World of Wheels Competition. Options

[JMoushon]

Just thought I'd share my excitement here among friends, although not really DSM related.

Every year, there is an engine disassembly/reassembly competition for the top 10 tech schools in the state, which takes place at the World of Wheels show in Chicago. ICC, UTI, Lincoln Tech, etc. will be there. I was pretty excited because I am representing GM-ASEP in the competition. I haven't competed in anything besides racing in probably a decade, so it feels good to be practicing for something.

The contest is this: 5 techs, hand tools only, 1 each 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 ratchets, no speed handles, 1 set each size deep well sockets, 1 each size breaker bar.

The engine is a 2.5L DOHC Ford Duratec. We have to: remove upper intake, lower intake, both cam covers, plugs, wires, coil packs, alternator, water pump, p/s pump, fuel rail, injectors, front cover, oil pan, baffle, timing chain, cams, front head.

We stop, allow judges to look over our disassembly, and they give the go ahead to go back together. We have to follow all factory tq sequences and specs.

We practiced for about 5 hours, and get this... 36:18 is our best time so far. We were originally shooting for two hours, but 36 minutes is crazy hustle. Our instructor is of the opinion that we can streamline the operation and break the 25 minute mark, but I'm not so sure. Either way, I was excited to get to compete in front of 10,000 people, and figured I could put it up on here. Wish me luck!

[JMoushon]

The finishing order was as follows: ICC, Lincoln Tech, Marraine Tech, Parkland, etc.

We finished over 2 minutes before the next team ( have it on video) and the judges DQ'd us for having a locked motor. The funny part: The first and last thing in the contest was measuring rotating tq, which your judge has to do and check off. To do so, you have to rotate the engine one complete rev. We were within spec. We also were not allowed to check for ourselves, actually we were told we could not even touch our engine.

Our head instructor started a petition stating the no one will compete if Lincoln tech is involved. They have won the contest 7 out of the 8 years it has existed. They also happen to be the biggest sponsor of the event. Shocking coincidence.

I had a good time. Every team saw who finished first, that's all I care about. We did the complete teardown and reassembly in 18:34, using all tq specs and sequences.

We were awarded 7th place, because 2 other engines had "locked" as well, yet all of the juges checked and verified rotating tq. Whatever.