Rules are rules and as with any racing venue, competitors work within them.  Those competitors that can cut up the heads and completely rework them are definitely a cut above the rest at this point.  Aluminum just makes it so much easier to do those kinds of modifications.  The School of Automotive Machinists had their hands full in working with the cast iron Poly heads but they did make it happen.  Judson had mentioned that it had been a long time since they had worked with cast iron heads and had to relearn much of what had been lost over time.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Well the 2016 rules have been posted

http://www.hotrod.com/events/1602-2016-amsoil-engine-masters-challenge-new-classes-dates-and-rules-announced/

EMC 2016
305 - CYLINDER HEADS
OEM or commercially available aftermarket cast cylinder heads manufactured for the engine type permitted. Heads must be originally manufactured for the engine application in which it is being used. Billet heads prohibited.
Any valve seat size and/or valve size permitted. Any commercially available
stainless steel valve permitted. Titanium valves and/or springs prohibited. Titanium retainers permitted

https://image.adam.automotive.com/f/96800853/2016EMC%20Day%204%20Vintage.doc

Small Blocks remarks have some merit. However, J. Kaase's "over the top" engine mods were within the rules.. For most entering that class, modifications of that magnitude, would probably cost upwards of $ 35,000!  That said, the problem lies with Hot Rod Magazine. Trust those SBC blinded types to get it wrong!  It was supposed to be a "vintage class". They then set a 6000 RPM limit, which seemed reasonable, but then left the rules totally open to a complete architectural redesign of the engine. Ridiculous!..    


Paul

That might be quite hard.
LS1 heads are closer but that needs some serious work.


Hyvinkää, FI

        This is true  but  Every body that knows any thing  about an engine knows  any thing about  engines  knows the power of an engine is  in the heads!  if you want to  spend the money and the time you can re configure  a head to  make any designee  possible!    You may as well Put a set of  AFD Cleveland heads on the Y   engine and make some real power!

Engine Masters is not about building an engine that represents what the average guy builds in his garage.  It is about building an engine that dominates the other entries by whatever means necessary, within the stated rules.That's exactly what Jon did.  While his hp numbers weren't that far out there, the torque produced by his engine eclipsed that of all the others (and even some of the engines in other classes).  That indicates that his mods worked very well for the competition.
Even Ted's entry, while certainly more conventional appearing, is far beyond what the average Y guy will do in his garage.



Lawrenceville, GA

I think there should be a adjustment  to the  rules, What Kaase did to  his heads  is an  improvement no question  but it is not in the same  direction the Y guys will be doing in there garage!
I  can see some  port rework  but  building  the  heads out of  welding  rod is a little over the top!   I also thought  he  gained little  for the trouble he went to compared to the Y  with the  unmolested heads.

Royce, you may be dreaming, BUT the dream would not exist without your work, time, Effort and money. You Jerry, John, Ted, Timmy and some hundred others. Thanks!!
 

Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart) 

Congratulations on the Hot Rod coverage. Good to see  the Y write-ups , your Linc.. engine looks great!  There was a pic of your Merc in Hot Rod Deluxe, as well, pg. 80.  Barry L 

The latest Hot Rod magazine is out and has extensive coverage of Engine Masters Challenge... There are nice write-ups on Ted's, mine, and Jon Kaase's engines.. Also a cover shot of Jon's motor..

In the coverage of the event, a story headline pronounces how a scrub LS was humbled by an ancient Y Block in torque production.    Am I dreaming?