Castrol Syntec Top Shop Challenge

While all details on the engine aren't finalized as this article goes to press, one thing we're certain is that the 2.6L mill will be stroked to a 2.8 displacement and for good reasons. The theory behind stroking the RB rather than going with the factory displacement comes down to the factory crank. "The crankshaft isn't fully counterweight," Alex says. "When you buy a stroker kit it comes with a full counterweight crankshaft, but not from factory not like the 2JZ. That's the weak point of the RB. The powerband with the RB26DETT possesses a broader scale power range compared to the 2JZ powerplant at the same horsepower level. If you overlap a RB26 to a 2JZ dyno sheet it will become apparent the major differences with the power curve. The 2JZ powerband is so short; it's crazy in comparison to the RB26DETT." This becomes a major factor when determining the top point's leader in the "Power Under the Curve" category for the Castrol Top Shop Challenge.

One word of advice to our competitors: We're in it to win boys, so you best pack your bags now before it's too late. Stay tuned as we begin our RB26DETT buildup in the next issue.

Castrol Top Shop Challenge Rules

Competitors:
Eurotuner magazine
Import Tuner magazine
Lowrider magazine
Modified magazine
Sport Compact Car magazine
Super Street magazine
Turbo magazine

Rules:
A. Engine Setup
1. Only a production engine found in a production-based car will be allowed as your engine for competition.
2. Only one forced-induction system permitted (turbo or supercharger, NO nitrous oxide). Factory turbo or superchargers count as the one forced-induction system.
3. No methanol, auxiliary fuel or water injection is allowed.
4. Engine management is based on what the teams are most skilled at. Final tuning runs will be performed on an engine dyno and so a mobile wiring harness is required. Do not show up with your engine in a car.
5. Parts must be provided by the competitor. Should any parts be outsourced from other manufacturers, individual competitors cover any additional expenses or negotiate individual sponsorships. The object of the competition is to ensure most parts are obtainable to the reader.
6. Custom parts will be allowed. Aftermarket parts used can be modified.
7. Heat or cryo treating and thermal coating is permitted.
8. No welding of cylinder head to the block.
9. Testing will be done with no muffler but header/manifold choice must fit a production chassis.

B. Fuel and Oil
1. Engines will be required to run only on a spec 100-octane gas. We will not allow any type of additives or oxidizers to make any type of special blend of gasoline. Gas will be distributed at our test location with fuel testing done before and after your dyno session.
2. Spec Castrol oil of the shop's requested weight will only be used. No oil additives will be allowed.

C. Format1. End results will fall within the following categories:
∙ Peak horsepower and torque per liter of displacement. Turbo/superchargers are given a multiplier of two (a 3.0L turbo motor makes 600 hp, 600 hp 3.0-liter x 2 multiplier = 100 hp per liter) Naturally aspirated motors receive no multiplier. Exception: Rotary motors (13B, 20B etc... will have their displacement doubled as well)
* Power under the curve
* A 30-minute drive cycle
* Build quality/craftsmanship (judged by a panel of three experts)
2. All of the above mentioned categories will be based off of one dyno run on a reasonable ramp rate or engine load of our choice.
3. A 100-point system will be used for horsepower/torque, power under the curve and build quality. You'll get 100 points for completing the 30-minute drive cycle. If the motor doesn't complete the drive cycle you'll receive 0 points.

The highest combined point total will determine the winner.
4. Each shop will need to have their engine tuned before they come to the competition. Tuners will be allowed 45 minutes before their first official run to fine-tune.
5. Once all tuning is complete, a final run for the end result rests on the team. Final test run will be the same day as the tuning performed of the engine. Air temp and barometric pressures will vary from day to day but if possible we'll run corrected numbers at sea level. Following the peak power dyno runs will be the 30-minute drive cycle. Your motor will need to last the entire competition to be able to win.