building competition for their NASCAR engine builders. Its fun watching them starting the engine by turning the dizzy until it fires off.

 

[Exhaustgases]

I'm sure its not completely apart. Installing cam bearings, and checking clearances etc, pressing pins in rods and pistons, etc.
And how many working together? If I had what tools they were using and being only 1 person I could come close.
That is not rebuilding it. Thats take apart put together, but just the easy stuff. Hmmm wonder if the rod bearings are glued on just incase?

 

[emmett442]

This isn't "building an engine" in 17 minutes.

This is bolting engine parts together in 17 minutes and frankly, is not an incredible feat for anyone who's assembled one before.

As mentioned, this is merely a presentation, entertainment.

 

[eljefino]

I think Wyotech or a similar trade school does this.

They let the contestants use a drill to prime the oil pump, though. They dump a gallon of oil in when it's mostly assembled, and do actually fire it off and run it, briefly.

 

[GSCJR]

It is cool that some kids even want to do this.

+1

 

[GSCJR]

Folks, let's not rain on this parade. It is cool that some kids even want to do this.

+1

 

[raaizin]

Tough crowd here. I congratulate them for not being on their phones!

 

[Dadillac]

Well the title is misleading. Wasn't a high school kid. It was teams of 5 high school kids each. Crankshaft, camshaft, oil pump did not get removed. Did not see any lifters come out either. Surprised me that they actually used torque wrenches. Impressive none the less.

Don

 

[Dadillac]

Oh and every part on these engines were brand new including all bolts. And no RTV to be seen. No oil or coolant.

Don

 

[GMBoy]

That sounds about like how ATK builds their remans

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

17 minutes is impressive and not that I'm trying to take anything away from the kid but this seems more like a parlor trick than anything else.

Pretty neat though.

You ever watch NHRA on Sundays? 75 minutes between rounds and they’re going through the whole engine and changing other stuff on the car.

 

[GSCJR]

Tough crowd here. I congratulate them for not being on their phones!

+1

 

[RDY4WAR]

That sounds about like how ATK builds their remans

Right. I've encountered several of their remans and they all suck.

You ever watch NHRA on Sundays? 75 minutes between rounds and they’re going through the whole engine and changing other stuff on the car.

Exactly. That also includes unhooking the fuel system and dual magnetos, the big 14-71 blower and hat, draining the oil, and then disassembling down to a bare block before rebuilding all the way back up, test fired, out of the pits, and in the lanes in 75 minutes. Granted they have power tools, but they are hustling.